Last reviewed 2026-05-27 · How we verify

Vyvanse (lisdexamphetamine)

Vyvanse (lisdexamphetamine) is a Sympathomimetic amine; amphetamine prodrug Small molecule drug developed by Seattle Children's Hospital. It is currently FDA-approved for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults, Moderate to severe binge eating disorder. Also known as: Lisdexamfetamine.

Lisdexamphetamine is a prodrug that is converted in the body to dexamphetamine, which increases the release and blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the central nervous system.

Vyvanse (lisdexamphetamine) is a medication used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Obesity, as indicated by ClinicalTrials.gov. According to ChEMBL, Vyvanse works by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters involved in attention and impulse control.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Lisdexamphetamine is an inactive compound that requires enzymatic conversion by red blood cells to release active dexamphetamine. Once converted, dexamphetamine acts as a sympathomimetic amine that enhances catecholamine activity by stimulating release of norepinephrine and dopamine from presynaptic neurons and inhibiting their reuptake, leading to increased synaptic concentrations of these neurotransmitters. This mechanism improves attention, focus, and impulse control in patients with ADHD.

Approved indications

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults
• Moderate to severe binge eating disorder

Common side effects

• Decreased appetite
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Tachycardia
• Elevated blood pressure

Key clinical trials

• Bariatric Surgery and Pharmacokinetics of Lisdexamphetamine
• Lisdexamphetamine Vs Methylphenidate for Pediatric Patients with ADHD and Type 1 Diabetes (PHASE2)
• Evaluation of the Effect and Safety of Lisdexamfetamine in Children Aged 6-12 With ADHD and Autism (PHASE4)
• ADHD Medication and Predictors of Treatment Outcome
• The Day-time Response Variation of (Lis)Dexamphetamine
• Endocrine and Emotional Effects of Lisdexamfetamine and d-Amphetamine. (PHASE1)
• Sequencing Treatments for Mothers With ADHD and Their At - Risk Children (PHASE4)
• Pilot Study of Vyvanse™ In ADHD Adolescents at Risk for Substance Abuse (PHASE4)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Vyvanse (lisdexamphetamine) CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Vyvanse (lisdexamphetamine) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Seattle Children's Hospital portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Vyvanse (lisdexamphetamine)

Related

• Drug class: All Sympathomimetic amine; amphetamine prodrug drugs
• Target: All drugs targeting Norepinephrine transporter (NET); dopamine transporter (DAT)
• Manufacturer: Seattle Children's Hospital — full pipeline
• Therapeutic area: All drugs in Psychiatry/Neurology
• Indication: Drugs for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults
• Indication: Drugs for Moderate to severe binge eating disorder
• Also known as: Lisdexamfetamine

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing