Vyvanse vs. Adderall: 6 Ways These ADHD Medications Compare

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects both adults and children. Many people living with the condition take stimulant medications to help manage symptoms. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Adderall (amphetamine salt combo) are two popular options.

But what’s the difference between these two ADHD medications? Is one better than the other? Below are six similarities and differences to keep in mind when comparing Vyvanse versus Adderall.

1. Vyvanse and Adderall contain different forms of amphetamines

Vyvanse and Adderall belong to the same medication class: central nervous system stimulants. What’s more, they both contain amphetamines. But their active ingredients are different.

Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine. This is a prodrug. That means your liver needs to break down the active ingredient before your body can use it. In the case of Vyvanse, your liver absorbs and then breaks down lisdexamfetamine into dextroamphetamine. The dextroamphetamine then works in your system to address symptoms.

Adderall contains a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. You may see this written as “mixed amphetamine salts” or “amphetamine salt combo” on prescription labels. The amphetamine and dextroamphetamine in Adderall aren’t prodrugs. They’re already in their active forms.

2. Vyvanse and Adderall work similarly for ADHD

Because Vyvanse and Adderall both contain amphetamines, they work similarly in your body.

Amphetamines help raise levels of chemical messengers in your brain, including norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine helps balance energy levels and sleep. Dopamine plays a role in motivation and memory. And in both cases, higher levels help improve attention and alertness.

3. Vyvanse and Adderall come in different dosage forms

Vyvanse and Adderall come in different dosage forms.

Vyvanse comes as oral capsules and chewable tablets. The chewable tablets may be easier to take if you have trouble swallowing pills. But if needed or preferred, the capsules can be opened, and their contents can be mixed with yogurt, water, or orange juice.

Regardless of which Vyvanse dosage form you take, it’s typical to only take 1 dose per day in the morning. Vyvanse is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

There are two versions of Adderall: immediate-release (Adderall IR) and extended-release (Adderall XR). Adderall IR comes as oral tablets that you may take once or twice daily. Adderall XR comes as oral capsules, and it’s typical to take 1 dose per day in the morning.

Similar to Vyvanse capsules, Adderall XR capsules can be opened, and their contents can be mixed with applesauce. Adderall IR tablets can be split if needed, but you shouldn’t crush or chew them.

Both versions of Adderall come as generic medications. But Adderall XR is also available as a brand-name medication.

Good to know: Lisdexamfetamine, Vyvanse’s active ingredient, is also available as an oral liquid solution. But this dosage form is sold under the brand name Arynta, not Vyvanse. There’s also another long-acting mixed amphetamine salts capsule on the market called Mydayis. This medication contains similar active ingredients to Adderall XR, but at different doses.

4. Vyvanse and Adderall have different FDA-approved uses

Vyvanse and Adderall are both FDA approved to treat ADHD in adults and children. But they’re recommended for slightly different age ranges. They also have unique FDA-approved uses beyond ADHD.

Vyvanse is FDA approved to treat ADHD in adults and children ages 6 and older. Vyvanse is also approved to treat binge eating disorder in adults. This is a condition where people have repeated, uncontrollable episodes of eating a large amount of food in a short period of time.

Adderall IR is approved to treat ADHD in adults and children ages 3 and older. It’s also approved to manage symptoms of narcolepsy in people ages 6 and older. Adderall XR is approved to treat ADHD in adults and children ages 6 and older. It has no other FDA-approved uses.

5. Vyvanse and Adderall last for different amounts of time in the body

Another difference between Vyvanse and Adderall is how long they last in your body.

Vyvanse is a long-acting medication. Its effects last for about 13 to 14 hours. This is why you only need to take 1 dose per day. Vyvanse may be a good option if you need symptom support throughout the afternoon and evening.

Adderall XR is also a long-acting medication. One dose lasts for about 12 hours. Similar to Vyvanse, you should only need to take it once a day. And it can also be a good option if you need continuous support during the afternoon and evening.

Adderall IR is a fast-acting medication. So it starts working a bit quicker than Vyvanse and Adderall XR. But it starts wearing off about 4 to 6 hours after it’s taken. Because of this, you may need to take it twice a day.

Adderall IR could be a better option than Vyvanse or Adderall XR if you primarily need symptom relief for shorter periods of time. It could also be beneficial if you find extended-release formulations cause lingering side effects.

6. Vyvanse and Adderall have similar side effects

Vyvanse and Adderall share many side effects. But it’s possible you may tolerate one better than the other. Keep in mind that side effects should wear off sooner if you’re taking Adderall IR, since the medication leaves your body quicker than Vyvanse or Adderall XR.

The table below shows common and rare side effects that Vyvanse and Adderall can both cause. It also highlights some of each medication’s unique side effects.

Can you take Vyvanse and Adderall together?

No, you shouldn’t take Vyvanse and Adderall together. Because they’re both stimulants, they work in similar ways and interact with each other. Combining them can raise your risk of side effects, including serious side effects such as dangerously high blood pressure.

If you feel like one medication isn’t working well enough to manage your ADHD symptoms, tell your prescriber. They may suggest a dosage or medication change. They may also suggest adding or switching to a nonstimulant ADHD medication, such as Qelbree (viloxazine).

How to save on Vyvanse or Adderall

There are many ways to save on Vyvanse, Adderall IR, and Adderall XR. All are available as generic medications. But you can also find Vyvanse and Adderall XR as brand-name medications. GoodRx could help you save on the average retail price of the generic versions.

With a GoodRx discount, you could pay as low as:

• Lisdexamfetamine (generic Vyvanse) 30 mg (30 capsules): $67.85

• Amphetamine salt combo IR (generic Adderall IR) 20 mg (30 tablets): $16.99

• Amphetamine salt combo ER (generic Adderall XR) 20 mg (30 capsules): $20.43

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Written by:

Kevin Le, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS

Kevin Le, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS is a clinical pharmacy specialist in solid organ transplant at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. He has been working as a pediatric pharmacist since 2016.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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