Lisdexamfetamine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 13, 2023.

Applies to lisdexamfetamine: oral capsule, oral tablet chewable.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (capsule)

Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction.

Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, can result in overdose and death, and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.Before prescribing lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug.

Throughout lisdexamfetamine dimesylate treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Common side effects of lisdexamfetamine

Some side effects of lisdexamfetamine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• decreased appetite
• headache
• nausea
• upper abdominal or stomach pain
• vomiting
• weight decreased

Less common side effects

• crying
• depersonalization
• dry mouth
• dysphoria
• euphoria
• paranoia
• quick to react or overreact emotionally
• rapidly changing moods
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Serious side effects of lisdexamfetamine

Along with its needed effects, lisdexamfetamine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lisdexamfetamine:

Less common side effects

• uncontrolled vocal outbursts or tics (uncontrolled repeated body movements)

Incidence not known

• agitation
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chest discomfort, pain, or tightness
• chills
• confusion
• cough
• diarrhea
• difficulty with breathing
• difficulty with swallowing
• discouragement
• dizziness
• faintness
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling sad or empty
• fever
• hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
• irritability
• joint or muscle pain
• lack of appetite
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loss of interest or pleasure
• overreactive reflexes
• poor coordination
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• redness of the skin
• shivering
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• sweating
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
• trembling or shaking
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking lisdexamfetamine:

Symptoms of overdose

• agitation
• blurred vision
• change in consciousness
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• dark urine
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fast breathing
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• headache
• inability to speak
• loss of consciousness
• muscle cramps, spasms, pain, or stiffness
• nausea
• nervousness
• overactive reflexes
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• pale, clammy skin
• palpitations
• panic states
• physical attempt to injure yourself
• pounding in the ears
• restlessness
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• seizures
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• slurred speech
• stomach cramps
• sweating
• talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
• temporary blindness
• thirst
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• violent actions
• weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lisdexamfetamine: oral capsule, oral tablet chewable.

Other adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia, increased energy, fatigue^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (36%), upper abdominal pain (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gastroenteritis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (39%), decreased weight (16.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (20.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, somnolence, tremor, paresthesia, nightmare, dyskinesia, seizures, psychomotor hyperactivity
• Postmarketing reports: Dyskinesia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (27%), irritability (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Tic, anxiety, agitation, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, affect lability, feeling jittery, restlessness, aggression, initial insomnia, bruxism
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Logorrhea, depression, dysphoria, euphoria, dermatillomania, mania, hallucinations
• Postmarketing reports: Libido changes, frequent or prolonged erections, psychotic episodes^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, hyperhidrosis, pruritus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria
• Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, angioedema^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, tachycardia, palpitations
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Raynaud's phenomenon
• Postmarketing reports: Cardiomyopathy^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reaction^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Mydriasis, blurred vision
• Postmarketing reports: Diplopia, visual accommodation difficulties^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Postmarketing reports: Eosinophilic hepatitis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, oropharyngeal pain^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

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Further information

Lisdexamfetamine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer