Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate: the first long-acting prodrug stimulant treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Background: Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is the first long-acting prodrug stimulant and is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is a therapeutically inactive molecule. Methods: Following oral ingestion, it is converted to L-lysine and active d-amphetamine, which is responsible for the therapeutic effect. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate was developed with the goal of providing a long duration of effect with the potential for less abuse-related liking. Results: In controlled clinical trials lisdexamfetamine dimesylate demonstrated a significant efficacy and extended duration of action as well as a safety profile consistent with other once-daily stimulants (mixed amphetamine salts extended release). In addition, abuse liability studies have shown that lisdexamfetamine dimesylate has lower abuse-related liking scores compared with equipotent doses of immediate-release d-amphetamine.

Keywords::

• abuse
• adults
• attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• children
• lisdexamfetamine
• lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
• pharmacokinetics
• prodrug

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by funding from Shire Development Inc. Editorial assistance was provided by Richard Alexander, PhD of Health Learning Systems, part of CommonHealth^®.

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