Talk:Amphetamine/FAQ
 | Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the corresponding page Amphetamine. They address concerns, questions, and misconceptions which have repeatedly arisen on the talk page. Please update this material when needed. |
Q1: Lisdexamfetamine is mentioned in the article along with levoamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Is lisdexamfetamine (brand name: Vyvanse) a form of amphetamine?
A1: No. At the molecular level, lisdexamfetamine has the molecular structure of amphetamine coupled with the amino acid lysine, making it chemically distinct from the amphetamine enantiomers (i.e., levoamphetamine and dextroamphetamine).[1]
Lisdexamfetamine has the chemical formula C15H25N3O;[1] however, amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and levoamphetamine have the formula C9H13N.[2] Consequently, lisdexamfetamine is not an optical isomer of amphetamine like dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. As an inactive prodrug, it simply has no effect on the human body until enzymes metabolize it into dextroamphetamine.[1] This is why it is covered in the article along with the enantiomers.
References
- 1 2 3 "Identification". Lisdexamfetamine. University of Alberta. 16 September 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
{{cite encyclopedia}}:|work=ignored (help) - ↑ "Identification". Amphetamine. University of Alberta. 8 February 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
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