This Month in Psychopharmacology

FDA Approves Multiple Generics of ADHD and BED Treatment

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several first generics of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsules and chewable tablets for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients six years and older and moderate to severe binge-eating disorder (BED) in adults. Lisdexamfetamine is the only approved treatment for binge eating disorder. Although restricted as a Schedule II controlled substance like other stimulants, as a prodrug lisdexamfetamine may have less propensity for abuse, intoxication, or dependence than other stimulants. Lisdexamfetamine may be particularly useful in adult patients without prior diagnosis and treatment of ADHD as a child to prevent abuse and diversion since lisdexamfetamine may be less abusable than other stimulants. FDA-approved generic medicines work in the same way and provide the same clinical benefit and risks as their brand-name counterparts.

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Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine and is thus not active until after it has been absorbed by the intestinal tract and converted to dextroamphetamine (active component) and l-lysine. Once converted to dextroamphetamine, it increases norepinephrine and especially dopamine actions by blocking their reuptake and facilitating their release.

>>  FDA News Release

Suggested NEI Education and Resources on ADHD:

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Encore Presentation
Similar but Different: Exploring the Options for Treating ADHD
CME/CE Credit: 0.75   |  Expires: November 7, 2024

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Encore Presentation
ADHD: Optimizing Treatment with Patient-centered Care
CME/CE Credit: 1.00   |  Expires: April 1, 2026

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Stahl's Essential Videos
Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology, Chapter 11b: Treatment of ADHD
CME/CE credits: 0.50   |   Expires: March 24, 2025

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Mechanism of Action Animation
Developmental Trajectories of the ADHD Brain
CME/CE Credit: 0.50   |  Expires: November 22, 2025

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CME/CE Article
A Clinician’s Guide for Navigating the World of ADHD Medications
CME/CE Credit: 1.00   |  Expires: December 18, 2023

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Encore Presentation
All the Live Long Day: Optimizing Adult ADHD Treatment
CME/CE Credit: 1.00   |  Expires: November 6, 2025

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