Brand Name: Vyvanse

Generic Name: lisdexamfetamine dimesylate

Vyvanse has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for children six years old to twelve years old. This medication has not been tested in children under the age of six and should not be given to children five and under.

Vyvanse is a short acting medication Normally, the first dose of Vyvanse is taken first thing in the morning. Additional doses can be taken four to six hours later.  It can be taken with or without food. It is available in the following strengths:

• 30 mg
• 50 mg
• 70 mg

Physicians will often start patients on lower doses and increase as needed. This helps to find the lowest possible dose to improve symptoms.

Vyvanse is taken once a day, usually first thing in the morning. Afternoon doses should be avoided because of the increased risk of insomnia. It can be taken with or without food. This medication should be swallowed whole. It should not be crushed or broken.

Vyvanse are stimulant medications. Although the exact reason it works in controlling symptoms of ADHD is not known, according to the FDA, “Amphetamines rethought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increase the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.” [1]

Currently, Vyvanse have been approved to treat children over the age of 3. Children under the age of three should not take Vyvanse.

Before taking Vyvanse, you should tell your doctor about any and all of the following health conditions you may have, or if there is a family history of any of the following:

• Heart disease or congenital heart defect
• Moderate to high hypertension
• Epilepsy other seizure disorder
• Tics or Tourette’s Syndrome
• Arteriosclerosis
• Overactive Thyroid
• Glaucoma
• Anxiety, Tension, Agitation or any other psychiatric illness
• History of drug or substance abuse

Although the following is not a complete list, below the most common side effects of Vyvanse are listed. These medications are generally well tolerated and side effects are minimal. Should side effects last more than a few weeks or interfere with your, or your child’s ability to complete daily activities, you should speak with your doctor.