Subscribe to our Newsletters !!
A lion or eagle may come to mind when considering
In science, the interference of materials, reagent
Dr. Mohammed Enayat’s recent testimony on his ag
This year, the Hamburg based life sciences company
Cipla Limited (BSE: 5
Since it’s an ingredient in so many foods, you h
In our cover story, we shine a spotlight on “ The Magazine
Unlike other medications, Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) is one of the most prescribed medications for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder (BED). Due to the fact that it has a once-a-day dosing and gentler onset it is preferred by a lot of doctors and patients. But as with all medications it does carry potential side effects.
In this article, patients and healthcare professionals will learn about the secondary effects of lisdexamfetamine, the reasons for their occurrence, and what to monitor in the patients.
Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine which means it becomes effective only after the body metabolizes it. This structure aids in lower potential of misuse and provides long lasting symptom control.
It increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which is often found to be imbalanced for patients with ADHD.
It relates to sleep issues, particularly with some medications taken in the afternoon or evening.
Tip: Following proper sleep hygiene practices and taking medications, if any, in the morning may resolve these issues.
As a stimulant, lisdexamfetamine can cause a mild increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Who’s at risk: This patients group requires special care when integrated with heart diseases.
Advice: Regular monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure is advised.
It slowly aggravates the chances of dental cavities and infections of the mouth.
Relief: Drinking sufficient amounts of water and using sugar-free lozenges lessens the symptoms of xerostomia.
For some, this makes them more sensitive to perturbation or emotional hypersensitivity.
Why it matters: It could indicate either over medication or rebound phenomena as the drug effects wane.
What to do: It might be necessary to alter timings or dosages.
Some individuals are more vulnerable to develop tics or have them worsened by stimulants.
Clinical note: While this does not qualify as a contraindication, it requires observation.
In some instances, particularly those involving individuals with a psychiatric history, lisdexamfetamine may exacerbate underlying anxiety and mood symptoms. Psychotic symptoms may occur infrequently and primarily with high dosing.
Although a number of the lisdexamfetamine associated side effects can be managed, patients require immediate medical attention if they experience:
From a practical perspective, it is potentially life changing for individuals with ADHD and BED. However, it is important to highlight that lisdexamfetamine does have side effects like other medications. Like with any form of treatment, well-informed use alongside automated safety measures tends to yield the greatest positive results in tandem with two-way communication between patients and healthcare practitioners.
The prescribing clinician’s dosaging should initially start from a baseline and gradually build up towards an optimal clinically relevant dosage considering the patient’s age, pre-existing health conditions, social living circumstances, and other relevant factors.
The primary treatment prescribed for ADHD is lisdexamfetamine; however, such medications require a physician’s guidance due to their sheer power.
