Is Vyvanse a controlled substance?

Yes. Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. Its active ingredient, lisdexamfetamine, appears on the DEA list as code 1205, Schedule II. In the United Kingdom it is a Class B drug, and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 list it in Schedule 2.

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, sold as capsules and chewable tablets by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America. The label cited here was published on DailyMed on May 6, 2026. It describes the drug as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The Indications section covers two uses: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older, and moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. It also says Vyvanse is not indicated for weight loss.

The Mechanism of Action section says lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine. A prodrug is a compound that the body converts into the active substance. That explains the wording in Section 9.1, which is the key sentence for scheduling. This page covers legal status only. Treatment questions belong with a prescriber.

Is Vyvanse a controlled substance in the US?

Yes. The DEA list "Controlled Substances - Alphabetical Order" (dated August 27, 2026) reads "Lisdexamfetamine 1205 II N Vyvanse". 21 CFR 1308.12(d) names lisdexamfetamine, its salts, isomers and salts of its isomers as item 5 among the Schedule II stimulants. Section 9.1 of the Vyvanse label states:

VYVANSE contains lisdexamfetamine, a prodrug of amphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Schedule II carries its own prescription rules. Under 21 CFR 1306.12(a), refilling a Schedule II prescription is prohibited. Section 1306.12(b) lets a practitioner issue multiple prescriptions authorizing up to a 90-day supply in total, provided each is for a legitimate medical purpose, carries written instructions on the earliest fill date, and is allowed under state law. See the DEA schedules guide for how Schedule II compares with the other four.

States can add controls of their own, such as electronic prescribing mandates or monitoring databases. Check the state board of pharmacy for the rules that apply locally.

Does the capsule or chewable form matter?

Not for scheduling. The opening of 21 CFR 1308.12(d) covers "any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity" of the listed stimulants, and lisdexamfetamine is on that list with its salts and isomers. The Vyvanse label covers both capsules and chewable tablets, and both fall under the same entry. The DEA list names only the substance and gives Vyvanse as another name.

Is Vyvanse a narcotic?

On the DEA list, no. The NARC column for lisdexamfetamine reads N. The same is true of Adderall. The narcotic guide explains how the legal term differs from everyday usage, and the opioid guide covers the drugs that do carry a Y.

What is lisdexamfetamine's UK status?

Lisdexamfetamine does appear on the Home Office list of commonly encountered controlled drugs (updated April 1, 2025), but under a different spelling: "Lisdexamphetamine", Class B, Schedule 2. A search for the US spelling would miss it. Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 names lisdexamphetamine in Part II, the Class B drugs. The legislation.gov.uk record shows the word was inserted into that list on June 10, 2014, by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Ketamine etc.) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1106). Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 lists it too, also inserted on June 10, 2014, by S.I. 2014/1275.

The class is set by the 1971 Act and the schedule by the 2001 Regulations, as the UK drug classes guide explains. Penalty bands for each class are published on gov.uk.

Why is lisdexamfetamine controlled?

Section 9.2 of the label says Vyvanse has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction, and that it can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution. The boxed warning is headed "ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION" and says misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants can result in overdose and death, a risk increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration.

Section 9.3 adds that Vyvanse may produce physical dependence and tolerance. It lists the withdrawal signs after abrupt discontinuation following prolonged use of CNS stimulants as dysphoric mood, depression, fatigue, vivid and unpleasant dreams, insomnia or hypersomnia, increased appetite, and psychomotor retardation or agitation. Anyone with concerns can speak to a prescriber or pharmacist, call 988 in the US, or contact NHS 111 in the UK. For emergencies, call 999 in the UK or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 in the US.

Related pages

Amphetamine itself is covered on the Adderall page. Phentermine is Schedule IV in the US. Not every drug used for attention or mood is controlled: trazodone does not appear on the DEA list. The controlled substance guide explains how drugs are placed on schedules, the method page lists our sources and dates, and the disclaimer explains what this site is not.

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