My son was taking adderall XR (5, 7.5 and 10) for about 5 weeks with inconsistent results and plenty of anxiety so his neuro decided to put him on Vyvanse (30mg). I started him this am by giving him half the capsule in water. I know it's only the first day but I'm a little apprehensive - will I see results so soon and is 30mg too big a dose (he weighs 45-50 lbs):confused: . I've read that 30mg vyvanse equals 10mg adderall (which he's taken but also made him anxious). Any thoughts? Thanks.

30mg of Vyvanse is roughly equivilant to a dose of 10mg Adderall XR, don't let the big number's fool ya. Vyvanse'll probably cause alot less anxiety.. i've yet to hear or see of someone who's complained about that side effect from it. When I take it it almost feels as if my anxiety fades away - irritability is still there just like with adderall though.

Glad to see that there was a change in medication. Vyvanse 30mg is a safe dosage for people as young as 6, in accordance to the websites. Starting on 1/2 the pill is a safe bet to be able to assess for problems and benefits. If after about 1 - 2 weeks you don't see a difference, increase it to 30mg and see if there is a change.

I spoke to his teacher today and there were a few changes, unfortunately none good. She said he was very defiant (a first because normally he's open to anything even if his focus isn't there) and didn't want to participate in anything (no change from the adderall). I know it's only the first day but are these things that hopefully change as he adapts to the med? He also falls asleep quite quickly (as if someone turned off a light) (around 1-2 and I give him his med at 9am).

The anxiety also didn't seem to improve any from the 10mg adderall. And this is only 1/2 a capsule - would it only get worse if I give him the full med? Thanks.

I would consider talking to the doctor. From my personal experience the higher the dose the more it can 'potientially' exacerbate anxiety - that isn't saying that a higher dose won't suit him better but it's a general trend among stimulants.

I'm no doctor so I can't really help much other than to tell you that. When I was around the same age as your son I was perscribed Ritalin IR 2x daily I think 20mg. I had some teachers who would tell my parents it didn't help at all and I was still being defiant getting up out of my seat, exessively talking when needing to be quiet, etc etc. Yet with the same token quite a few told my parents they noticed significant behavioral improvement. In my opinion at a young age ADHD meds help but aren't really the key to the city of success.. I think in the teenage years (atleast for me) the medication was a godsend, and now as an adult they have some what reverted back to the helpful but not a miracle pill stage. The major difference as I aged was I became less hyperactive and simply more prone to inattention.