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What does it do?

Lisdexamfetamine is used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have heart or mental health problems, angle-closure glaucoma, Tourette’s syndrome, high blood pressure, or if you have ever had a seizure.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take lisdexamfetamine regularly as directed with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.
If you have trouble swallowing, you can open the capsule and mix the contents with a small amount of soft food or liquid.
It is best to take lisdexamfetamine in the morning, as it can cause trouble sleeping.

Do not stop taking lisdexamfetamine without talking to your doctor first.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with lisdexamfetamine including:

  • urinary alkalinisers containing sodium bicarbonate (e.g. Ural®)
  • some migraine medicines, such as sumatriptan (e.g. Sumagran Active®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Seizures

Symptoms of a fast or irregular heartbeat including: fluttering, pounding or pain in your chest, dizziness or fainting

Tell your doctor immediately

Unusual behaviour or thinking, mood changes, agitation, anxiety

Strange or uncontrolled movements

Tell your doctor

Trouble sleeping

Headache

Loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth

Stomach upset

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • If you are having surgery, it is important to tell your doctor that you are taking lisdexamfetamine.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. May 2025

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed