Has your doctor prescribed a medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for you or your child? If it's a chewable tablet, it could be Lisdexamfetamine, which we're talking about today. Sometimes this medication is also prescribed for binge eating disorder. Today, we'll talk about exactly, and very simply, what this medication is, what we need to be careful about when using it, and what side effects it can cause.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Lisdexamfetamine is a drug that belongs to the class of drugs called stimulants. In our country, it can be found under the brand name Vyvanse. It works by changing the way the brain functions, reducing hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors . This helps you stay focused and get things done. This can be very beneficial for children with ADHD as well as adults.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health history. This medication may not be compatible with some medical conditions. You should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Medical condition/problem | Details to inform your doctor |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and blood pressure | About heart disease, birth defects such as holes in the heart, high blood pressure, blocked blood vessels, or stroke that you or someone in your family has. |
| Mental health problems | Anxiety, panic attacks, mental illness, suicidal thoughts or attempts (in yourself or someone in your family). |
| Other medical conditions | Glaucoma, seizures, thyroid disease, Tourette's syndrome, liver or kidney disease. |
| Allergies | Allergies to this medicine (lisdexamfetamine) or to other medicines, foods, or preservatives. |
| Other points | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.
- Chew and swallow: This is a chewable tablet. Therefore, the tablet should be chewed and swallowed whole . Do not swallow it with water.
- Take it on time: Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the time prescribed. Do not take it too often or too much.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly: It is not a good idea to stop taking this medicine suddenly. Doing so may cause withdrawal effects. If you need to stop taking the medicine, ask your doctor about the best way to do so.
- If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is an emergency, do not delay.
Can this interact with other medications?
Yes, this medicine can interact with other medications, herbs, and even foods. So tell your doctor about everything you take.
Never take these with you!
- MAOIs: It is very dangerous to take this medication with MAOIs (e.g. Carbex, Nardil, Parnate), an older class of medications used to treat mental illness. It is not recommended to start this medication for at least 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI.
- Other Stimulants: Do not take this with other medications for ADHD or some weight loss medications.
There can be problems with these too.
This medicine can interact with many other medicines. For example:
- Some blood pressure medications
- Medication for depression or anxiety
- Anticonvulsant medications (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital)
- Medicines for stomach problems (e.g. omeprazole, famotidine)
- Some medicines for colds and allergies
- The effect of this can also vary with things like caffeine and green tea .
This list is not complete, so it is very important for your safety to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and herbal product you are taking.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: You should check in with your doctor regularly while taking this medication. When you run out of medication, you should get a new prescription.
- Attention and driving: This medicine may affect your concentration. Therefore, do not do dangerous activities such as driving, cycling, or operating machinery until you know exactly how this affects you.
- Loss of appetite: It is normal to experience loss of appetite when you first start taking this medicine. Eat small, frequent meals. If you continue to have loss of appetite, tell your doctor . If you are giving this medicine to a child, the doctor will regularly monitor their height and weight.
- Sleep: Do not drink this close to bedtime. It may cause insomnia.
- Surgery: If you are going to have surgery, an MRI, or a CT scan, be sure to tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking the medicine before the procedure.
- Finger problems: If you notice any unusual sores, numbness, pain, or skin discoloration (white, blue, or red) in your fingers or toes , tell your doctor right away . This could be a sign of a condition called Raynaud's.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart problems | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Severe anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, worsening of mental status. |
| Stroke symptoms in adults | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, severe headache. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
| Minor side effects | Headache, nausea, insomnia, loss of appetite, weight loss, blurred vision. |
Take-Home Message
- Lisdexamfetamine is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD and binge eating disorder. It should be taken by chewing, as the doctor says.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. If you do, ask your doctor how to do it.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as changes in heart rate, severe mental changes, or changes in finger color, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children. This is for you only . Never give it to anyone else.
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