ADHD Facts or Myths: The Basics of ADHD

There tend to be myths and misperceptions in any conversation about children with ADHD. The following may help clear up some confusion.

Click each myth to reveal the facts.

FACT: ADHD is real in at least one way that diabetes is real: it's normal for everyone to have the symptoms from time to time. Every child's blood sugar spikes up sometimes. Every child is inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes. But when symptoms are frequent, persistent, and severe, then it might be ADHD, a real disorder.

FACT: Medicines for ADHD are prescribed to help manage your child's symptoms. If a child seems unfeeling and uncaring when taking ADHD medication, then the family should return to the doctor immediately for reevaluation.

FACT: It's a matter of knowing "how much" is too much.

An active child might occasionally pop out of his seat, whereas a hyperactive child might be unable to stay in his seat long enough even to finish an assignment.
Ordinary distraction might be hardly working at all on a weekend chore in order to splash in a puddle: too much distraction might be hardly working at all on an arithmetic test in order to stare out the window.
Ordinary impulsive behavior might mean interrupting occasionally.
Excessive impulsive behavior might mean interrupting constantly.
It's not easy to diagnose ADHD. That's one reason the diagnosis has to be made by a professional.

FACT: What seems like "trial and error" on the doctor's part is not random. The doctor knows there is a small number of possible medicines and the outcomes to watch for. Starting carefully with a small dose and changing it if the results aren't controlling the symptoms, or if the side effects are not tolerated, is good medicine: it's called titration.

Think about how often you change cold medications or over-the-counter pain medications before you settle on one that works best for you. How a medication works can be different for every person; prescription medications are no exception.

FACT: All medicines may have side effects, even medicines for asthma, ear infections, or diabetes. The doctor can tell you what side effects to watch for and will welcome your help in being alert to all changes in your child as you try a new medication or a new dose as part of continuing care. Whenever anyone needs any type of medication, it's a good idea to learn about its side effects in order to plan for and manage them well.

Next: Learn About ADHD and the Family

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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.

Talk to your health care provider if your child experiences slowing of growth (height and weight). Children should have their height and weight checked periodically while taking Vyvanse. Your health care provider may stop Vyvanse treatment if a problem is found during these check-ups.

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.

Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

VYV-00878 08/09

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