title: Lisdexamfetamine: a prodrug stimulant for ADHD.
abstract: This article reviews the unique prodrug stimulant lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX, Vyvanse), an approved treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. LDX is an inactive prodrug in which l-lysine is chemically bonded to d-amphetamine. Although its efficacy is not significantly different from that of other stimulants, LDX may be different with respect to potential toxicity and abuse liability. In this article, I will review the short-term controlled studies that were the basis for LDX's approval for both children and adults; the lack of and need for more long-term studies; two double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover studies that examined LDX's abuse liability; and clinical uses for the drug. The clinical implications stemming from LDX's unique characteristics are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. HowlandRH@upmc.edu
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Howland
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D000069478:Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010919:Placebos; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D011355:Prodrugs; D000069478:Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate; D003913:Dextroamphetamine