Yes this drug stunts growth. It is written right on the medications warnings.You just have to ask yourself if the benefits are really outweighing the negatives. Good luck!

I have never heard of Vyvanse stunning one’s growth. As far as weight is concerbed if Vyvanse is the right med. for your son then it won’t take his appetite away. The 2 common side eddects of any ADHD medication is 1)disturbs or interupts one’s sleep patter- meaning the person wakes int he middel of the night and they need to be stimulated say for ex:by tv or by doing something until they feel tored again & can fall asleep, the 2nd side effect is lack of appetite- this is common but when the med. wears off this is should go away & they wil be very hungry, try skipping 1 day & see if your son eats alot more that when on the med.  20mg is a low dose, my son taked 40mg I reduced it from 60mg back about 4 months agoe he was on 60mg for about 3 years or so. Hope this helps.

I did a quick Google search to look for clinical research on the use of Vynase and growth suppression. Here is a quote from “Highlights for prescribing information.” Here is what it says under “Warnings and Precautions.”
Long-Term Suppression of Growth: monitor height and
weight at appropriate intervals in pediatric patients taking
Vyvanse. You can go to this page and check it for yourself.

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021977s016s018s019s021lbl.pdf

This was surprising to me because when I checked the clinical research, that which is conducted by scientists and not just anecdotal information from parents, the research suggested that there was little evidence to support the idea that stimulant meds suppresses growth. So, it may be that the drug companies are just being cautious.

Since starting on Ritalin, I have noticed that my son sometimes eats a little less than before, but we just got another check up this week and he’s grown 1/2 inch since our last appointment 3 months ago.

Have you thought about giving your son pediasure or maybe just a milkshake with frozen fruit and protein powder a couple 4-5 times per week? I am not concerned about my son’s growth, so I give him plain yogurt in his smoothie. You could try that if you’re worried about the sugar in the ice cream. There’s lots of brands of Greek yogurt made with full fat milk. If your son doesn’t eat, a frozen fruit smoothie with a little vanilla ice cream or yogurt probably wouldn’t hurt him. My son is particularly fond of frozen mango, pineapple, strawberry and banana or even raspberries and peaches. This would ensure he was receiving adequate protein and fat, which is necessary for brain development with the added fiber and vitamins from the fruit.

I hope this helps you and doesn’t confuse you more.

My son is 7yrs old and also on Vyvanse. The concerns you have are my on going battle.  I have also weighed out pro’s and con’s of no meds or meds do to being picked on for size, but I think as a parent, being picked on for size would be much better then being picked on for then stuttering(word repetition) constant moving, uncontrolled actions. Those I believe would never be let go by other kids and repeated.  There are so many things I have found for my son,  its worth a try if there new for you at least on the really bad non eating days.  Website is Protica, they have a weight Gainer 3oz drink its 500 calories, its thick and tastes like cherry jello but my son can get it down with a straw.  On the same website are Protein Twists, the are 1oz cups 15 grams of protein and 1 serving of fruit, they are like a little jello cube. (fruit punch is pretty good)  Saving the best for last is Hershey chocolate Milk (Milk Shake) 12oz 330 cals, 13 grams of protein and my son loves them.  And Lil Critters Gummies have a fruit and Veggie replacement.  All approved by my sons nutritionist.  Hope it helps and maybe you will get a couple oz’s from them!!!  ( sorry I dont wish for pounds, I would be happy with ounces)

I share these concerns. There is simply no way I would give my son Vyvanse, Adderall, or Ritalin. Why? Well, there is no exit strategy with these medications, there has never been one. So, when I was given Ritalin at age 6, the experts at the time and my doctor thought I would grow out of it. Guess what? It did not happen. My adhd is peaking now at my late age. My heart, after so may years of amphetamine prescriptions, cannot bear more of the same. More importantly, my brain cannot as well.

My cardiiologist/friend Dr. Piracha explains it this way. The effects of these medications on the heart are cumulative, much like the effects on the knees, spine, etc.

I have found a natural remedy, I like it over synaptic, etc. It is called Addieup, it is very gentle but it works. I hear they are introducing a child’s formula, this has Yerba Mate and nootropics. I like it so much. I still have my adderall prescription but it makes my heart pound out of my chest and I get increased anxiety and i get the zombie effect.

Back to Vyvanse, I give it a 3 out of 10 and that is being generous

My 9 y/o son has been on Vyvanse for about 3 yrs. I think.  He’s at 50 mg. now.  It works great for him, but he needs something that will get him through the evening and morning routines.  We tried Intuniv for a little over a month, but it made him super enraged and gave him horrible nightmares. :( 

Vyvanse will affect growth.  I don’t like to take breaks, because it upsets our whole house and makes us all miserable, but we try to take a break for a few weeks in the summer.  He definitely catches up in appetite and growth when he takes breaks.  He grew about 2” nad 4lbs. last summer, and we lastest about 2.5-3wks. off meds.

The growth suppression does affect him emotional.  He’s upset that his 7 y/o brother is 2 lbs. lighter and a couple inches shorter than him.  Sometimes he doesn’t want to take his meds because of this, but he understands he needs it.