PP10.3 – 2259: Lisdexamfetamine in the children with ADHD

Abstract

Objective Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a pro-drug that is converted into dexamfetamine and is proved effective in children and adults with ADHD. According to NICE guidelines, dexamfetamine should be considered in children and young people whose ADHD is unresponsive to a maximum tolerated dose of methylphenidate or atomoxetine. We studied the effectiveness of Lisdexamfetamine in the children with severe ADHD. Methods Children aged 6–16 years with ADHD, who had poor response to the first line medication, were monitored using ADHD IV rating scale and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale. Total 51 children had Lisdexamfetamine in 2013. 36 (70%) were males and 15 (30%) females. The mean age was 11 years. 41 children were followed up (80.3%). Following self-reported side effects, LDX was stopped in 9. During each follow up visit blood pressure, heart rate and BMI were monitored. Results Among the 32 children, the ADHD-IV rating scale when LDX was started was between 27 and 50 (median 41; Mode 39, 44) whereas CGI scale was between 4 and 7 (median 5, mode 5). At their first follow up, The ADHD IV rating scale ranged between 10 and 49 (median 26.5, mode 23) and CGI between 2 and 5 (median 3, mode 3 and 4). Using t test as well as Wilcoxon signed rank test, all children had significant reduction in both ADHD IV and CGI scales and had symptom improvement. (p Conclusion LDX was used as a second line treatment in a group of children with ADHD and co-morbid disorders in a busy community setting. It was tolerated by majority of patients. All children who continued with treatment reported improvement of core ADHD symptoms in comparison to previous treatment. Longer follow up is required to establish long term tolerability of treatment.