Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate
What does Lisdexamfetamine look like?
30 mg, 50 mg and 70 mg Capsules.
Scientific Names
L-lysine-d-amphetamine
Generic Name
Elvanse
Effects Of Lisdexamfetamine
Desired Effects:
Similar to amphetamine & dexamphetamine: alertness, energy, euphoria, improved concentration and enhanced performance.
Side-Effects:
Lisdexamfetamine has the potential to replicate the physical and social harms associated with Amphetamines and can include Insomnia, dizziness, headaches, rapid heartbeat and hypertension, diarrhoea & nausea.
Risks
Short-term:
Anorexia, convulsions, heart attacks, stroke and death have been reported.
Long-term:
Sleeping problems, anxiety, psychological Dependence.
Reducing Harm
Please view our Reducing Harm page for more information.
How does Lisdexamfetamine work?
Lisdexamfetamine and other Amphetamines are Stimulants. However, when used as a medicine in the treatment of ADHD, Lisdexamfetamine is prescribed at doses that have an opposite effect. When administered orally, lisdexamfetamine converts to dexamphetamine, a Class B drug.
Legal status of Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a Class B drug the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Ketamine etc.) (Amendment) Order 2014. It was introduced to the UK medicines market in March 2013, and is closely related to the Class B controlled drug dexamphetamine.
How Is Lisdexamfetamine Taken?
The medication is manufactured in Capsule form so will be swallowed.
Paraphernalia
None.
Medical uses of Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Where does it come from?
Diverted from manufacturers, pharmacies, GPs, or made in clandestine laboratories in Britain and elsewhere and distributed through the illicit drug market.
Helping services
Most areas of the UK have 'street agencies' or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. The increase in stimulant use has led to some agencies offering specialist services that offer counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, acupuncture and other alternative therapies and prescribing of anti-depressants, and also possible referral to residential rehabilitation. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. GPs and possibly the local hospital A&E department can make referrals to specialist drug services as well as general medical services, information and advice often in partnership with a drug agency or Drug Dependency Unit.
Parents & other relatives
Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc...
You can view a list of National Drug Agencies.
If you would like to talk about Lisdexamfetamine problems then please call the DAN 24/7 Helpline on:
