{"id":49434,"date":"2022-03-26T12:00:49","date_gmt":"2022-03-26T16:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=49434"},"modified":"2022-04-01T17:02:02","modified_gmt":"2022-04-01T21:02:02","slug":"vyvanse-side-effects-in-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/vyvanse-side-effects-in-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Vyvanse side effects in kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Facing a decision on whether to start your child on any daily medication is difficult. When your decision involves seeking medical advice for an <\/span>attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)<\/span><\/a> medicine like Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), misconceptions, stigma, and fear of side effects combine to make it a real quandary for parents. On one side, ADHD symptoms can be incredibly detrimental. Inattentiveness, impulsivity, and restlessness are often coupled with difficulty being organized and regulating emotions and behavior. These symptoms result in poor performance in school and sometimes trouble maintaining social relationships. In these circumstances, treatment with medications, specifically <\/span>central nervous system stimulants<\/span><\/a>, can really help. Vyvanse is a member of this drug class and has some advantages over better known brand names like <\/span>Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine)<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> Ritalin (methylphenidate)<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Concerta (methylphenidate)<\/span><\/a>. Knowing the potential adverse effects of Vyvanse is an important element of making an informed decision as a parent advocating for your child. We will review the side effects here.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Vyvanse discounts<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>What is Vyvanse?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

ADHD in children<\/span><\/h2>\n

While all kids can have short attention spans and excess activity, impairment with functioning at school or socially is what separates those with ADHD. The disorder has a <\/span>lifetime prevalence in U.S. children of 11%<\/span><\/a>. Over time, many children and <\/span>adolescents<\/span> learn strategies to better cope with ADHD, but most will still have some symptoms in adulthood, at which point the <\/span>prevalence of the disorder is 4.4%<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Successful treatment can be life-changing for children. Changes in the classroom, counseling, and behavioral therapy are all helpful options to treat ADHD. Medications are very effective and generally safe. CNS stimulants are by far the most common drug treatment for ADHD, but <\/span>selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)<\/span><\/a> like <\/span>Strattera (atomoxetine)<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Qelbree (viloxazine)<\/span><\/a> as well as alpha-2-adrenergic agonist like <\/span>Intuniv (guanfacine)<\/span><\/a> are alternatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comparisons can be made<\/span><\/a> among the CNS stimulant medications. Amphetamines like Vyvanse are the most effective, with a slight advantage over methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), but they have a slightly higher likelihood of <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a>. Vyvanse has some advantages over its cousins. By being a prodrug of dextroamphetamine, Vyvanse is inactive until it is metabolized by the body. The resultant slower onset of action may translate to lower abuse potential since it is <\/span>less enjoyable to stimulant abusers<\/span><\/a>. Another advantage is the availability of a chewable tablet formulation of Vyvanse, which may appeal to younger children who cannot or do not want to swallow a capsule. However, it is only approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults and children aged 6 and older.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are common Vyvanse side effects in children?<\/span><\/h2>\n