
LisdexamfetamineBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: Vyvanse
Lisdexamfetamine, sold as Vyvanse, is a prescription stimulant approved for ADHD and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. It is a prodrug: the molecule is inert until enzymes in red blood cells cleave off an l-lysine group to release dextroamphetamine. It is typically taken in the morning.
How much Lisdexamfetamine do people take?
The systematic reviews synthesize the labeled ADHD dose range (typically 30–70 mg once daily); the methamphetamine-dependence trial used up to 250 mg once daily, a substantially higher off-label dose studied specifically for that indication. Route reported: Oral capsule or chewable tablet. Frequency reported: Once daily in the morning across the cited ADHD evidence base. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Lisdexamfetamine — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
1 human randomized trial and regulatory approval on file.
Quick answer
Lisdexamfetamine, sold as Vyvanse, is a prescription stimulant approved for ADHD and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. It is a prodrug: the molecule is inert until enzymes in red blood cells cleave off an l-lysine group to release dextroamphetamine. That conversion is what gives it a slow, smooth onset and makes it harder to abuse by snorting or injecting than immediate-release amphetamine.
- Brand name
- Vyvanse
- Drug class
- CNS stimulant, amphetamine prodrug
- Schedule
- DEA Schedule II controlled substance
- Approved for
- ADHD (age 6+) and binge eating disorder in adults
- Onset / duration
- About 1–2 hours to onset; roughly 10–14 hours of effect
- Forms
- Capsule and chewable tablet; capsule contents dissolve in water
Compiled by DoseRoutine from public sources including NIH/MedlinePlus, the FDA label, Mayo Clinic and PubChem. Educational information, not medical advice.
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- The systematic reviews synthesize the labeled ADHD dose range (typically 30–70 mg once daily); the methamphetamine-dependence trial used up to 250 mg once daily, a substantially higher off-label dose studied specifically for that indication[1][2][3]
Reported for Lisdexamfetamine in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Lisdexamfetamine entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysisCortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C, Mohr-Jensen C, Hayes AJ, Carucci S, Atkinson LZ, Tessari L, Banaschewski T, Coghill D, Hollis C, Simonoff E, Zuddas A, Barbui C, Purgato M, Steinhausen HC, Shokraneh F, Xia J, Cipriani A · The Lancet Psychiatry · 2018 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 30097390
- [2]Pharmacologic treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysisElliott J, Johnston A, Husereau D, Kelly SE, Eagles C, Charach A, Hsieh SC, Bai Z, Hossain A, Skidmore B, Tsakonas E, Chojecki D, Mamdani M, Wells GA · PLOS ONE · 2020 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 33085721
- [3]Lisdexamfetamine in the treatment of methamphetamine dependence: A randomised, placebo-controlled trialEzard N, Clifford B, Siefried KJ, Ali R, Dunlop A, McKetin R, Bruno R, Carr A, Ward J, Farrell M, Graham R, Haber P, Lubman D, Donoghoe MW, Olsen N, Baker A, Hall M, Arunogiri S, Lintzeris N, LiMA Investigator Group · Addiction · 2025 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 39701142
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Lisdexamfetamine dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
- [2]U.S. National Library of Medicine View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Lisdexamfetamine?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
What does the research say about Lisdexamfetamine?
Tap a section to expand.
Source for this section: Sources for How does Lisdexamfetamine work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Source for this section: Sources for What are the side effects of Lisdexamfetamine?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Source for this section: Sources for Who should avoid Lisdexamfetamine?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Source for this section: Sources for When should Lisdexamfetamine not be taken?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Source for this section: Sources for What should you not mix with Lisdexamfetamine?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Lisdexamfetamine?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Put it into practice
Reading about Lisdexamfetamine is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.
What interacts with Lisdexamfetamine?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any supplement + medication | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page. | Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist. |
| Any vitamin + medication | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page. | Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider. |
| Phenelzine | Avoid | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page. | Do not combine. |
| Tranylcypromine | Avoid | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page. | Do not combine. |
| Selegiline | Avoid | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page. | Do not combine. |
| Caffeine | Caution | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | Additive cardiovascular stimulation (heart rate, blood pressure).Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page. | Limit caffeine when using prescription stimulants; monitor blood pressure. |
| Yohimbine HCl | Avoid | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | Yohimbine + stimulants sharply increases sympathetic tone and can trigger arrhythmia.Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page. | Do not combine. |
Frequently asked questions about Lisdexamfetamine
Which studies looked at Lisdexamfetamine?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.Metabolism, distribution and elimination of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate: open-label, single-centre, phase I study in healthy adult volunteers.(opens PubMed in a new tab)Clinical drug investigation · 2008 · PMID 18991468 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18991468/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 11597697(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/11597697
- MedlinePlus(opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607047.html
Verify at
Publisher search links for Lisdexamfetamine. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- FDA-approved labeling (DailyMed)(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · publisher search
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Institutes of Health · publisher search
- Mayo Clinic(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Mayo Clinic · publisher search
- Cochrane Library(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Cochrane · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Lisdexamfetamine?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Lisdexamfetamine, sold as Vyvanse, is a prescription stimulant approved for ADHD and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. It is a prodrug: the molecule is inert until enzymes in red blood cells cleave off an l-lysine group to release dextroamphetamine. It is typically taken in the morning.
Lisdexamfetamine cheat sheet
DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Medication
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, sold as Vyvanse, is a prescription stimulant approved for ADHD and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. It is a prodrug: the molecule is inert until enzymes in red blood cells cleave off an l-lysine group to release dextroamphetamine.
Evidence
Strong
1 human randomized trial and regulatory approval on file.
Studied range
The systematic reviews synthesize the labeled ADHD dose range (typically 30–70 mg once daily); the methamphetamine-dependence trial used up to 250 mg once daily, a substantially higher off-label dose studied specifically for that indication
Route
Oral capsule or chewable tablet
Frequency studied
Once daily in the morning across the cited ADHD evidence base
Half-life
~1 h
Timing
in the morning
Key references
- Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis (2018)
- Pharmacologic treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis (2020)
- Lisdexamfetamine in the treatment of methamphetamine dependence: A randomised, placebo-controlled trial (2025)
Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/lisdexamfetamine
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Lisdexamfetamine — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/lisdexamfetamine
What compounds are similar to Lisdexamfetamine?
Others in the medication category or studied for the same goals.
