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Lisdexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and amphetamine prodrug approved by the FDA for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 and older, and moderate to severe Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in adults.
Unlike traditional amphetamines, Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug — meaning it is inactive until your body converts it into its active form, dextroamphetamine, after ingestion. This design provides a smoother onset and longer duration of action (up to 14 hours), with a lower potential for misuse compared to immediate-release stimulants.
It is taken once daily in the morning and is available as both capsules and chewable tablets. Capsules can be opened and mixed with water, yogurt, or orange juice for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug that is converted to dextroamphetamine (d-amphetamine) after oral ingestion through enzymatic hydrolysis in the blood. Once converted, dextroamphetamine works by:
By boosting dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain, Lisdexamfetamine enhances attention, focus, and impulse control while reducing hyperactivity. The prodrug mechanism means it must pass through the digestive system before becoming active, which provides a gradual onset and sustained effect throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
For ADHD, the typical starting dose is 30 mg once daily in the morning, with a maximum dose of 70 mg per day. For Binge Eating Disorder, dosing starts at 30 mg daily and is titrated to 50–70 mg daily.
Lisdexamfetamine has a findability score of 45 out of 100, meaning it is moderately difficult to find in stock at your local pharmacy. As of early 2026, Lisdexamfetamine remains on the ASHP drug shortage list. The shortage began in late 2022 as part of the broader ADHD stimulant crisis driven by surging demand — particularly among adults diagnosed post-pandemic — combined with DEA production quota limits and manufacturing constraints.
The DEA raised aggregate production quotas by approximately 24% in late 2025 and approved further increases of up to 25% for 2026, but supply has not yet caught up with demand. Multiple generic manufacturers including Teva, Sandoz, Amneal, and others have reported limited supply. Brand Vyvanse from Takeda is generally more available but costs significantly more.
If your pharmacy is out of stock, Medfinder can help you locate Lisdexamfetamine at nearby pharmacies that currently have it available.
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As a Schedule II controlled substance, Lisdexamfetamine must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider with DEA prescribing authority. Common prescribers include:
Telehealth providers can also prescribe Lisdexamfetamine, though DEA regulations for Schedule II controlled substances require specific compliance measures. Note that Lisdexamfetamine cannot be called in or e-prescribed in some states — a written prescription may be required.
Yes, Lisdexamfetamine is classified as a Schedule II (CII) controlled substance by the DEA. This is the same classification as medications like Adderall, OxyContin, and Ritalin — drugs with high medical value but significant potential for abuse and dependence.
The FDA boxed warning states: "CNS stimulants, including lisdexamfetamine, have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy."
Because of its Schedule II status:
The most frequently reported side effects include:
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include cardiovascular events (chest pain, shortness of breath), psychiatric symptoms (psychosis, mania, aggression), peripheral vasculopathy (Raynaud's phenomenon), and seizures. Contact your doctor or seek emergency care if you experience any of these.
If you're unable to find Lisdexamfetamine in stock or it isn't right for you, consider discussing these alternatives with your doctor:
Important: Never switch medications without consulting your prescriber. Alternative stimulants may also be affected by the ongoing shortage.
Lisdexamfetamine can interact with several medications. Always inform your prescriber of everything you take.
Lisdexamfetamine remains one of the most widely prescribed medications for ADHD and Binge Eating Disorder, but the ongoing shortage — now stretching into its third year — continues to frustrate patients and providers alike. With a findability score of 45/100, many patients will encounter out-of-stock situations at their regular pharmacy.
The good news: the DEA has significantly raised production quotas for 2026, and multiple generic manufacturers are working to increase output. Prices have also become more accessible with generics available as low as $60–$70 per month using discount cards.
If you're struggling to find Lisdexamfetamine, use Medfinder to search pharmacies near you that have it in stock. You can also ask your pharmacist about partial fills, check independent pharmacies (which often have better stock than chain pharmacies), or discuss alternative medications with your doctor as a temporary bridge.
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