Vyvanse for Teenagers
ByVyvanse is a prodrug stimulant medicine which was initially launched in the US for children (6-12 years old) with ADHD, and then later approved for adults (18-65 years old) with ADHD.
As of November 2010, Vyvanse has been approved for use in teens as well – in the USA.
This means that Vyvanse is now officially approved for individuals with ADD/ADHD from the ages of 6 years old to 65 years old.
In Canada, Vyvanse was initially approved for children with ADHD only – and in November 2010, the approval was achieved with Health Canada for teenagers as well (and adults too!).
What does it mean now that Vyvanse is approved for Teenagers?
While most ADHD experts were comfortable to use this medication with teens even before the official approval, there are more doctors who will feel comfortable to use it now that it is officially approved. So, if your teens sees a general pediatrician, your doctor may feel more comfortable to use Vyvanse now that it is officially approved in this age range.
It can also impact insurance coverage:
There was a teen in my office whose private insurance coverage would not cover Vyvanse because of the fact that it was not officially indicated (approved) for teens. Now that it is approved, he can get insurance coverage for his prescription.
Here is a summary of research which was presented at the American Psychiatric Association Meeting which documents that Vyvanse is effective and safe for teenagers. You can read details of the study here.
Please share your experiences of how the official approval of Vyvanse in teens may affect your teen’s ADHD treatment.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
My daughter’s doctor prescribed Vyvanse for her when she was 15. She reported that it did not help her symptoms, so she returned to Adderall.
My daughter age 17.5 was prescribed Focalin 2 years ago and it worked well, but she came off it after only 2 months (it was summer vacation). Now, 2 years later, she is back on meds. The Focalin did NOT work for her at all this time: headache and extreme sleepiness. However, she moved on to try Vyvanse and she says she feels like a new person. Amazing that there are such differences n such similar drugs.
My 14 year old son has been trying to take Vyvanse and he seems to keep breaking out in this horrible rash. I took him off the medication and long with a different shampoo and soap. When he started the Vyvanse again the rash seems to come back worse. It is even getting into his eyes. Anyone hear of this, HELP?
My daughter has always been on Amphetamine salts since 3 grade I believe.. She is going on into 8th. The medicine doesn’t seem affective as before. Doctors told me they think we should try Vyvanse. Never heard of it before and they say when they go through puberty you need more mL than before. Do you recommend? your suggestions will be highly appreciated.
Hi,
There are some great user comments on vyvanse on this blog – just check for some of the other articles to hear people’s comments and thoughts.
I think Vyvanse works well for many people.