ADHD Information Center

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:: Important Safety Information :: Full Prescribing Information :: Medication Guide

It's natural to have concerns when your child begins taking Vyvanse or any medication. We've assembled the following list so you can have a better idea of what to expect when starting your child on Vyvanse:

Vyvanse has been shown to begin controlling ADHD symptoms within the first week
Vyvanse is a once-a-day capsule that should be taken once daily in the morning with or without food as prescribed by your child's doctor
You may find it useful to establish a routine for when, where, and how your child takes Vyvanse
If your child has trouble swallowing pills, capsules may be opened and the entire contents dissolved in a glass of water and taken immediately. The mixture should not be stored for later use
Your child's doctor may adjust the dose of Vyvanse to improve results or manage side effects. Adjusting dosage until it is right for the child is common when starting any ADHD medicine.

It's often a good idea to set up a daily medicine routine for your child. Here are some suggestions you may consider when doing so:

Have your child take Vyvanse at the same time every day. Keep Vyvanse in a convenient but secure location – and make it a part of your child's daily morning routine such as during breakfast
Let other responsible caregivers know your child's medication routine. This way they can help your child continue on the routine when you're not around
Establish a daily medication routine as agreed with your child's doctor even on days when there's no school – weekend, vacation and summertime. Remember, ADHD symptoms can persist and interfere with your child's social relationships and other activities
Receive email reminders for your child's next Vyvanse prescription

Important Safety Information

Vyvanse is indicated for the treatment of ADHD. Efficacy based on two controlled trials in children aged 6 to 12 and one controlled trial in adults.

Tell the doctor about any heart conditions, including structural abnormalities, that you, your child, or a family member, may have. Inform the doctor immediately if you or your child develops symptoms that suggest heart problems, such as chest pain or fainting.

Vyvanse should not be taken if you or your child has advanced disease of the blood vessels (arteriosclerosis); symptomatic heart disease; moderate to severe high blood pressure; overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism); known allergy or unusual reactions to drugs called sympathomimetic amines (for example, pseudoephedrine); seizures; glaucoma; a history of problems with alcohol or drugs; agitated states; taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days.

Tell the doctor before taking Vyvanse if you or your child is being treated for or has symptoms of depression (sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness) or bipolar disorder; has abnormal thought or visions, hears abnormal sounds, or has been diagnosed with psychosis; has had seizures or abnormal EEGs; has or has had high blood pressure; exhibits aggressive behavior or hostility. Tell the doctor immediately if you or your child develops any of these conditions or symptoms while taking Vyvanse.

Abuse of amphetamines may lead to dependence. Misuse of amphetamine may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events. These events have also been reported rarely with amphetamine use.

Vyvanse was generally well tolerated in clinical studies. The most common side effects reported in studies of Vyvanse were: children — decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, stomachache, and irritability; adult — decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, and dry mouth.

Aggression, new abnormal thoughts/behaviors, mania, growth suppression, worsening of motion or verbal tics, and Tourette's syndrome have been associated with use of drugs of this type. Tell the doctor if you or your child has blurred vision while taking Vyvanse.

For more information, please see Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

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