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recently diagnosed and medicated with ADHD

My eight year old little girl was just diagnosed with ADHD. They recently put her on 20mg. Vyvanse. I was wondering after observing her first day with it, when should I see improvement in behavior? When does meds kick in if I give them to her at 7:20am? How long will it last throughout the day? And what to expect (give me everything that you may know about this, this is my first time dealing with something like this. Thanks.  
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
       There is not a lot that a young child can do to deal with the effects of ADHD.  However, an adult, has many strategies to help cope with ADHD.  Unfortunately, school really demands attention, and while there are fidgeting techniques, exercise techniques, study techniques that can help.  You are in an environment that is very difficult to cope with - without the added help of meds.   Hopefully, you do know about the study techniques, etc. that can help.  If not, I will be glad to provide that info to you.
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Avatar universal
Please PLEASE reconsider medicating your child, and instead consider other alternatives.  My mother put me on medications as a very young child.  I am now an adult in college taking medications at maximum dosages.  
My achievements in school have been great, but every day I wish that my mother would not have chosen an alternative to treating my ADHD because I hate how dependent my body, mild, consciousness, and success are on the medications.  
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Avatar universal
From personal experience with myself...ig takes time for a little body to adjust
At first with vyvance. ..the headaches had to be tolerated. ..until my system grew a tolerance...as well as the positive spects of meds...I hope the child will make it through those adjusting days.
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
      The medication should make a difference, but it can take some trial an error to get it right.   However, the meds are only part of the answer.  There is a lot that you can do for her both at home and at school too.
      A good starting place would be to buy  "The ADD/ ADHD Answer book," by Susan Ashley.   Its about $10 on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/The-ADD-ADHD-Answer-Book/dp/140220549X#.
       It has a great section on 504 plans at school and what to ask for.
     Also make sure her teacher knows what is going on and ask if there are things she does for other kids who have ADHD during testing.  And I can send you specific ideas if needed.
   One example is this link I recently found.  It is on fidgeting and can be really helpful.  http://www.additudemag.com/slideshow/63/slide-1.html
    How is she doing on homework?  I have some tips on that too.
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Avatar universal
Don't ignore ADD symptoms otherwise it is carried in adulthood. One should consult a doctor and with correct treatment, ADD is cured and your child will reach to his potential in life.
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for replying!! Her doctor said to make follow up appt. In month, but if I become worried about anything abnormal not to hesitate to stop treatment and contact him. The only piece of information he gave me was make sure I give it to her first thing in am and make sure she eats breakfast. He didn't tell me anything else. See, I'm worried this is my first experience with this and new meds scare me with children. I hope it will work as well as others say it will and help her out in a positive way. This year is the hardest year for school that I had with her so far. She is in 3rd grade and it takes an especially large amount of time for her to get assignments done. Some times on tests there will be alot that aren't answered and marked wrong. So, I feel like I had no other choice and that her learning depends on the medication, and not to mention her safety.
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
      Thank you for taking the time and effort to post.  I am always amazed at the parents who don't bother finding out about the meds their child is taking.  I am also a bit saddened that your doctor has not given you the info I will be sharing.  Makes me wonder if your doctor has also taken the time to give you other ways to help her at school and home - or just prescribed the med and said call me in a month?   Anyway,
     The onset of V is 30 to 45 minutes and it will last 8 to 12 hours.  Longest time will occur with a high protein breakfast.  20 is the smallest dose possible and any doctor should start you out with the smallest dose and wait to see how it is going before stepping it up.  V when it works has great reviews because it is smoother and lasts longer then all the other meds.   You should notice a difference almost immediately.   Do be aware that lack of sleep will make her condition worse.   Definitely talk with her teacher to see if she notices anything.   After 3 or 4 days, there should be a noticeable difference.  How long did your doc tell you to wait until you reported back on how your child was doing?
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