Agency spokeswoman Susan Cruzan said Shire has tested the drug on adults with a history of abusing stimulants to measure its "likeability" and thus tried to limit the drug's potential for misuse. The drug is said to limit the onset of the effects that normally come from amphetamines.
According to AP reports, the Drug Enforcement Administration has also proposed making it a Schedule-Two drug - keeping it in the category equivalent of cocaine, methadone and other drugs with a high potential for abuse.
Vyvanse starts showing results by gradually releasing its active ingredient, d-amphetamine, after the drug has been swallowed and comes into contact with enzymes in the digestive tract. Unless it's swallowed, Vyvanse remains inactive - thus making it useless for abuse by users who snort or inject crushed pills.
ADHD is a disorder initially appearing in childhood which manifests itself with symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, poor impulse control, and distractibility. In neurological terms, ADHD is currently considered to be a persistent and chronic syndrome for which no medical cure is available.
ADHD is believed to affect between 3-5 percent of the United States population, including both children and adults.
