MONDAY, Nov. 15 (HealthDay News) -- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsules have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adolescents aged 13 to 17, maker Shire Pharmaceuticals said Monday.
The FDA previously approved the drug for ADHD in adults and children aged 6 years to 12 years, the British company said in a news release.
Vyvanse was evaluated in clinical trials involving 314 adolescents with ADHD. The most frequently reported side effects were decreased appetite, insomnia and weight loss. Results in adolescents were consistent with earlier findings in adults and children, Shire said.
Vyvanse is a controlled substance and should not be taken by people with heart disease, hardening of the arteries, moderate-to-severe high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, a history of drug abuse, or with a known sensitivity to stimulant medications, the company said.
More information
To learn more about ADHD, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.