My 6 yo son has been on Vyvase 40mg for 3 days now and although there has been a significant change in his focus and listening while at school and home, he seems EXTREMELY emotional. Like he is ready to cry at the drop of a hat and it takes a long time of coaxing to get him to even smile. Plus we've noticed that he has started doing this tongue rolling thing and it's not like he's even aware of it. Has anyone else's child experienced these same symptoms and if so, how long did it last for? He tried Medidate first but that had absolutely NO effect on him and then his doctor switched him to the Vyvanse but started him straight out at 40mg. I wonder if it's too much for him and a lower dose should be given to build up to.
How long do the possible side effects of taking Vyvanse last for in a child?
Question posted by alicia_graham1980 on 22 Feb 2013
Last updated on 12 November 2020 by mommyshell
7 Answers
mommyshell
12 Nov 2020
First let me start off by saying you are doing a great job. I have ADHD and went through the same experience. Imagine your child going years without the necessary serotonin in his/her brain. From birth there has been a lack of Serotonin, when medications are introduced, there is a period of what I call Brain regulation. The brain has to adjust to the new serotonin levels. It can take 6 months to a year, sometimes longer for the full adjustment. Eventually it does fade and all levels become stable. The problem people seem to have is with the trial/error part of medication but ultimately the argument of the developing child brain and medication interactions is false. Yes, separately the brain is developing and yes the child is growing but from birth there where small levels of serotonin, so yes the brain is developing but without medication the brain will never on its own reach a "Normal" Level of serotonin. My son is 7 years old and has Autism as well as ADHD.
The ADHD over powers the autism. Already we see a huge difference, yes like I said there are crying spells. We just started 10 mg of Vyvanse and he is having emotional meltdowns at times. The mouth ticks come from a side effect of the medication that causes dry mouth. I keep water handy throughout the day and It helps a lot. The stimulant medication is given to counter a lack of serotonin in the brain. If you take it and you are naturally producing serotonin at what is considered a normal level and supplement a stimulant, you will feel overly stimulated. It's a low form of cocaine.
So all the people saying... when they tried it it made them feel ..wired... like they couldn't stop... going. It's because they are taking a drug for a condition they don't have. The woman Britt has no idea what she is talking about. I was on the fence about a stimulant medication but the alternative is to watch my son struggle in everyday life. He is much happier, focused and even though there can be frequent crying spells, we have recognized when those will happen and try to use ABA therapy techniques to guide him through those feelings. It can be hard for this age group because they already are experiencing so many different emotions and can't quite pin point what it is, so it comes out as crying. If your son started out at 40 mg, I would definitely ask for it to be lowered and speak with your pediatrician and Psychiatrist to find a balanced dosage. If you can document, video record the meltdowns. It helps so much if the Doctors can visually see what you see.
Twinit
15 Sep 2015
I am 45 and my script is only 20mg for narcolepsy. I am assuming yours sons medication is for ADD or ADHD? The tongue rolling is a side effect. These types of medications can cause "ticks" of various sorts and they can even become a permanent "tick" that can possibly remain even after the medication has discontinued. Many ADD/ADHD medications are now being linked to Parkinson's disease also. My son had ADD when he was young (elementary) and we tried medications but the side effects were too much. I am glad that we stopped them after a few months because the long term damage those medications can cause is serious and I am happy to say he is now 18 and just graduated high school. I hope you find an alternative solution for your son.
snoiwday
26 Feb 2015
My 12 year old son was admitted to a treatment center on a Friday. They changed his Intuniv to Vyvase on Saturday morning without my knowledge. I went to visit him Saturday afternoon and he was doing the tongue thing non stop and licking his lips. He had severe tics and twitches. It was heartbreaking. I asked for the psychiatrist to call me as soon as possible. When I went to yank him out of that place, against Dr.'s orders, I had yet to have a phone call. Now it is 5 days after rescuing him and putting him back on his original meds, he still has tics and twitches to the point that the school psychologist said he looks like a kid with Cerebral Palsy or Parkinsons. He is much worse off than when I admitted him and he was only there 5 days. The staff assured us that he did not have tics and twitches over and over, but the eyes cannot be deceived. I am at my wits end trying to get control over his overly aggressive, impulsive behaviors.
moneypenny2120
24 March 2013
Actually, my stepson, who is 8, was put on medication in October at the insistence of his mother. Neither his father nor myself believe in medication, but his mother thinks it's easier than proper parenting as she medicated the child's older brother. The child is in the gifted program at school. He is only on 20mg of Vyvnase, which is 20mg too much. A few months ago he started with this rolling of the tongue to the point he looks like a snake and his upper lip is so chafed he looks like he has a mustache. The prescribing doctor insists this is not a side effect, but a habit he has developed. I see now that it's not a habit. Thank you for the post.
brit2133
5 March 2013
Wow please listen to me... I am a 26 yr old woman that weighs 145 lbs. My mom gave me 50mg of her vyvanse one day BC I was tired. It made me a complete weirdo, I was so figety and speeding around. I couldn't imagine being a 6 yr old on this medication. You need to really evaluate what your doing to your child!!! Why don't you take 2 and see how you feel?? I'd be emotional too if I was forced to take that everyday. People need to stop being lazy and feeding there children with pills but instead try disciplining them. Absolutely sickening!!!
alicia_graham1980
5 March 2013
Well first off Chick, you don't know me or my son or all of the things we have done up to this point, so who the hell are you to judge me? Second, you want to talk about parenting, yet YOUR parent gave you a medicine that was NOT prescribed to YOU because you were tired when clearly one of the major side effects are SLEEPLISNESS!!! That makes alot of sense. And if you knew any better than you would know that medication like this is used for people with ADHD so it will have a different effect on them as opposed to someone that DOESN'T have it, in which case it will do the absolute opposite. So next time you want to give advice to someone or tell them what they are doing wrong, then maybe you should do a little more homework and maybe start looking at your own life and YOUR parents!!!
brit2133
5 March 2013
I'm not saying your a bad parent, I am trying to inform you about my experience with this medicine. I am ADHD and was diagnosed at age 14. I do not take any medication for it and choose to deal with it. I was on adderall before and it made me have very bad mood swings and I think vyvanse is a lot worse. My Mom is not parenting me anymore, I am 26, married with children and I would never give my child 40mg of vyvanse. Its not your fault, its the doctor's.
alicia_graham1980
5 March 2013
Well I appreciate your input of your own experience. You never once mentioned about having ADHD yourself. You merely attacked me as a parent that is trying to do what is best for my 6 year old son, who was on the verge of being kicked out of kindergarten because of how extreme his behavior issues and lack of concentration (which was effecting his achedemics) was. I did everything I could possibly do to avoid going the medicinal route, including vitamin supplements, changing his diet, behavioral therapy, exercise and yes, even whooping his little tail. I'm 33 years old and was brought up in a time when my parents would kick my butt if I got out of line and I do the same with my kids.
And I disciplined him in other ways as well (time outs, grounding him, taking things away from him, ect.), and when things got to the point where there were 2 weeks ago, before the meds, and he started the physical outbursts and attacking his 3 and 2 year old sister and brother, that's when we had to resort to meds. I understand you chose to not take the med route, but you were also alot older when you were diagnosed and had a better understanding of how to deal with your emotions, outbursts and behavior. If my son was at that age, then I would have much rather gone without having to do the medication. My son has already had a tough blow, as he not only has the ADHD but he also has a neuromuscular disorder closely related to MD, so if the medication seems to make him a happier kid that is able to control his temper and concentrate better in school, then that is what a parent will do. And just an FYI, since I first posted the question, he has stopped all of the side effects (extremely emotional, tongue twisting) and is absolutely amazing. His grades, behavior, concentration, focus, attitude, motivation and overall personality has done a complete 180 from what it was prior to the medication. Some meds just aren't for everyone and everyone is going to have their own experiences.
YoMama2
30 Oct 2014
Hang on there! You took it because you were tired. Most people take it because the have add or ADHD. Real health and attention problems. Sometimes benefits outweigh the side effects. You should be ashamed for judging parents who are trying to find a good balance for their children! Think!
YoMama2
30 Oct 2014
And... U call her lazy? It's not a behavioral issue. It is being able to pay attn. go to school for 8-10 years and then give medical and parenting advice.
YoMama2
30 Oct 2014
Hang on there! You took it because you were tired. Most people take it because the have add or ADHD. Real health and attention problems. Sometimes benefits outweigh the side effects. You should be ashamed for judging parents who are trying to find a good balance for their children! Think!
ld92484
1 Dec 2014
Brit2133 people like you and ur mother that make it totally impossible for people that actual suffer with ADHD/add to get serious treatment options first of all if you had any idea what ADHD..or add was prescribed for or actually had medical reasons to be on amphetamines (Ritalin,vyvanse,concerta, adderall etc).
Then you wouldnt have made the ridiculous judgmental statement u just did ... these forums and boards r generally helpful aside from people who have no insight at all except attacking people and making judgments ⬆⬆⬆⬆⬆⬆⬆⬆
So from someone
who also has a 5 year old with ADHD..add... I know all meds Effect kids different but the difference is brit2133** u said ur mom gave u one because u r tired wtf... can we say illegal ? Federal ? Controlled substance ... wow would it sure be nice if every time I was tired I could take amphetamines from my sons meds christttttt so we now clearly understand ur not great with making choices nor is ur. Mother and surely she doesn't legitimately need them otherwise she would know how important each pill is and could get sick missing one pill and would also know amphetamines in pill form is more potent than any other stimulant especially to someone who has never taken it... for Christ sakes cuz ur tired lol wtf
On to original topic here if u knew n e thing about add & meds given u would know that for children it generally works because it does the opposite for them once it reaches its full effect few days -- few weeks maybe dosage change,or med change overall observation and possible tweaking of those factors it is a VERY effective cure for KIDS
so please brit2133 know ur info before judging anyone else, clearly by all u said in ur post ur VERY uneducated have no insight into factors which differ for all, plus u illegally take a med strong as hell med, which u never had before... and don't have legitimate not one reason to have taken it and damn sure not to judge someone else who is dealing with it firsthand u might as well be blind, I have yet to see so many uneducated sentences in my life
Lol I just read it again... u told her to try to take two and see how she feels .,why the hell would she do that? They r not her meds, most people MOST would never take anyone else's meds period, do some research b4 coming in here and passing judgment after all the way u felt when u took it for FATIGUE A.K.A BEING LAZY LOL unreal but u call the mom lazy, but ur popping ur moms meds illegally for tiredness..let that sink in..by ur mom given u her controlled amphetamine pills tells us for certain she is a pill seeker no one in this world who is actually suffering mentally/physically illness... disease would share their meds knowing that's their lifeline to feel closest to normal & reduce general suffering..not to mention maybe some disipline is needed for u both, when did mothers start giving their grown 26 yr old daughter amphetamine pill (speed pill not a aspirin or ibuprofen)
So at this point its safe to assume ur mom most likely enjoys pills recreationally - there is a difference between mentalities of people who legitimately need meds to live /function/due to legit ailment and people who enjoy being toasted and cannot function without being buzzed on whatever unfortunately those are the scammers that make it harder for us to get help we need because drs are cautious thinking everyone is just looking for pills and faking it & I'm certain the state pays for her meds, Dr visits, unnecessary specialists, tests and god knows how many other prescriptions she is getting, while I pay cash for all my sons visits and thankfully have help w/cost of rxs from family ...
So brit2133 please next time don't involve yourself in a legit place people legitimately are seeking advice or discussion from people in the same boat not people who randomly take others meds because there sleeeeepy, truely feel bad for u and ur mom sad case ... you have the intelligence of a throw rug but try to pass judgment on others but yet ur dumb enough to admit to taking someone else's controlled substance script, icing on the cake its ur mothers meds... lol brilliant sure the apple didn't fall far from the tree there ... waste of air and space
I apologize for all drama but this is a place I use to get legit advice from legit people not some pill popper passing judvement after taking one pill for fux sake ur 26 the question pertained to a child that is actually prescribed it by a Dr for his REAL disorder...
Please ⏫⏫↗to the lady who originally posted the question I apologize for all this and I'm sorry brit2133 felt like she was in some position to pass judgment on a topic she has not the slightest clue about .. Like I said 26 yrs old + taking random amphetamine pills due to being tired + her mom gave her it = IQ level of throw rug
Tara1982
16 June 2015
After reading this response I became angry. First of all, why is your mother giving you get prescription medication and why are you taking medication that was not prescribed to you? Second, some adults need to give medicine to their children because they have a medical problem that requires the medication. You should probably look in the mirror before you decide to bash parents for trying to help their children succeed in school and become social, rather than take your mother medications.
ckindsvatter001
8 Sep 2017
First of all, you should NOT be taking your mother's Vyvanse. Second of all, if you were to be prescribed this medication, it wouldn't be for being tired, it's for ADHD and if you DON'T have ADHD, then you should NOT be taking it. 50 mg is A LOT to take for a first dose, no wonder you felt like a weirdo... OMG, this is the worst thing I've ever read, and so accusatory! Are you familiar with ADHD? Try disciplining a child with ADHD or autism having a meltdown because they can't concentrate, that's the best option... ugh. Get a clue.
DzooBaby
22 Feb 2013
My son was on Concerta and he used to do this thing where he would open his mouth really wide for just a second or two. If I asked him about it he would say his jaws needed "stretching" We think it was a facial tic. She reduced his dose a bit and that seemed to help. We noticed our son seemed to be very flat with his emotions and he did seem to cry easily. He took it up until 9th grade or so then he wouldnt take it anymore but by then his behavior was better and he could cope, although his grades did suffer some because he wasnt as focused as when he took his meds. I would talk to his Dr about it. My son was better when they reduced his dose, as far as the facial tics. He still did it on occasion though. It didnt continue once he was off the medicine.
justarottengirl
7 April 2018
The other user is right- I have a science degree in psychology, and I can say in all seriousness you should be extremely careful about what medicine you give to such small children whose brains are still in their early stages of development. Before you get defensive, please actively listen to what I'm saying. I say this not to be rude or overstep my knowledge, but because through my own experience as a co-teacher, and as someone whose been prescribed Adderall and Vyvanse before, that not all ADHD/behavioral cases require medicine. You certainly have every right to want to best for your child, but if your child is having facial ticks and becoming extremely emotional that MUST be a part of your decision in weighing the intended effects of the medicine against the chemical changes that the medicine creates in the brain.
Even if you do truly decide to place your child on medication you should have them take the summer off to allow their development to continue naturally. I've seen so many happy, bright, and intelligent (but also unruly and obnoxious kids) become total zombies for the sake of that A+. Yet at the same time I can't blame the parents for wanting the best education for their child- and wanting a break from the behavior.
but as a warning, when there will come a time when the medication will run out (or your child gets old enough to voluntarily stop taking it if they choose), it's important they have the proper coping mechanisms in place, at school, at work, and at home- to go through life and complete tasks that need to be done WITHOUT the aid of medication- and that you're prepared for those times. It's a hard thing to swallow (not the pill, the pill is quite small- I'm being funny, see?).
I used to wonder if I was ever capable of doing things before Adderall/Vyvanse- I lost faith in my own ability to have energy because after prolonged daily (and safe) usage, skipping a day would make me so tired I would lay in bed all day. Then suddenly, taking it after a 'break day' I would be extremely emotional and cry at the drop of a hat or explode at my family. This side effect worsened when the doctor increased my dosage to 40mg (I'm in my 20s- your 6 year old does not need 40mg) but it mostly subsided after 7 months of consistent usage- and I felt more 'normal'. I didn't crash as much- but still inevitably do if I skip a day.
Your child will inevitably eat less on Vyvanse, but it's not as terrible as the pure disgust with food that Adderall induces.
Your child is also likely have a dry mouth and they must frequently drink water to curb this effect.
Insomnia can be a side effect, especially if the medicine is not taken bright and early in the morning, and irritability is also very common before the child's brain adjusts to the medication (even then, if they carry regular irritation/stress/aggression- this can still show up as a side effect if a day is missed and then they get back on it).
With those stimulants your brain is constantly pushing out dopamine- and without it, your brain struggles to regulate it naturally after long time usage- this is why no one should take it for prolonged periods.
Also, I would never, ever suggest Adderall to be given to anyone for behavioral treatment- I can, without a doubt in my mind, say that Vyvanse is much more safe than Adderall. Adderall should be ILLEGAL. It has amphetamine salts it's chemical formation that creates an unnatural 'high/euphoria' in the brain, and then consequently ends in a harsh crash. Vyvanse is much smoother, it tapers off slowly over a long time- and the crash is much less poignant. The body processes Adderall quite differently than it does Vyvanse- but you will still get many similar side effects- to a lesser extent (which is not saying much because Adderall's side effects are very harsh).
No one should be on stimulants for life- long-term usage will negatively affect the brain. I am not judging any parent here- I've seen some out of control children (screaming, crying, hitting people), but please, please, please consider what those chemicals are doing to that child's brain. This isn't some gimmick like 'omg gluten can hurt your kids'- no. Psychoactive drugs are serious- you're essentially giving a child legalized drugs. Be wise about it, choose carefully. Pills are tools, not miracle makers. You should always work to improve the environment for your child- and always work on helping the child learn coping mechanisms for situations they have a hard time dealing with (loud noises, over-stimulation, socialization). Remember, your reaction to whatever they do plays a huge role in how they will react. If they scream at you, and you scream back or hit them, they will only scream louder. If you talk gently to them, and they scream and you, and you scream back afterwards- you've negated the positive effects of your first attempt at talking gently.
Good luck, do your best- I know children are not easy.
kaismama
22 Feb 2013
I'd give the doc a call and see what he says. It may be too much for him to start off with.
Related topics
vyvanse, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), side effect
Further information
- Vyvanse uses and safety info
- Vyvanse prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Vyvanse (detailed)
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