Lisdexamfetamine 50mg Chewable Tabs
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely. Take your medication at the same time every day, with or without food. To minimize the risk of sleep disturbances, avoid taking your medication late in the day. Be sure to chew the medication thoroughly before swallowing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, away from direct light and moisture. Keep it in a dry place, such as a closet or drawer, and avoid storing it in the bathroom. To prevent accidental ingestion, store your medication in a secure location where children and pets cannot access it. Consider using a locked box or cabinet to keep your medication safe. Keep all medications out of reach of pets. When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Instead, check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method or participate in a local drug take-back program.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily in the morning to avoid sleep problems.
- Do not take more than prescribed or share with others.
- Avoid alcohol consumption, as it may increase side effects.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Report any new or worsening heart problems, mental health changes, or unexplained weight loss to your doctor immediately.
- Store safely to prevent misuse.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Lisdexamfetamine 50mg Chewable Tabs
- Lisdexamfetamine 30mg Chewable Tabs
- Lisdexamfetamine 40mg Chewable Tabs
- Lisdexamfetamine 10mg Chewable Tabs
- Lisdexamfetamine 60mg Chewable Tabs
- Lisdexamfetamine 10mg Capsules
- Lisdexamfetamine 20mg Chewable Tabs
- Lisdexamfetamine 70mg Capsules
- Lisdexamfetamine 60mg Capsules
- Lisdexamfetamine 30mg Capsules
- Lisdexamfetamine 50mg Capsules
- Lisdexamfetamine 40mg Capsules
- Lisdexamfetamine 20mg Capsules
- Lisdexamfetamine 20mg Capsules
- Lisdexamfetamine 60mg Capsules
- Lisdexamfetamine 50mg Capsules
- Lisdexamfetamine 70mg Capsules
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Trouble controlling body movements
Difficulty controlling sounds, such as humming, throat clearing, yelling, or making loud noises
Changes in skin color (hands, feet, or other areas), which may turn pale, blue, gray, purple, or red
Numbness, pain, tingling, or cold feeling in the hands or feet
Sores or wounds on the fingers or toes
Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or trouble passing urine
Important Heart-Related Warnings
If you have a heart problem or defect, inform your doctor. Additionally, if a family member has an abnormal heartbeat or died suddenly, notify your doctor. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any signs of heart problems, such as:
Chest pain
Abnormal heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Severe dizziness or passing out
Serotonin Syndrome: A Potentially Life-Threatening Condition
Taking this medication with certain other drugs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a severe and potentially deadly condition. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:
Agitation
Change in balance
Confusion
Hallucinations
Fever
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Flushing
Muscle twitching or stiffness
Seizures
Shivering or shaking
Excessive sweating
Severe diarrhea
Upset stomach
Throwing up
Severe headache
Other Possible Side Effects
While many people may not experience side effects or only have minor ones, it's essential to be aware of the following possible side effects:
Anxiety
Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Throwing up
Decreased appetite
Dry mouth
Feeling jittery
Weight loss
Trouble sleeping
Dizziness
If any of these side effects or other symptoms bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for guidance. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or visit https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting (signs of heart problems)
- New or worsening aggression, hostility, or agitation
- Seeing or hearing things that are not real (psychosis)
- New manic symptoms (e.g., extreme energy, racing thoughts)
- Unexplained muscle twitching or tics
- Blurred vision or other vision changes
- Numbness, tingling, or coldness in fingers or toes
- Unexplained wounds on fingers or toes
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
A family history of certain health conditions, such as:
+ Blood vessel disease
+ High blood pressure
+ Heart structure problems or other heart-related issues
+ Tourette's syndrome or tics
Your medical history, including:
+ Glaucoma
+ Agitation
+ Anxiety
+ Overactive thyroid
+ Previous instances of drug abuse or stroke
Current or recent medications, including:
+ Acetazolamide or sodium bicarbonate
+ Certain antidepressants or Parkinson's disease medications taken within the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline (as they may cause very high blood pressure)
+ Linezolid or methylene blue
* If you are breastfeeding, as you should not breastfeed while taking this medication
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication with your existing treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This drug is not intended for weight loss, and if you have any questions or concerns, you should discuss them with your doctor.
Caution with Daily Activities
Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving and engaging in activities that require alertness and clear vision.
Tolerance and Dependence
Long-term or high-dose use of this medication may lead to tolerance, where the drug becomes less effective, and you may need higher doses to achieve the same effect. If you experience a decrease in the medication's effectiveness, contact your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. Additionally, regular use of this medication may cause dependence, and stopping it abruptly may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor before reducing the dose or stopping the medication, and follow their instructions carefully.
Heart-Related Precautions
You may need to undergo heart tests before starting this medication. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate, and you should follow their instructions for checking these vital signs. This medication may cause high blood pressure, and you should be aware of this potential risk.
Interactions with Other Medications and Lab Tests
Inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication, as it may affect certain lab tests. Before using over-the-counter (OTC) products that may increase blood pressure, such as cough or cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and some natural products or aids, consult your doctor.
Severe Skin Reaction
A severe skin reaction, known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, may occur. This condition can cause severe health problems, permanent damage, or even death. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), red or irritated eyes, or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
Behavior and Mood Changes
This medication may cause changes in behavior and mood, including hallucinations, anger, and changes in thinking. If you or a family member have a history of mental or mood problems, such as depression or bipolar illness, or if a family member has committed suicide, inform your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience hallucinations, changes in behavior, or signs of mood changes, such as depression, thoughts of suicide, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or loss of interest in life.
Effects on Growth in Children and Teens
This medication may affect growth in children and teens. Regular growth checks may be necessary, and you should discuss this with your doctor. This medication is not approved for use in children under 6 years of age, as it may increase the risk of long-term weight loss in this age group.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid breathing
- Confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states
- High fever (hyperpyrexia), rhabdomyolysis
- Cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension, circulatory collapse
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
- Convulsions, coma
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Management includes symptomatic treatment, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and sedation for CNS overstimulation.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) - concurrent use or within 14 days of MAOI administration due to risk of hypertensive crisis.
Major Interactions
- Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, triptans, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, St. John's Wort) - increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Urinary alkalinizers (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide, thiazide diuretics) - increase plasma levels and prolong half-life of dextroamphetamine.
- Antihypertensives - amphetamines may decrease the hypotensive effect of guanethidine and other antihypertensive drugs.
Moderate Interactions
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) / H2-receptor antagonists - may slightly decrease absorption but generally not clinically significant.
- Alcohol - may alter absorption and increase exposure to dextroamphetamine.
- Antipsychotics (e.g., phenothiazines, haloperidol) - may antagonize the stimulant effects of amphetamines.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - may increase cardiovascular effects of amphetamines.
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Stimulants can increase BP and HR; screen for pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: Monitor for growth suppression in pediatric patients and weight changes in all patients.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: Stimulants can exacerbate or unmask psychiatric symptoms.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: Screen for structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart problems.
Timing: Prior to initiation, if clinically indicated
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly (e.g., at each visit or every 3-6 months)
Target: Within normal limits for age/patient
Action Threshold: Persistent elevation outside normal range; consider dose reduction or discontinuation
Frequency: Regularly (e.g., every 3-6 months for children, annually for adults)
Target: Normal growth trajectory for children; stable weight for adults
Action Threshold: Significant growth deceleration or weight loss; consider drug holiday or alternative treatment
Frequency: At each visit
Target: Absence or control of symptoms
Action Threshold: Emergence or worsening of psychiatric symptoms; consider dose adjustment or discontinuation
Frequency: At each visit
Target: Improved attention, reduced hyperactivity/impulsivity, reduced binge eating episodes
Action Threshold: Lack of efficacy or worsening symptoms; consider dose adjustment or alternative treatment
Symptom Monitoring
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Syncope
- New or worsening aggression
- Hostility
- Psychotic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions)
- Manic symptoms (e.g., elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep)
- New or worsening tics
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should only be considered if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Amphetamines may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. Neonates exposed to amphetamines during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms (e.g., dysphoria, agitation, tremor, lethargy, feeding difficulty).
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Dextroamphetamine is excreted into human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants (e.g., irritability, poor feeding, insomnia, weight loss, and potential for long-term neurodevelopmental effects), breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment with lisdexamfetamine.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy established for ADHD in children 6 years and older. Not recommended for children under 6 years. Monitor growth (height and weight) carefully due to potential for growth suppression. Monitor for emergence or worsening of psychiatric symptoms (e.g., psychosis, mania, aggression, tics).
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Use with caution, generally starting at the lower end of the dosing range, due to the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Monitor cardiovascular status closely.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until converted in the body, which may contribute to its smoother pharmacokinetic profile and potentially lower abuse liability compared to immediate-release amphetamines.
- The chewable tablet form offers an alternative for patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules.
- Take in the morning to avoid insomnia, as the effects can last up to 14 hours.
- Dose titration should be gradual (weekly intervals) to assess efficacy and tolerability.
- Patients should be advised to avoid abrupt discontinuation, especially after prolonged high-dose therapy, to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Alternative Therapies
- Other CNS Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, mixed amphetamine salts, dextroamphetamine)
- Non-stimulants for ADHD (e.g., atomoxetine, guanfacine extended-release, clonidine extended-release)
- Other medications for BED (e.g., topiramate, SSRIs)