What place for lisdexamfetamine in children and adolescents with ADHD?

Drug Ther Bull. 2013 Oct;51(10):114-7. doi: 10.1136/dtb.2013.10.0208.

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the commonest behavioural disorder in the UK, affecting 2-5% of school-aged children and young people.(1) Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) state that medication is not indicated as first-line treatment for school-age children and young people with ADHD, but should be reserved for those with severe symptoms and impairment, or those with moderate levels of impairment who have refused non-drug interventions, or those whose symptoms have not responded sufficiently to parent-training/education programmes or group psychological treatment.(2) Current drug options include methylphenidate (first-line), atomoxetine (first- or second-line) or dexamfetamine (second- or third-line).(2) Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse-Shire Pharmaceuticals) is a prodrug of dexamfetamine, licensed as part of a comprehensive treatment programme for ADHD in children aged 6 years and over when response to previous methylphenidate treatment is considered clinically inadequate.(3,4) Here we review the place of lisdexamfetamine in the management of ADHD in children and adolescents.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Dextroamphetamine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate
  • Dextroamphetamine