As with any medication, it's essential to know the potential side effects and to understand important safety information. In clinical studies with children, the most common side effects of Vyvanse were decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, stomachache, and irritability.
Vyvanse comes in six different dosage strengths (20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg
and 70 mg). This provides your child's doctor with the ability to adjust the dose of Vyvanse to improve ADHD symptom control or manage side effects. Every child is different, and it may require time to determine which dose of Vyvanse is right for your child.
In addition, the following information is also important for parents and caregivers to keep in mind:
- Do not share Vyvanse with anyone else and only give your child the amount prescribed by the doctor.
- Vyvanse should be stored in a safe place at room temperature.
Vyvanse may not be appropriate for everyone.
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.
As with all medications, be sure to talk to your child's doctor about any side effects your child may experience.
Next: Vyvanse Dosing Information
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.