Vyvanse vs. Daytrana

[tamber877]

My son is almost 12 and was dx with ADD when he was 6. Been on meds since about 6 1/2, started with Strattera, no help, ritalin, no help, then Adderall XR was a LIFE CHANGER for him. His teacher back then said he was a totally different student. He was only inattentive at that time, no real problems with hyperactivity. After 1 1/2 years on the Adderall, we really noticed the 'zombie-like" effects, he's always been hyper-emotional, and the adderall made it A LOT worse. begining of 3rd grade we tried no meds, and it was a no-go, we then put him on Daytrana, and has been on it since, he's now in 6th grade. When he first started, he did have the the zombiness but it was no where near as bad the adderall. Now that he's getting older, and being social is pretty important to him having a happy school life, we've noticed the side effects are REALLY hurting him. He will say he feels "emotionless, sad and angry" while on the patch, but when he's OFF it, he's happy, doesn't stop talking and just overall very hyper. His ped doesn't like to use amphetamines with kids b/c I guess it has a higher risk of growth issues. We don't medicate on non school days, so at least the 2 summers he has had HUGE growth spurts, when there is minimal growth during the school year. ANYWAY, what I'm trying to get at, does anyone have any experience with those particular side effects being better or worse on the Vyvanse rather than the Daytrana? I myself am on Vyvanse, and it works wonders for me, but has the opposite effects, actually makes me MORE social. Also, he's on 20mg Daytrana, what would be an equal dose of Vyvanse?

Thanks!
Tammi

[Childe Roland]

Maybe you should get a "second opinion" from another pediatrician -- especially if you can find one who specializes in ADHD.