Vyvanse is a stimulant prescription medication that treats Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients 6 years and above, (and moderate to severe Binge Eating Disorder (B.E.D.) in adults.) We need to stop the prescribing of Vyvanse to young children. When a child comes off of this medicine it is known ans the "Vyvanse Crash". I have seen children become hateful, angry, emotional and so much more. While these possible side effects are listed on their website, young children should not be experiencing these issues along with everything else they are dealing with in life. 

As a parent of a child who was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, we tried many outlets before we moved to medication, including therapy. Vyvanse was the second medication my son was ever on, at the age of 6. As the medication began to wear off in the evenings he was so angry and moody life became extremely hard for him and our family in the evenings. He was unable to express why he was feeling the way he was and would have melt downs. We soon took him off this medication and found one that worked best for him. He is now 14 and thriving. A close friend of mine had the same issue with her son. He would become violent and just cry as he was coming off the medication in the evening.

I have been in childcare for the last 20 years and met many children over the years that have been on different ADHD medications. I am seeing more and more children who are really struggling with being on Vyvanse and experiencing the crash. I have seen the crash affect children from the age of 5 all the way to 11. In the last 6 months alone, I have personally worked with 4 children who really struggled with the aftermath of the medication leaving their systems in the afternoon. We have experienced everything from anger, crying, major meltdowns, and even violence. 

There are other great medications that have proved over and over again to help children who need to be medicated for ADHD. We need the FDA, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company (creators of Vyvanse) and pediatricians everywhere to take note and stop prescribing Vyvanse to young children and help gain control back over the situation.

Parents, teachers and children need to know they are cared for and can have their needs met, without the stress of the medication that is suppose to help their child, causing their child more issues.