Short answer: Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is an inactive prodrug that the body slowly converts into dextroamphetamine. It is used for ADHD and moderate to severe binge eating disorder. The gradual conversion gives smooth, long-lasting effects. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, and generics have been available since 2023.
Key takeaways
- What it is: Lisdexamfetamine is an amphetamine prodrug stimulant and a Schedule II controlled substance in the US.
- Main uses: ADHD; binge eating disorder.
- Timing: effects start in 1 to 2 hours and last up to 13 to 14 hours.
- Most dangerous mix: MAOIs (phenelzine, selegiline, linezolid), which can cause dangerous rise in blood pressure.
- Naloxone: it does not reverse this drug, but give it whenever opioids could be involved.
- Dependence risk: Moderate.
- Legal route: only with a prescription from a DEA-registered clinician, filled by a licensed pharmacy.
What is lisdexamfetamine?
Lisdexamfetamine is approved for ADHD in people age 6 and older and for moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. It is not approved for weight loss.
Lisdexamfetamine itself is inactive. Enzymes in red blood cells cut off the amino acid lysine, releasing dextroamphetamine gradually. Because snorting or injecting does not speed this up, it produces less of a rush when misused, but it still carries a boxed warning for misuse.
Quick facts
| Fact | Lisdexamfetamine |
|---|---|
| Generic name | Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate |
| Brand names | Vyvanse |
| Drug class | Amphetamine prodrug stimulant |
| US legal status | Schedule II, prescription only |
| Approved uses | ADHD (age 6 and up); moderate to severe binge eating disorder (adults) |
| Forms | Capsules, chewable tablets |
| Onset | About 1 to 2 hours |
| Duration | Up to 13 to 14 hours |
| Half-life | Under 1 hour (prodrug); dextroamphetamine about 10 to 12 hours |
How long does lisdexamfetamine last?
- Starts working: 1 to 2 hours
- Effects last: Up to 13 to 14 hours
- Half-life: Under 1 hour (prodrug); dextroamphetamine about 10 to 12 hours
Up to 13 to 14 hours in adults.
Timing varies with the dose, the form, how it is taken, liver and kidney function, age, and other drugs taken at the same time.
What are the biggest risks of lisdexamfetamine?
The FDA requires boxed warnings, its strongest, on lisdexamfetamine products, including:
- Lisdexamfetamine has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants can result in overdose and death, and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.
- Prescribers should assess each patient's risk before prescribing, monitor for signs of misuse throughout treatment, and counsel patients not to share their medicine.
Common side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia, dry mouth, stomach pain, irritability, anxiety, and increased heart rate. Serious risks match other amphetamines.
What should you never mix with lisdexamfetamine?
| Combined with | What happens | Label guidance |
|---|---|---|
| MAOIs (phenelzine, selegiline, linezolid) | Dangerous rise in blood pressure | Contraindicated within 14 days |
| Other stimulants, decongestants (pseudoephedrine) | High blood pressure, fast heart rate | Use caution |
| SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, triptans | Serotonin syndrome (rare) | Use caution |
| Alcohol | Masks drunkenness; heart strain | Avoid |
| Urine alkalinizers | Raise amphetamine levels | Avoid |
| Urine acidifiers (ascorbic acid) | Lower levels | May reduce effect |
Check any combination with the DoseUses combination checker or ask a pharmacist.
What are the signs of a lisdexamfetamine overdose, and what should you do?
Overdose causes restlessness, tremor, confusion, hallucinations, very high temperature, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. Because the drug is released gradually, symptoms can be delayed and prolonged.
If someone may be overdosing
- Call 911 for chest pain, a seizure, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke (face drooping, weakness on one side, slurred speech), a very high body temperature, or if the person collapses.
- Move them somewhere cool and calm, loosen tight clothing, and cool the skin with water. Do not try to hold them down.
- If they become unresponsive or their breathing slows, give naloxone. Street stimulants are often contaminated with fentanyl.
- For advice when the person is awake and stable, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
What happens when you stop lisdexamfetamine?
Stopping lisdexamfetamine after regular prescribed use does not cause dangerous physical withdrawal. ADHD symptoms return, and some people feel tired or low for a few days. After heavy misuse, a "crash" with exhaustion, increased sleep and appetite, and depression is common.
- Days 1 to 3CrashFatigue, long sleep, increased appetite, low mood, irritability.
- Weeks 1 to 2Low mood and cravingsLow energy, poor concentration, and cravings after heavy use.
- Weeks to monthsRecoveryMood and energy normalize; depression should be watched for.
See the withdrawal timelines and the full lisdexamfetamine withdrawal guide.
Is lisdexamfetamine legal?
In the United States, lisdexamfetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance. The only legal way to get it is with a prescription from a clinician registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), filled by a licensed pharmacy. Depending on state law, that can be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
- Refills: Schedule II prescriptions cannot be refilled. A prescriber can write several prescriptions at once, with dates when each may be filled, for up to a 90-day supply in total.
- Telehealth: federal flexibilities let DEA-registered clinicians prescribe Schedule II to V medicines after a telemedicine visit, without a prior in-person exam, through December 31, 2026. A permanent DEA rule was under final review in late 2026. State rules can be stricter.
- Monitoring: prescribers and pharmacists in most states check a prescription drug monitoring program, a database of controlled-substance prescriptions, before prescribing or dispensing.
Outside the United States
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Class B; prescribed as Elvanse |
| Canada | Schedule I; prescribed as Vyvanse |
| Australia | Schedule 8 controlled drug |
| International | Controlled nationally as an amphetamine precursor |
Frequently asked questions about lisdexamfetamine
Is Vyvanse less addictive than Adderall?
Its prodrug design makes it less attractive for snorting or injecting, but it can still be misused and is Schedule II.
Is there generic Vyvanse?
Yes. Generic lisdexamfetamine capsules and chewables have been available since August 2023.
Can Vyvanse be used for weight loss?
No. It is approved for binge eating disorder, not obesity, and the FDA warns against using it for weight loss.
How long does Vyvanse last?
Up to 13 to 14 hours in adults.
Sources
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) prescribing information, DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine.
- FDA updating warnings to improve safe use of prescription stimulants used to treat ADHD and other conditions, US Food and Drug Administration, 2023.
- Controlled Substance Schedules, DEA Diversion Control Division.
- 21 CFR 1306.12, Refilling prescriptions; issuance of multiple prescriptions (Schedule II), Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
- Prescribing controlled substances via telehealth, US Department of Health and Human Services.
- BeSafeRx: Your Source for Online Pharmacy Information, US Food and Drug Administration.
- Safe Pharmacy, National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
- One Pill Can Kill, US Drug Enforcement Administration.
This guide summarizes the sourced DoseUses Lisdexamfetamine profile, written from FDA labels, DEA rules, and federal health agencies. It is educational and is not medical advice. Last updated October 5, 2026.
