Talking About ADHD

Helpful tips for talking with loved ones about your ADHD

If you have ADHD, you may be interested in the best way to explain this condition to your family and friends so they can understand the facts about ADHD.

Define your action plan

Start by learning all you can about this condition. This overview/refresher gives you the facts you need to begin a discussion.

Do you want to talk to another adult about his or her ADHD symptoms?

If you are concerned about a friend, spouse, or family member with possible ADHD symptoms, you might wonder how to best approach the subject. It can be a difficult issue to talk about. Have them review the content on the Understanding ADHD page.

Then have them fill out the ADHD Progress Tracker and have them share it with their doctor.

INDICATION

Vyvanse is a prescription medicine for the treatment of ADHD in patients 6 years and above.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) has a high 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.

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:
1. Heart-related problems including:
  - sudden death in people who have heart problems or heart defects
  - sudden death, 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 signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Vyvanse.
2. Mental (psychiatric) problems including:
  - new or worse behavior and thought problems
  - new or worse bipolar illness
  In Children and Teenagers
  - new psychotic symptoms such as:
    - seeing things or hearing voices
    - believing things that are not true
    - being suspicious
  - new manic symptoms
  Tell your doctor about any drug abuse, alcohol abuse or mental problems that you or your child has had, 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.
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.
The most common side effects reported in studies of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) were:
- anxiety
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- irritability
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- trouble sleeping
- upper stomach pain
- vomiting
- weight loss

For additional safety information, click here for Prescribing Information and Medication Guide 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.