Prescription medication · CNS Stimulant
lisdexamfetamine
Also sold as Vyvanse. This medicine treats Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older.
Data updated 2026-05-15
- 5,840
- FDA reportsLightly reported
- 14
- InteractionsSeveral interactions
- 60% less
- Generic vs brandBig savings
- In shortage
- FDA status
What the data shows
lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a prescription CNS Stimulant, reported less often than most tracked drugs (5,840 FDA reports), whose generic runs roughly half the brand price or less (60% less).
Reporting volume reflects how widely a drug is used and studied, not how dangerous it is, a FAERS report documents a temporal association, never proof of cause.
lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a prescription CNS Stimulant. This medicine treats Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older.
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a stimulant medicine. It can help improve focus and reduce impulsive behavior.
Verify with FDA → · CMS NADAC pricing →
Drug Shortage Alert
lisdexamfetamine is currently listed as in shortage by the FDA. Affected manufacturer: Rhodes Pharmaceuticals L.P.. Status: Available.
View all drug shortages →Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Brand Price
$12.38/unit
Generic Price
$4.93/unit
Generic Savings
60%
Generic Available
Yes (21 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
This medicine treats Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older.
Common side effects
Anorexia, Anxiety, Decreased appetite
Key warnings
This medicine has a high risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.
The sections below are summarized in plain English from lisdexamfetamine's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.
How It Works
Lisdexamfetamine affects chemicals in your brain. These chemicals help control hyperactivity and impulses. It can also help reduce binge eating.
How to Take It
Take this medicine by mouth in the morning, with or without food. Do not take it in the afternoon, as it may cause trouble sleeping. You can swallow the capsule whole, or open it and mix the contents with yogurt, water, or orange juice. Take the mixture right away and do not store it for later.
This is a plain-language summary of lisdexamfetamine's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
This medicine may harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine.
This is a plain-language summary of lisdexamfetamine's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
This is a plain-language summary of lisdexamfetamine's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 5,840 FDA adverse event reports.
Most-reported reactions
Adverse reactions in FAERS for lisdexamfetamine, by number of reports
- Taking too much medicine on purpose
Taking too much medicine on purpose
1,068 reports
- Purposely hurting yourself
Purposely hurting yourself
1,009 reports
- Problem getting the medicine
Problem getting the medicine
487 reports
- Feeling tired 402
Feeling tired
402 reports
- Head pain 377
Head pain
377 reports
- Feeling worried or nervous 357
Feeling worried or nervous
357 reports
- Cannot pay for the medicine 348
Cannot pay for the medicine
348 reports
- Problem with the medicine being replaced 344
Problem with the medicine being replaced
344 reports
- Feeling sad or hopeless 303
Feeling sad or hopeless
303 reports
- Condition getting worse 268
Condition getting worse
268 reports
What this shows Bars show how often each reaction was reported, not how likely it is to happen, a report records a temporal association, never proof that the drug caused it.
Reports over time
Adverse-event reports filed for lisdexamfetamine each year to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
Year-to-year volume tracks usage, prescribing, and scrutiny, not a change in per-patient risk. Source: FDA FAERS.
Where lisdexamfetamine sits
lisdexamfetamine has more FDA adverse-event reports than 27% of the drugs FAERS tracks. A high position reflects how widely a drug is used and watched, not how dangerous it is.
Percentile across all drugs PlainMeds tracks by FAERS report volume. The dot is lisdexamfetamine; the line is the median (50th percentile).
FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis
Detailed analysis of 5,840 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2007–2025.
Total Reports
5,840
Reports Mentioning Death
208
3.6% of reports — not proof of cause
Hospitalization Reports
1,746
Top Indication
Product Used For Unknown Indication
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)
| # | Reaction | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | INTENTIONAL OVERDOSE | 1,068 |
| 2 | INTENTIONAL SELF-INJURY | 1,009 |
| 4 | PRODUCT AVAILABILITY ISSUE | 487 |
| 5 | FATIGUE | 402 |
| 6 | HEADACHE | 377 |
| 7 | ANXIETY | 357 |
| 8 | INABILITY TO AFFORD MEDICATION | 348 |
| 9 | PRODUCT SUBSTITUTION ISSUE | 344 |
| 11 | DEPRESSION | 303 |
| 12 | CONDITION AGGRAVATED | 268 |
| 13 | INSOMNIA | 248 |
| 15 | INSURANCE ISSUE | 230 |
| 16 | SUICIDAL IDEATION | 224 |
| 17 | SOMNOLENCE | 221 |
| 18 | NAUSEA | 217 |
Reactions in Death Reports
Reactions in Hospitalization Reports
Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation
Serious Warnings
This medicine has a high risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Misusing it can lead to overdose and death. Your doctor will check your risk before and during treatment. Store this medicine safely and do not share it with anyone.
Known Drug Interactions
7.2 Drugs Having No Clinically Important Interactions with Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsules From a pharmacokinetic perspective, no dose adjustment of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules is necessary when lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules is co-administered with guanfacine, venlafaxine, or omeprazole. From a pharmacokinetic perspective, no dose adjustment for drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2 (e.g., theophylline, duloxetine, melatonin), CYP2D6 (e.g., atomoxetine, desipramine, venlafaxine), CYP2C19 (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, clobazam), and CYP3A4 (e.g., midazolam, pimozide,...
Mechanism: These two drugs do not significantly change how the body breaks each other down. They can be processed by the body at the same time without causing major problems.
What to do: No dose changes are needed when taking these medicines together. You can continue taking them as prescribed.
From a pharmacokinetic perspective, no dose adjustment for drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2 (e.g., theophylline, duloxetine, melatonin), CYP2D6 (e.g., atomoxetine, desipramine, venlafaxine), CYP2C19 (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, clobazam), and CYP3A4 (e.g., midazolam, pimozide, simvastatin) is necessary when VYVANSE is co-administered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Mechanism: Lisdexamfetamine does not interfere with the way your body processes this cholesterol medicine. Both drugs can work normally without affecting each other's levels.
What to do: You do not need to change your dose of either medication. It is safe to take them together as directed by your doctor.
From a pharmacokinetic perspective, no dose adjustment for drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2 (e.g., theophylline, duloxetine, melatonin), CYP2D6 (e.g., atomoxetine, desipramine, venlafaxine), CYP2C19 (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, clobazam), and CYP3A4 (e.g., midazolam, pimozide, simvastatin) is necessary when VYVANSE is co-administered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Mechanism: This ADHD medicine does not change how your body breaks down this antidepressant. They do not have a significant chemical interaction in the liver.
What to do: No dose adjustments are required for this combination. Continue taking your medications as scheduled.
7.2 Drugs Having No Clinically Important Interactions with Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsules From a pharmacokinetic perspective, no dose adjustment of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules is necessary when lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules is co-administered with guanfacine, venlafaxine, or omeprazole. In addition, no dose adjustment of guanfacine or venlafaxine is needed when lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules is co-administered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . From a pharmacokinetic perspective, no dose adjustment for drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2 (e.g., theophylline,...
Mechanism: Lisdexamfetamine does not change how the body breaks down venlafaxine through liver enzymes.
What to do: No dose changes are needed when taking these two medications together.
From a pharmacokinetic perspective, no dose adjustment for drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2 (e.g., theophylline, duloxetine, melatonin), CYP2D6 (e.g., atomoxetine, desipramine, venlafaxine), CYP2C19 (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, clobazam), and CYP3A4 (e.g., midazolam, pimozide, simvastatin) is necessary when VYVANSE is co-administered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Mechanism: Lisdexamfetamine does not affect the specific liver enzyme that processes atomoxetine.
What to do: You can take these medications together without needing to adjust your dosage.
This is a plain-language summary of interactions documented in FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before combining medications.
Common Questions
Can I take this medicine if I have heart problems?
Will this medicine affect my growth?
Can I take this with other medicines?
What should I do if I feel agitated or have new psychotic symptoms?
Can this medicine cause tics?
What if I have kidney problems?
Can I drive while taking this medicine?
How often will my doctor check my blood pressure and heart rate?
What if I think I'm having a serious side effect?
Can I stop taking this medicine suddenly?
What are the common side effects of lisdexamfetamine?
Does lisdexamfetamine interact with other medications?
What drug class is lisdexamfetamine?
Is there a generic version of lisdexamfetamine?
Is lisdexamfetamine safe during pregnancy?
Has lisdexamfetamine been recalled?
Is lisdexamfetamine currently in shortage?
Active Recalls
Failed Dissolution Specifications: An out of specification results observed in dissolution test during analysis at 12-month long term stability station (25¿C, 60%RH) for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules.
SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC
Failed Dissolution Specifications: An out of specification results observed in dissolution test during analysis at 12-month long term stability station (25¿C, 60%RH) for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules.
SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC
Related Medications in CNS Stimulant
Other drugs grouped near lisdexamfetamine - same-class peers and common alternatives.
acamprosate
Campral
Acamprosate is a medicine that can help you stay away from alcohol if you are alcohol-dependent and have already stopped drinking.
Compare with lisdexamfetamine →
alprazolam
Xanax
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a medication that can help you with anxiety and panic disorders.
Compare with lisdexamfetamine →
amitriptyline
Elavil
Amitriptyline is a medicine used to treat depression.
Compare with lisdexamfetamine →
amphetamine/dextroamphetamine
Adderall, Adderall XR
Adderall XR is a stimulant medicine.
Compare with lisdexamfetamine →
aripiprazole
Abilify
Aripiprazole (Abilify) is a medicine used to treat certain mental disorders and mood problems.
Compare with lisdexamfetamine →
Medication Guides
Understanding Drug Interactions
How CYP450 enzymes, inhibitors, and inducers affect your medications
Generic vs Brand Name Drugs
FDA requirements, cost savings, and when the difference matters
Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs
Why some drugs demand precise dosing and monitoring
Common Drug Interactions
Dangerous medication combinations and how to protect yourself
Save on lisdexamfetamine
Compare prices and find discounts at pharmacies near you. Free coupons can save up to 80% on prescriptions.
Disclosure: This link may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. See our terms.
What the FDA Data Shows for lisdexamfetamine
The FDA label for lisdexamfetamine (sold under brand names such as Vyvanse) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the CNS Stimulant class. This medicine treats Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older. Official labeling lists 15 commonly reported side effects, including Anorexia, Anxiety, Decreased appetite.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 5,840 voluntary reports. The database also lists 14 documented drug interactions derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated minor severity. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $4.93 versus $12.38 for the brand - a 60% generic savings.
Report counts do not establish causation, a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history (currently 2 recall records on file), and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC). Shortage status: FDA Drug Shortages Database.
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: November 3, 2025
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Data currency: FDA FAERS adverse-event reports through 2025, CMS NADAC acquisition-cost pricing effective December 2024, compiled and last refreshed May 2026. See our methodology for per-source dates and refresh cadence. Spot a figure that looks wrong? Report a correction.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book - approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed - NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) - post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm - standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files - federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database - current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages