I think those are really good questions for your doctor--about addiction potential of Vyvanse. In particular, ask your doc how Vyvanse differs from Ritalin and Adderall.

I take Vyvanse. It is not supposed to be as susceptible to abuse as the Adderall and Ritalin because it is metabolized quite slowly and doesn't give that jolt and buzz that people who abuse stimulants like. Vyvanse comes on slowly and steadily because of the way it is metabolized. It is present as a pre-drug that must make its way to the gut, where it is metabolized to the active drug that is a stimulant. This makes it unappealing for resale as a street drug.

So even though it is not appealing for abuse, I'm not sure if you can get addicted or not.

I have taken it for about 6 months now and seen tremendous benefit. I am not addicted. I recently took about 2-3 weeks off of Vyvanse during vacation and noticed no withdrawal effects that would be common if I were addicted (such as cravings, headaches, etc.). Furthermore, I have not needed an increasing dose over the 6 months to achieve the same effect. This is called "tolerance" and can develop as part of addiction.

So my experience has been good--no addiction. But I'm an adult and just one data point. And I have no addiction history with other substances. Please ask your doc about Vyvanse in particular, not just all stimulant drugs. Every drug is different.

I take 30 mg Vyvanse a day (lasts all day!). One concern I would have with a 6 year old boy would be is there a low enough dose available for his body weight? I think the lowest dose of Vyvanse available is 20 mg.

I would also ask if Vyvanse is commonly used in pediatric patients of your son's age.

Good luck. I am glad your son is having such good results.