Lisdexamfetamine (US brand name Vyvanse®) is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine that has central nervous system stimulant activity. Here is basic information about this medication.
FDA-approved indications
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED)
Dosage
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (children ≥ 6 years, adults)
Initial: 30 mg every morning
Titration: 10 mg or 20 mg weekly
Recommended: 30 mg to 70 mg per day
Maximum: 70 mg per day
Binge eating disorder (adults)
Initial: 30 mg every morning
Titration: 20 mg weekly
Recommended: 50 mg to 70 mg per day
Maximum: 70 mg per day
Instructions
1. Prior to treatment, assess for presence of cardiac disease
2. Severe renal impairment: Maximum dose is 50 mg/day
3. End stage renal disease (ESRD): Maximum dose is 30 mg/day
Dosage forms and strengths
Capsules: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg
Chewable tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg
Can lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) capsules be opened?
Yes, they can. The Prescribing Information provides the following instructions for doing that if needed.
1. Open capsules, empty and mix the entire contents (powder) with yogurt, water, or orange juice.
2. Using a spoon, break apart any powder that is stuck together.
3. Stir the powder and yogurt, water or orange juice until they are completely mixed together.
4. Consume the entire mixture immediately. It should not be stored.
5. The active ingredient dissolves completely once dispersed; however, a film containing the inactive ingredients may remain in the glass or container once the mixture is consumed.
6. Do not take anything less than one capsule per day, and a single capsule should not be divided
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
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References
Lisdexamfetamine Prescribing Information
Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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