Vyvanse dosage for 9 y/o??? | ADHD Information

My 9 y/o, in 4th grade started Vyvanse a few weeks ago (70 mg). Had been taking 30 mg of Adderal but we needed longer help in the day through homework and evening activities so the psyhc suggested Vyvanse. Seens to help him longer.

This past weekend we did Qb testing with my son. Without meds he was in the 99th %ile and beyond in most all areas (not good in this case), in other words so off the charts ADHD that he cannot even see the chart!! After meds he was slightly better around the 95%ile but still no where close to "normal". We moved in May and are still trying to find a psych we like and this one seems pretty good and is asking a lot of questions of parents and teachers. Due to the test results the dr wants to go to 100 mg of Vyvanse and likely add another ADHD med like Strattera to get the levels of activity, implusivity, and focus under better control.

At school he excels academically (tests gifted) but is a mess socially. He also takes Prozac for anxiety (used to complain of stomach and head aches and chew fingers until the bled) and Seroquel for mood problems (angry outbursts and crying). He talks out in class, cannot be still at all, cannot make friends, plays parallel instead of with other kids even in the classroom work, to name the worst and a few.

Insurance will not cover 2, 50 mg capsules a day to make 100 for his dosage so I have to fight with them tomorrow. He is not a large kid, average height and very thin thanks to stimulants since kindergarten. Does this dosage seem too high? Are others on multiple ADHD meds to control things? I want to help my son but what is too much? Now as I try to help him "fit" at school, the insurance will not let me try to help him. What is a mom to do.... Any advice, etc.

Thanks all, for your help! Meg

[QUOTE=megbutcher]

Before you throw your hands up in despair--I tested similarly. Until I developed a second problem I coped, unmedicated.

After meds he was slightly better around the 95%ile but still no where close to "normal". We moved in May and are still trying to find a psych we like and this one seems pretty good and is asking a lot of questions of parents and teachers. Due to the test results the dr wants to go to 100 mg of Vyvanse and likely add another ADHD med like Strattera to get the levels of activity, implusivity, and focus under better control.

If he takes Strattera--he might need less stimulant. And I put weight on with Strattera so it might be worth a shot. Didn't gain focus but it did clear up the other problems.

So he's already on THREE meds? They want to add a 4th? This is sounding a little soupy for my taste.Is he being bullied at school?

Anxiety is often a problem for smart ADHD'ers because we know we're intelligent but we also know--it's just not coming out, so to speak.

Sometimes, yes. I have to say though, I'm not a prozac or seroquil fan for children unless absolutely necessary.I'd also suggest a medication diary to take to the psych--including bullet form notes on what time of day he flags, or if there's a pattern of when he peaks out etc. This will help in getting the correct meds and doseages.

I want to help my son but what is too much?

What are you trying to do, exactly?

Now as I try to help him "fit" at school, the insurance will not let me try to help him. What is a mom to do.... Any advice, etc.

I get the insurance problems. Mine only covers Ritalin SR which isn't working very well. It's barfy

Look around here. There's lots of support and you sound like you need it.

Thanks all, for your help! Meg

[/QUOTE]

Welcome to Whacky World! [said with great Love]. The mom calvary will come riding in with some wonderful ideas.

Me, I'm sorta the resident explainer who can tell ya what goes on in our joyously demented hyper minds

Keep us posted!
You don't say how the 70mg of Vyvanse is working?

Most of the stimulant meds are dosed based on need, not weight/age, so while the 100mg of Vyvanse does seem a bit excessive for someone so young, it sounds as though your young man has quite a lot going on. Is it possible there are other issues other than ADHD going on?

I'd see about adding a booster drug of something before going to that high of a dosage. Maybe upping it to 50mg (or possibly 70?) and then a booster dosage of Adderall/Adderall XR in the afternoons.

My 9yo son is autistic and ADHD and while he's on 3 different meds, but all very small dosages.... 100mg of Vyvanse seems like a lot. My 6yo is ADHD and on Vyvanse and he has horrid insomnia due to his 30mg dosage so I'd be afraid of upping his dosage.

not much help but I do understand!