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Understanding ADHD
What is ADHD
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADHD is a real disorder. The brain uses various natural 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.
ADHD shows itself as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than what is typically seen in ones' peers.
ADHD is not just a childhood disorder.
The symptoms affect children, teens, and adults.
- According to a survey, it's estimated that 4.4% of US adults ages 18 to 44 have ADHD
Only a trained health care professional can diagnose ADHD. For a diagnosis to be made, ADHD symptoms:
- Must be present in at least 2 life settings: for example, at home, at school, or at work
- Must cause significant impairment in functioning at school, work, or in social settings
- Some symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7
- Symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder
- 6 or more inattentive and/or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (listed below) must have persisted for at least 6 months to an extent that is not consistent with one's peers
Only a trained health care provider can accurately diagnose ADHD.
Understanding ADHD symptoms
Many people with ADHD have both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. But some people may have more hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, while others may have more inattentive symptoms
People with at least 6 of the inattentive symptoms and at least 6 of the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are considered to have combined-type ADHD.
For the inattentive type
At least 6 of the following symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months to an extent that is not consistent with one's peers:
- Careless mistakes/lack of attention to details
- Lack of sustained attention
- Poor listener
- Failure to follow through on tasks
- Poor organization
- Avoiding tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- Losing things
- Easily distracted
- Forgetful in daily activities
For the hyperactive/impulsive type
At least 6 of the following symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months to an extent that is not consistent with one's peers:
- Fidgeting/squirming
- Leaving seat
- Inappropriate running/climbing
- Difficulty with quiet activities
- "On the go"
- Excessive talking
- Blurting out answers
- Can't wait turn
- Intrusive
ADHD symptoms may appear differently over time.
The symptoms of ADHD may not be the same for everyone. As a child with ADHD matures, symptoms may become less noticeable, and signs of overt hyperactivity may be less common. During late adolescence and adulthood, ADHD symptoms, especially hyperactivity, may lessen, although some adults may experience all the symptoms—inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
It is essential to involve a trained health care provider in the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor has diagnosed you with ADHD, ask if Vyvanse may be right for you.
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. The effectiveness of Vyvanse has not been evaluated in patients for more than 4 weeks. Your doctor should periodically reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the medication.
If you have ADHD, take the next step
Find a doctor.
Your family, friends, and insurance company can be good resources. Advocacy organizations may also be able to point you in the right direction.
Ask your doctor if Vyvanse is right for you.
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
Vyvanse is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep in safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Vyvanse may harm others, and is illegal. Vyvanse is a stimulant. Misuse of stimulants may cause sudden death and serious heart problems.
- Vyvanse should not be taken by patients who have:
Heart disease or hardening of the arteries, moderate to severe high blood pressure, overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), glaucoma, agitated states, a history of drug abuse, taken an anti-depression medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days, or sensitivity to, are allergic to, or had a reaction to other stimulant medicines.
- Vyvanse is a stimulant medicine. The following have been reported with use of stimulant medicines.
Heart-related problems:
sudden death in patients 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 have 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 have any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Vyvanse.
Mental (Psychiatric) problems:
All Patients
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, are suspicious) or new manic symptoms
Tell your doctor about any mental problems you or your child have, or about a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have 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, or are suspicious.
- Serious side effects have been reported with use of stimulant medicines such as Vyvanse, including:
- seizures, mainly in patients with a history of seizures
- eyesight changes or blurred vision
- motion and verbal tics. Patients with tics or Tourette's syndrome may experience a worsening of symptoms while taking Vyvanse.
- slowing of growth. 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.
- The most common side effects reported in studies of Vyvanse were:
- upper belly pain
- nausea
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- weight loss
- trouble sleeping
- irritability
- decreased appetite
- vomiting
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.