Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

What the word means

Lisdexamfetamine is the drug. Vyvanse is the brand.

It’s in the amphetamine family, but with a clever piece of design behind it. The medication arrives inactive, and the body has to convert it before it does anything. That conversion takes time, which is why it comes on gradually, lasts a long while, and tends to feel smoother than a short-acting stimulant. It’s also part of why it’s somewhat harder to misuse, though it remains a controlled substance.

It’s approved for ADHD and, unusually, for moderate to severe binge eating disorder.

Where to read the full guide

Shrinktionary defines the word.

Read the full lisdexamfetamine guide at PsychiatryRx, which covers dosing, side effects, and how it compares with Adderall and Ritalin.

Related terms you’ll see next

• Stimulant
• ADHD
• Amphetamine
• Binge eating disorder

When to seek professional care

Tell your prescriber about appetite loss, trouble sleeping, a racing heart, or rising blood pressure. Because it lasts a long time, taking it late in the day is a common and avoidable cause of insomnia, and shifting the timing often solves it. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away by calling 911, or call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse):</strong> Lisdexamfetamine is a long-acting stimulant for ADHD, sold as Vyvanse. It's inactive until the body converts it, which gives it a smoother, longer effect. It's also approved for binge eating disorder.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/lisdexamfetamine/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>