L-Lysine & ADD

L-lysine, or lysine, is an amino acid, or a building block of protein, that helps support growth by absorbing calcium and converting substances in your food to energy. It is typically added to lisdexamfetamine, a medication used to reduce the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD or ADD.

Significance

Lisdexamfetamine is considered a central nervous system stimulant, which means it helps alter some of the chemicals in your brain. This can help reduce symptoms of ADHD, ranging from trouble focusing to reducing impulsiveness that can affect a child’s ability to learn. The medication is approved for use in children over the age of 6, as well as teens and adults.

An Inert Medication

Lisdexamfetamine is considered an inert medication, meaning it is not instantly broken down. Manufacturers bind the active ingredients in lisdexamfetamine with lysine to help break it down slowly in your stomach. When the medicine reaches your stomach and small intestine, the active ingredients are separated from the lysine. Binding the active ingredients in lisdexamfetamine with lysine helps reduce the abuse of ADD medications. Because the medication takes longer to break down in the body, adults are less likely to abuse the medication for purposes of staying awake or for weight loss.

About Lysine

Lysine is simply a binder for your ADHD medications and not intended to treat ADHD symptoms. However, lysine is considered an essential amino acid, which means the body does not make it and you need to obtain it from dietary sources. As a result, you need to consume foods that contain lysine. In addition to the lysine present in lisdexamfetamine, you can take in lysine by eating high-protein foods such as red meat, nuts, eggs, soybeans and legumes.

Side Effects

The side effects of lisdexamfetamine include trouble going to sleep, jitters, dizziness, headache, nausea, fever and sweating. More serious symptoms include chest pain, fainting, seizures or aggression. Your doctor will likely start you with a lower dose, then progress up to a larger one to help minimize potential side effects. Lysine is not associated with as many side effects. However, very high dosages have caused gallstones and changes in kidney function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the amount of lysine in the medication.