After a six‑month drug‑free interval from lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), should the patient restart at a lower dose or resume the previous dose? | Rounds After a six‑month drug‑free interval from lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), should the patient restart at a lower dose or resume the previous dose? | Rounds
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After a six‑month drug‑free interval from lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), should the patient restart at a lower dose or resume the previous dose?

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Lisdexamfetamine Restarting After Prolonged Discontinuation

Restarting lisdexamfetamine after a prolonged drug-free interval should follow the initial titration dosing schedule rather than resuming the prior maintenance dose. [1]

Medication Selection Algorithm

Lisdexamfetamine dosing should be individualized to therapeutic response and administered at the lowest effective dosage. [1]

Key Evidence Supporting This Recommendation

The FDA prescribing information defines dosing for patients “starting treatment for the first time” as 30 mg once daily in the morning with titration thereafter. [1]

Monotherapy Versus Combination Therapy

No adjustment to restart dosing is indicated based on concomitant ADHD medication use in the prescribing information. [1]

Important Clarifications or Nuances

The prescribing information provides a dose-titration framework for initiation and dose adjustments, but it does not provide a specific protocol for restarting after months off therapy. [1]

Initiation Thresholds and Dosing Algorithm

For ADHD, the recommended starting dose is 30 mg once daily in the morning. [1] Dosage may be increased in increments of 10 mg or 20 mg at approximately weekly intervals. [1] The maximum recommended dose is 70 mg/day. [1]

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Resuming a prior higher maintenance dose without re-titration is not aligned with the labeled starting-dose-and-weekly-increment titration framework. [1]

Target Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Goals During Restart

Blood pressure and pulse should be monitored during treatment, with benefit-risk consideration in patients for whom increases may be problematic. [1]

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