An ADHD stimulant (prodrug)
Lisdexamfetamine
A long-acting stimulant prodrug of dexamfetamine for ADHD, giving a smoother, longer effect.
What is Lisdexamfetamine?
Lisdexamfetamine is a long-acting stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a prodrug of dexamfetamine, meaning the body converts it into dexamfetamine after it is taken, which gives a smoother, longer-lasting effect over the day and a lower potential for misuse than immediate stimulants. It is still a controlled drug. It shares the same cautions: reduced appetite, poor sleep, raised heart rate and blood pressure, and growth monitoring in children, with a heart check before starting.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Lisdexamfetamine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Lisdexamfetamine is a stimulant medicine used to treat ADHD, a condition affecting attention, impulsiveness and activity levels. It is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until the body slowly converts it into dexamfetamine, which produces a steadier effect across the day from a single morning dose. This gradual conversion also gives it a lower potential for misuse than immediate-acting stimulants, though it remains a controlled, specialist-initiated medicine taken by mouth.
How it works
After it is swallowed, lisdexamfetamine is gradually changed by the body into dexamfetamine, which increases the brain chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline that help with focus, attention and self-control. Because the conversion is gradual, the effect builds smoothly and lasts longer than immediate stimulants, with a single morning dose often covering much of the day. As with other stimulants, it can raise heart rate and blood pressure and reduce appetite, and it manages symptoms rather than curing ADHD.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Takeda.
A long-acting stimulant medicine used in the UK for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Practical use
How to take Lisdexamfetamine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it by mouth once in the morning, as your specialist directs, so it lasts through the day without disturbing sleep too much.
- Have the suggested heart and blood-pressure checks before starting and at reviews.
- Keep it stored securely and never share it, as it is a controlled drug despite its lower misuse potential.
- For children, attend growth checks, as appetite changes can affect height and weight.
- Do not stop the medicine suddenly without advice, and report chest pain, palpitations or mood changes promptly.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Lisdexamfetamine
Advantages
- Gives a smoother, longer-lasting effect across the day from a single morning dose.
- Has a lower potential for misuse than immediate-acting stimulants because it must be converted in the body.
- Can effectively improve focus, attention and impulse control in ADHD.
Disadvantages
- Commonly reduces appetite and disturbs sleep, and can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
- It is still a controlled drug with dependence potential.
- In children, can affect growth, so height and weight need monitoring.
Practical use
Good to know
Lisdexamfetamine is started and supervised by a specialist and, like other stimulants, is a controlled drug, so it is stored securely, never shared, and taken exactly as prescribed. Its gradual conversion to dexamfetamine gives a smoother, longer effect and a lower potential for misuse than immediate stimulants, but the dependence potential still means it is controlled. Before starting, a check of the heart and blood pressure is usually done, as it can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Common effects include reduced appetite, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, headache and feeling on edge; in children, height and weight are monitored because appetite changes can affect growth. It is taken once in the morning. Do not stop suddenly without advice, and report chest pain, palpitations, fainting, new or worsening mood changes, anxiety or any unusual thoughts or behaviour.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People with significant heart problems, certain heart-rhythm conditions or uncontrolled high blood pressure should not usually take it.
- It is generally avoided in people with severe anxiety, agitation or a history of certain psychiatric conditions, and with some antidepressants.
- Used with caution where there is a risk of misuse or dependence, and in overactive thyroid.
Monitoring
- Checking heart rate and blood pressure before starting and during treatment.
- Monitoring height and weight in children because of effects on appetite and growth.
- Reviewing benefit, mood and any signs of misuse, and whether the medicine is still needed.
Side effects
- Reduced appetite, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, headache and feeling on edge are common.
- A faster heartbeat, raised blood pressure, dry mouth or stomach upset in some people.
- Mood changes, anxiety, or rarely unusual thoughts or behaviour, and chest pain or palpitations, which need prompt review.
Key interactions
- Should not be combined with certain antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or used too close to stopping them.
- Caution with other stimulants and decongestants, which add to its effects on the heart and blood pressure.
- Can interact with some medicines for blood pressure, mood and epilepsy, so tell your prescriber everything you take.
Available as: Capsules and chewable tablets taken by mouth.
Answers
Lisdexamfetamine: frequently asked questions
What is lisdexamfetamine used for?
It is a long-acting stimulant used to treat ADHD, helping with focus, attention and impulse control across the day.
How is it different from dexamfetamine?
It is a prodrug that the body converts into dexamfetamine, giving a smoother, longer effect and a lower potential for misuse, though it is still a controlled drug.
Why is a heart check done first?
It can raise heart rate and blood pressure, so a check of the heart and blood pressure is usually done before treatment and at reviews.
Will it affect my child's growth?
It can reduce appetite, so height and weight are monitored in children, and your specialist will review growth over time.
Can I stop it suddenly?
Do not stop suddenly without advice; speak to your specialist, and report chest pain, palpitations or mood changes.
The wider class
About ADHD stimulant (prodrug)
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the adhd stimulant (prodrug) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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