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Elvanse – Effects, Dosage & Side Effects

Elvanse is a prescription medication used to treat ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. It contains the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine and belongs to the class of central nervous system stimulants.

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Things worth knowing about "Elvanse"

Elvanse is a prescription medication used to treat ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. It contains the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine and belongs to the class of central nervous system stimulants.

What is Elvanse?

Elvanse is a prescription-only medication used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Its active ingredient is lisdexamfetamine (also spelled lisdexamphetamine), a member of the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug class. In the United Kingdom and other European countries, it is marketed under the brand name Elvanse or Elvanse Adult. Due to its amphetamine-based nature, it is classified as a controlled substance and can only be prescribed by authorised physicians.

Indication – When is Elvanse used?

Elvanse is approved for use in:

Children aged 6 and older with ADHD when non-pharmacological interventions are insufficient
Adolescents with ADHD as part of a comprehensive treatment programme
Adults whose ADHD was diagnosed in childhood and continues to require treatment

Treatment with Elvanse is always embedded in a multimodal therapy approach that includes behavioural therapy, psychosocial support, and educational interventions alongside medication.

Mechanism of Action

Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug – meaning it is pharmacologically inactive in its original form. After oral ingestion, enzymes in the body convert it into the active compound dexamfetamine. This conversion process leads to a slower, more gradual release of the active substance, which reduces the risk of misuse compared to directly acting amphetamines.

Dexamfetamine increases the availability of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex – a region responsible for attention, impulse control, and executive function. This leads to improvements in focus, self-regulation, and behavioural control in individuals with ADHD.

Dosage

Elvanse is available in capsule form in the following strengths: 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg. The appropriate dose is determined individually by the prescribing physician, typically starting low and adjusting gradually.

Taken once daily, preferably in the morning
Capsules can be swallowed whole or opened and dissolved in water
Can be taken with or without food
Late-day dosing should be avoided to prevent sleep disturbances

Side Effects

Like all medications, Elvanse may cause side effects. Common side effects include:

Decreased appetite and weight loss
Insomnia and sleep difficulties
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Headaches
Dry mouth
Irritability or mood changes
Nausea and abdominal discomfort

Rare but serious side effects may include cardiac complications, psychiatric symptoms (e.g. anxiety, psychosis), or growth retardation in children. Regular medical monitoring is therefore essential during treatment.

Contraindications

Elvanse should not be used in patients with:

Known hypersensitivity to lisdexamfetamine or other amphetamines
Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of their discontinuation
Pre-existing cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or severe anxiety disorders
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
A history of substance misuse

Important Notes

Elvanse is a controlled substance and may only be dispensed on a special controlled drug prescription. It must not be shared with others and is intended solely for the person to whom it was prescribed. Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided without medical advice, as dosage should be tapered under supervision.

References

European Medicines Agency (EMA): Summary of Product Characteristics – Elvanse. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management. NICE Guideline NG87. 2019.
Banaschewski T et al.: Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in the treatment of ADHD. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 2010; 10(7): 1037–1049.

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