Understanding ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

  • ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults.
  • ADHD is commonly referred to as AD/HD and ADD, but the correct term is ADHD. Throughout this Web site, we will use the term ADHD.
  • ADHD shows itself as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically seen in ones' peers.
  • ADHD is a real disorder. The brain uses various chemicals to help send messages across the nervous system. An imbalance of these chemical messengers may result in the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.

Only a trained health care professional can accurately diagnose ADHD.

Could my teen have ADHD?

If you think your teen's symptoms might be ADHD, fill out the ADHD Doctor Discussion Guide and discuss with your teen's doctor.

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INDICATION

Vyvanse is a prescription medicine for the treatment of ADHD in children ages 6 to 17 and adults. Vyvanse should be used as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR VYVANSE (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)

Vyvanse has a risk of abuse or dependence. Keep in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or sharing Vyvanse may harm others and is illegal. Vyvanse is a stimulant. Misuse of stimulants may cause sudden death and serious heart problems.

  • Do not take Vyvanse if you or your child:

is taking or has taken within the past 14 days an anti-depression medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAOI is sensitive to, allergic to, or had a reaction to other stimulant medicines

  • Some people have had the following problems when taking stimulant medicines, such as Vyvanse:

Heart-related problems including: sudden death in people who have heart problems or heart defects stroke and heart attack in adults increased blood pressure and heart rate

Tell your doctor if you or your child has any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any sign of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Vyvanse.

Mental (psychiatric) problems including: Children, Teenagers, and Adults new or worse behavior and thought problems new or worse bipolar illness new or worse aggressive behavior or hostility

Children and Teenagers new psychotic symptoms such as: hearing voices believing things that are not true being suspicious new manic symptoms

Tell your doctor about any mental problems you or your child has, or about a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems while taking Vyvanse, especially:
seeing or hearing things that are not real believing things that are not real being suspicious

  • Vyvanse may cause serious side effects, including:
    • slowing of growth (height and weight) in children. Your child should have his or her height and weight checked often while taking Vyvanse. The doctor may stop treatment if a problem is found during these check-ups.
    • seizures, mainly in people with a history of seizures
    • eyesight changes or blurred vision
    • worsening of sudden, repeated movements or sounds (tics) and Tourette’s syndrome in people who already have these problems
  • The most common side effects reported in studies of Vyvanse were:
    • anxiety
    • decreased appetite
    • diarrhea
    • dizziness
    • dry mouth
    • irritability
    • loss of appetite
    • nausea
    • trouble sleeping
    • upper stomach pain
    • vomiting
    • weight loss

This is not a complete summary of safety information. For additional safety information, please click here for Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Warning about Potential for Abuse, and discuss with your doctor.

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.