Lisdexamfetamine 60mg Capsules
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow these steps:
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions carefully.
Take your medication at the same time every day.
You can take your medication with or without food.
To avoid sleep problems, try to take your medication earlier in the day, rather than late in the evening.
Swallow the capsule whole - do not chew, break, or crush it.
If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you can open it and mix the powder with water, orange juice, or yogurt. If the powder sticks together, you can use a spoon to gently break it apart. Mix well and swallow the mixture right away. Do not store the mixture for later use.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To keep your medication safe and effective:
Store it at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
Keep it in a dry place, such as a closet or drawer.
Do not store your medication in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and store it in a secure location where others cannot access it. A locked box or cabinet can help keep your medication safe.
Dispose of unused or expired medication properly. Do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist.
Check with your pharmacist for guidance on how to dispose of your medication, and ask about any local drug take-back programs.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose of your medication:
Take it as soon as you remember.
If it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
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, with or without food.
- Do not take in the afternoon or evening as it may cause sleep problems.
- Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule and sprinkle contents on food or in liquid, as this may affect how it works and increase abuse potential.
- Avoid alcohol, as it can increase side effects.
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise, especially for children, to support growth and overall well-being.
- Report any new or worsening psychiatric symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, paranoia, aggression) or cardiovascular symptoms (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath) to your doctor immediately.
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
Uncontrollable sounds, such as humming, throat clearing, yelling, or making loud noises
Changes in skin color, including pale, blue, gray, purple, or red discoloration of hands, feet, or other areas
Numbness, pain, tingling, or cold sensations in hands or feet
Sores or wounds on fingers or toes
Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or difficulty passing urine
Important Heart-Related Warnings
If you have a pre-existing heart condition or heart defect, inform your doctor. Additionally, if a family member has a history of abnormal heartbeat or sudden death, notify your doctor. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any signs of heart problems, including:
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. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Agitation
Changes in balance
Confusion
Hallucinations
Fever
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Flushing
Muscle twitching or stiffness
Seizures
Shivering or shaking
Excessive sweating
Severe diarrhea, upset stomach, or vomiting
Severe headache
Other Possible Side Effects
While many people may not experience side effects or only have mild side effects, it's essential to be aware of the following potential side effects:
Anxiety
Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Dry mouth
Feeling jittery
Weight loss
Trouble sleeping
Dizziness
If any of these side effects or other symptoms bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting (syncope)
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Numbness, tingling, or coldness in fingers or toes
- Unexplained wounds on fingers or toes
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- Delusions (believing things that are not true)
- New or worsening aggressive behavior or hostility
- New or worsening tics (uncontrolled movements or sounds)
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
- Unusual sweating
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
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, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including the symptoms that occurred.
A family history of certain health conditions, including:
+ Blood vessel disease
+ High blood pressure
+ Heart structure problems or other heart-related issues
+ Tourette's syndrome or tics
Your medical history, particularly if you have:
+ Glaucoma
+ Agitation
+ Anxiety
+ Overactive thyroid
Any past medical conditions, such as:
+ Drug abuse
+ Stroke
Current medications, including:
+ Acetazolamide
+ Sodium bicarbonate
+ Certain antidepressants or Parkinson's disease medications taken within the last 14 days, including 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 conditions with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe treatment. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
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 understand how this medication affects you, avoid driving and engaging in activities that require alertness or clear vision.
Tolerance and Dependence
Long-term or high-dose use of this medication can lead to tolerance, where the drug may not work as effectively, 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 can cause dependence, and sudden cessation may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor before reducing the dose or stopping the medication, and follow their instructions carefully.
Cardiovascular Monitoring
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, so it is crucial to monitor your blood pressure regularly.
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 Reactions
A severe skin reaction, known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, can occur with this medication. 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.
Behavioral and Mood Changes
This medication may cause new or worsening behavioral and mood changes, including changes in thinking, anger, and hallucinations. 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, as they will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Tremor
- Hyperreflexia
- Rapid respiration
- Confusion
- Assaultiveness
- Hallucinations
- Panic states
- Hyperpyrexia (very high fever)
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Hypertension or hypotension
- Circulatory collapse
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Convulsions
- Coma
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call 911. For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) - concurrent use or within 14 days of MAOI discontinuation due to risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.
Major Interactions
- Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, triptans, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, St. John's Wort) - increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Antihypertensives - amphetamines may decrease the hypotensive effect of guanethidine and other antihypertensive drugs.
- Halogenated Anesthetics - increased risk of sudden death due to ventricular arrhythmias.
Moderate Interactions
- Urinary Acidifiers (e.g., ascorbic acid, ammonium chloride) - decrease amphetamine blood levels and efficacy by increasing urinary excretion.
- Urinary Alkalinizers (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide, thiazide diuretics) - increase amphetamine blood levels and prolong half-life by decreasing urinary excretion.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) / H2 Blockers - may slightly increase amphetamine absorption due to increased gastric pH, but generally not clinically significant for lisdexamfetamine.
- Antipsychotics (e.g., phenothiazines, haloperidol) - may antagonize the stimulant effects of amphetamines.
Minor Interactions
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of amphetamines.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Risk of cardiovascular adverse events (hypertension, tachycardia).
Timing: Prior to initiation.
Rationale: Risk of growth suppression in pediatric patients and weight loss in all patients.
Timing: Prior to initiation.
Rationale: Risk of exacerbating pre-existing psychiatric conditions or inducing new psychotic/manic symptoms.
Timing: Prior to initiation.
Rationale: To identify patients at higher risk for cardiovascular events.
Timing: Prior to initiation.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: At each visit or every 3-6 months.
Target: Within normal limits for age/sex.
Action Threshold: Sustained elevation requiring intervention or discontinuation.
Frequency: Every 3-6 months.
Target: Consistent growth trajectory.
Action Threshold: Significant deviation from growth curve or sustained weight loss.
Frequency: At each visit.
Target: Stable, absence of new or worsening psychotic/manic symptoms, aggression, or tics.
Action Threshold: Emergence or worsening of severe psychiatric symptoms.
Frequency: At each visit.
Target: Improved focus, reduced impulsivity/hyperactivity, reduced binge eating episodes.
Action Threshold: Lack of efficacy or intolerable side effects.
Symptom Monitoring
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Syncope
- Palpitations
- New or worsening aggression
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Mania
- New tics
- Numbness/tingling/coldness in fingers or toes (Raynaud's phenomenon)
- Unexplained wounds on fingers or toes
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should be considered only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Amphetamines may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature birth and low birth weight. Neonates exposed to amphetamines during the third trimester are at risk for withdrawal symptoms.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Amphetamines are excreted into human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants (e.g., irritability, poor feeding, sleep disturbances, weight loss), advise mothers not to breastfeed during treatment with lisdexamfetamine.
Pediatric Use
Approved for ADHD in children 6 years and older. Monitor growth (height and weight) carefully. Cardiovascular monitoring is also important. Psychiatric adverse events (e.g., psychosis, mania) can occur.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug, which means it is inactive until converted in the body. This mechanism is thought to reduce its potential for abuse via injection or snorting compared to immediate-release amphetamines.
- Its long duration of action (up to 14 hours) allows for once-daily morning dosing, providing symptom control throughout the school/work day.
- The conversion to dextroamphetamine is not dependent on CYP450 enzymes, which may reduce the risk of drug-drug interactions related to CYP inhibition or induction for the prodrug conversion step.
- Capsules can be opened and the entire contents mixed with yogurt, water, or orange juice and consumed immediately for patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules.
- Patients should be advised to avoid abrupt discontinuation, especially after prolonged high-dose therapy, to prevent withdrawal symptoms (e.g., extreme fatigue, depression).
Alternative Therapies
- Other CNS Stimulants (e.g., Methylphenidate, Dextroamphetamine, Mixed Amphetamine Salts)
- Non-stimulants for ADHD (e.g., Atomoxetine, Guanfacine ER, Clonidine ER)
- Behavioral therapy for ADHD
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Binge Eating Disorder
- Other medications for BED (e.g., Topiramate, SSRIs)