Vyvanse

Vyvanse^® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a prescription central nervous system stimulant that treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 and older. The medication is also approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults.

Vyvanse works by increasing the brain’s available levels of the chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are involved in attention, focus, and impulse control.

Common side effects of Vyvanse include decreased appetite, insomnia, dry mouth, irritability, and increased heart rate. More serious risks include elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular events, and the potential for abuse or dependence.

People taking Vyvanse should be regularly monitored for changes in mood, blood pressure, and appetite, and those with a history of heart disease or mental health conditions should use the medication with caution.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is indicated for the treatment of:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older

• Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulant

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and at a rate at least twice placebo) in pediatric patients ages 6 to 17 years, and/or adults with ADHD were:

• Anorexia

• Anxiety

• Decreased appetite

• Decreased weight

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Dry mouth

• Irritability

• Insomnia

• Nausea

• Upper abdominal pain

• Vomiting

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and at a rate at least twice placebo) in adults with BED were:

• Dry mouth

• Insomnia

• Decreased appetite

• Increased heart rate

• Constipation

• Feeling jittery

• Anxiety

The cost of Vyvanse varies depending on factors such as the dosage, quantity, where you buy it, and your insurance plan. Without insurance, the average cost of Vyvanse is about $460 for a month’s supply of 50-milligram (mg) capsules, but coupons may bring down the price to as low as about $390.

Lisdexamfetamine (the generic version of Vyvanse) costs about $390 for the same dosage, but coupons may bring down the price to as low as about $56.

Health insurance plans may cover some or all of the cost of these medications.

• Known hypersensitivity to amphetamine products or other ingredients in Vyvanse

• Use with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, or within 14 days of the last MAO inhibitor dose

• Drug interactions: Acidifying and alkalinizing agents

• Risks to patients with serious cardiac disease

• Increased blood pressure and heart rate

• Long-term suppression of growth in pediatric patients

• Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon

• Serotonin syndrome

• Motor and verbal tics, and worsening of Tourette's syndrome

• Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm

• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding not recommended

WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION

Vyvanse has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including Vyvanse, can result in overdose and death:

• Before prescribing Vyvanse, assess each patient's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.

• Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug.

• Throughout treatment, reassess each patient's risk and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

*This information is from the label for brand name Vyvanse^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Lisdexamfetamine, the active ingredient in Vyvanse, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine.