Brand Name: Vyvanse
Generic Name: lisdexamfetamine dimesylate

Medication Class: Central Nervous System Stimulant
Similar Drug: Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine), Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), Desoxyn (methamphetamine)
Manufacturer: Shire
FDA Approval Date: February 23, 2007

What is Vyvanse and its mechanism of action?

Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, which is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is related to amphetamine. Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine, which means that it is converted to dextroamphetamine. Dextroamphetamine is chemically related to amphetamine. The mechanism of action of Vyvanse in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is unknown. Vyvanse increases the concentration of neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine) in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to communicate with each other. Vyvanse is a schedule II (CII) controlled substance because it can be abused or lead to dependence.

What is Vyvanse used for treating?

Vyvanse is used for treatment of:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adults (individuals 6 to 65 years of age) 
• Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED)

Vyvanse is not approved for treating obesity or for weight loss. Use of stimulants like Vyvanse for weight loss has led to serious adverse effects on the heart and circulatory system.

Also Read: Vyvanse Versus Adderall 

How effective is Vyvanse?

ADHD

The effect of Vyvanse once daily in the morning was compared to placebo once daily in multiple studies in adults and pediatric patients with ADHD.

In a clinical study, pediatric patients age 6-12 years old were given Vyvanse 30 mg, 50 mg, 70 mg or placebo once daily for 4 weeks. The ADHD rating scale (ADHD-RS) was used to evaluate the effect of Vyvanse compared to placebo. The average change from baseline in ADHD-RS score was -21.8 (30 mg group), -23.4(50 mg group), -26.7 (70 mg group) and -6.2 (placebo group). The Vyvanse group had a greater improvement in symptoms compared to placebo group.

Adult patients age 18-55 years old were given Vyvanse once a day or placebo once a day for 4 weeks. The ADHD rating scale (ADHD-RS) was used to evaluate the effect of Vyvanse compared to placebo. The average change from baseline in ADHD-RS score was -16.2 (30 mg group), -17.4 (50 mg group), -18.6 (70 mg group) and -8.2 (placebo group). The Vyvanse group had a greater improvement in symptoms compared to placebo group.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

In two 12-week clinical studies in adults aged 18-55 years with moderate to severe BED patients treated with Vyvanse 50 mg or 70 mg  daily had a greater change from baseline in the average number of binge days per week at Week 12 when compared to placebo. In one study the average change in the number of binge days per week was -3.87 for Vyvanse 50 or 70 mg and -2.51 for placebo. 

Next: Side Effects, Dosing