NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Lisdexamfetamine

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription central nervous system stimulant (Schedule II controlled substance) approved for ADHD and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. A prodrug that requires enzymatic cleavage in the bloodstream to release the active moiety dextroamphetamine, providing a smoother onset and more consistent duration of action with potentially lower abuse liability compared to immediate-release amphetamines. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2014–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription central nervous system stimulant (Schedule II controlled substance) approved for ADHD and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 20–70 mg daily in the morning (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Improved attention and focus1,5
  • Reduced binge eating episodes3,8
  • Smoother onset than IR amphetamines
  • Longer and more consistent duration
  • Lower abuse potential due to prodrug design2
What to watch for
  • Decreased appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Known hypersensitivity to amphetamines or lisdexamfetamine1,2
  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: improved attention and focus, reduced binge eating episodes, smoother onset than ir amphetamines. 10 sources indexed (2014–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Lisdexamfetamine is an inactive prodrug consisting of dextroamphetamine covalently bound to the amino acid lysine. After oral absorption, it is enzymatically hydrolyzed by red blood cell aminopeptidases to release active dextroamphetamine, which promotes release and inhibits reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. The prodrug design limits the rate of active drug delivery regardless of dose.1,2

Class
CNS Stimulant
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
20–70 mg daily in the morning (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Capsule or chewable tablet

Can be taken with or without food. Capsules may be opened and dissolved in water, orange juice, or yogurt. Take in the morning to avoid insomnia.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Decreased appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Tachycardia and increased blood pressure
  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to amphetamines or lisdexamfetamine1,2
  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Symptomatic cardiovascular disease or structural cardiac abnormalities
  • Moderate to severe hypertension8
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Glaucoma
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

2

Randomized controlled trials

3

Reviews & position papers

1

Reference material

4
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Lisdexamfetamine, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Lisdexamfetamine?

Prescription central nervous system stimulant (Schedule II controlled substance) approved for ADHD and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. A prodrug that requires enzymatic cleavage in the bloodstream to release the active moiety dextroamphetamine, providing a smoother onset and more consistent duration of action with potentially lower abuse liability compared to immediate-release amphetamines. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Lisdexamfetamine used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Lisdexamfetamine include: Improved attention and focus; Reduced binge eating episodes; Smoother onset than IR amphetamines; Longer and more consistent duration; Lower abuse potential due to prodrug design. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Lisdexamfetamine?

A typical adult dose of Lisdexamfetamine is 20–70 mg daily in the morning (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Capsule or chewable tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Lisdexamfetamine?

Reported side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia, dry mouth, headache, tachycardia and increased blood pressure, anxiety and irritability. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Lisdexamfetamine?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Lisdexamfetamine in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.