What is "lisdexamfetamine"

n. A psychoactive drug and stimulant prodrug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes.

Lisdexamfetamine (contracted from L-lysine- dextroamphetamine) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and dextroamphetamine prodrug of the phenethylamine class and amphetamine class that is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder. Its chemical structure consists of dextroamphetamine coupled with the essential amino acid L-lysine. Lisdexamfetamine itself is inactive and acts as a prodrug to dextroamphetamine upon cleavage of the lysine portion of the molecule.

Lisdexamfetamine can be prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6 and up as well as adults. The safety and the efficacy of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in children three to five years old have not been established.

Lisdexamfetamine is a Class B/Schedule II substance in the United Kingdom and a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States (DEA number 1205) and the aggregate production quota for 2014 is 23,750 kilograms of anhydrous acid or base. Lisdexamfetamine is currently in Phase III trials in Japan for ADHD.