UBCNews - Business - How to Help Teenagers With ADHD: Why Vyvanse Could Be The Pharmaceutical Answer

Episode Date: November 24, 2025

Welcome back, everyone! Today we're tackling something that's on a lot of parents' minds - helping teenagers manage ADHD, specifically looking at Vyvanse as a treatment option. Have you ever wondered if there's a medication that could really make a difference for your teen's focus and impulse control? Mission Prep City: San Juan Capistrano Address: 30310 Rancho Viejo Rd. Website: https://missionprephealthcare.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that's on a lot of parents' minds, helping teenagers manage ADHD, specifically looking at Vivance as a treatment option. Have you ever wondered if there's a medication that could really make a difference for your teens' focus and impulse control? It's definitely a question I get asked all the time. Vivance was initially approved by the FDA in 2007 for treating ADHD in children aged 6 to 12, and it's now used for teens and adults as well. What makes it interesting is how it works differently from other stimulants like Adderall.

Right. So what actually sets Vivance apart? Well, it's what we call a delayed release stimulant. Once your teen takes it, the medication activates gradually in the body. It typically lasts 10 to 14 hours, compared to Adderall XR, which generally lasts 8 to 12 hours. That slower release can mean a smoother experience. fewer of those energy spikes or crashes that some kids feel. Um-hum, that sounds helpful. So how does it actually work in the brain?

Vivance increases two key brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine helps with motivation and the brain's reward system, while norepinephrine acts more like a stimulant for attention and alertness. Together, they help teens think more clearly, stay focused, and manage their emotions better. Let's talk about the real benefits parents might see. What improvements can Vivance bring for concentration and focus? Parents often tell me their teens can finally stick with assignments longer. They're able to follow through more consistently, and school feels less overwhelming.

I remember one mom told me her son could actually sit through his homework without bouncing between five different things. She said it was like watching a fog lift. It doesn't make responsibilities disappear, but it clears some of that mental noise. And what about impulse control? That's a big challenge for a lot of teens with ADHD. Absolutely. Vivance can help teens slow down. Think before speaking, sit through class without constantly moving, or stay with one activity. There's more space between feeling something and reacting to it.

That increased self-control makes a huge difference for building routines and interacting with others in situations that usually feel frustrating. So it's really about giving them that pause button they need. Exactly. It gives them a moment to make better. choices instead of just reacting on impulse. Now, some teens with ADHD also struggle with anxiety. How does Vivance factor in there? That's nuanced. Studies actually suggest Vivance may reduce anxiety in some teens with ADHD. About one in three kids with ADHD also deal with anxiety. However, because it's a stimulant, it can sometimes worsen anxiety symptoms in others. The occurrence really varies among individuals. So it really depends on the

individual teen. Exactly. If anxiety increases after starting Vivance, parents should talk directly with their treatment team. It might just mean the medication isn't the right fit for that particular kid. That point about treatment team collaboration sets up our next piece, pairing medication with therapy, but first a quick word from our sponsor. At Mission Prep, we provide support and sustainable change for adolescents and families challenged

by teen mental health issues through adolescent mental health programs. We believe in treating the entire family system, allowing families to address their children's challenges in a safe, sustainable way. Our teen mental health treatment centers in California and Virginia are committed to preparing teens for life's challenges while giving families the fresh start they need. Learn more at mission prephealthcare.com. Hello from the other side.

picking up on treatment team collaboration, why is pairing medication with therapy so important for ADHD? Medication like Vivance can improve focus and impulse control, but therapy teaches teens the actual skills to manage their ADHD long term. It's like, um, the medication clears the path, but therapy gives them the map. They work best together. Makes sense. Now let's be real about side effects. What should parents watch for? Common ones include dry mouth, feeling jittery, dizziness, and, and irritability. Weight loss can happen too. Studies in adults show weight loss occurs in approximately 3 to 9 percent of those taking Vivance, with an average loss of about 2.8 to 4.3 pounds depending on the dose. It's important for teens to eat a solid breakfast before the medication

kicks in, and parents should monitor their weight to make sure growth isn't affected. Right, interesting. And sleep issues? Yes, insomnia and vivid dreams can happen. Since Vivance is a stimulant, taking it to too late in the day can make falling asleep harder. Most doctors recommend taking it early in the morning. If sleep problems persist, the treatment team might adjust timing or look into other options. What about dosage? Where do most teens start? The typical starting dose is 30 milligrams in the morning. The maximum daily dose is 70 milligrams, but not every teen needs that much. Doctors monitor closely during those early weeks to see how the body responds and adjust as needed. It's kind of like

Goldilocks, finding that dose that's just right. I like that comparison. What happens if a teen needs to stop taking Vivance? Stopping should always be done carefully. Quitting suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, irritability, or trouble focusing. Withdrawal symptoms typically develop around 24 to 36 hours after the last dose. Tapering the dose gradually gives the brain time to adjust safely. So to everyone listening, if your teen is on Vivance and your considering stopping, definitely work with your doctor on a plan. Do you agree, Dennis? Absolutely. The treatment team can guide families through that process with close support. Before we wrap up, what's one thing parents should keep in mind about Vivance and ADHD treatment?

V Vance can be a helpful tool, but it's not a magic fix. Finding the right dose takes time, and every teen responds differently. Research suggests that approximately 80% of children with ADHD have fewer symptoms after finding the correct stimulant medication and dosage. The key is staying patient and keeping communication open with the treatment team. I tell parents all the time this is a partnership, not a quick fix. That's really valuable insight. Thanks so much for breaking this down today. For everyone listening, remember that helping your teen manage ADHD is a process and understanding your options is the first step.