Lisdexamfetamine is a stimulant that belongs under the amphetamine drug classification. It is used primarily in treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating syndrome. It acts as a prodrug to dextroamphetamine that affects certain chemicals in the brain, resulting to improved behavior and attention span. It is most commonly known as Vyvanse, its brand name.
On the other hand, gynecomastia is an endocrinal disorder causing abnormal growth of breast tissue in males as a manifestation of altered levels in estrogen and testosterone balance, in favor of the former. It occurs in males temporarily during infancy and puberty. It is also a symptom to some prevailing medical conditions such as congenital anorchia, testicular trauma, Klinefelter Syndrome, viral orchitis, Kallman Syndrome, and hypersecretion or hyposecretion of LH.
Other causes of breast tissue enlargement are some medications that include cimetidine, human chorionic gonadotropin, human growth hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, ketoconazole, antiandrogens, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors . Prostate cancer patients who undergo androgen deprivation therapy and transgenders who take estrogen therapy also experience enlargement of their breast tissue.
According to reports, males who have gynecomastia who were taking Vyvanse were not healed. As it turned out, instead of providing a cure to the said condition, the central nervous system stimulant makes it worse. Those who were taking Vyvanse for other medical purposes were reported to develop the condition. Moreover, lisdexamfetamine is a controlled drug due to its habit-forming effect. When used improperly or without prescription, it can also cause serious heart problems and sudden death to those who already have heart defects.
Common side effects of this drug include dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems (insomnia), dizziness, feeling irritable, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. The use of this drug must be stopped when the following side effects occur: chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heart rate, unusual thoughts or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, unexplained muscle pain, or weakness. The medication may also cause painful erections.
Since the target of Vyvanse or lisdexamfetamine dymesylate is the central nervous system, it really has nothing to do in curing the condition. It can only make the situation worse, especially when it is used carelessly by someone who has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD and another prevailing medical condition that causes breast tissue enlargement but does not take all the necessary precautions which lead to complications. Some examples are hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.
They are also included in the list of medical conditions that must be taken into serious consideration before using lisdexamfetamine. The other health conditions include blood circulation problems, certain mental/mood condition, personal/family history of mental/mood disorders, heart problems, family history of heart problems, history of stroke, high blood pressure, a certain eye problem, seizures, history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, and personal/family history of uncontrolled muscle movement.
To treat gynecomastia, taking danazol, tamoxifen, clomiphene, or testosterone replacement may be necessary. For severe and long term cases or if drug therapies were ineffective, surgical treatment called reduction mammoplasty or breast reduction surgery can be done.
Share this:
