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Compare Adderall XR vs. Vyvanse

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Adderall xr
    Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
  • Adderall xr
    Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

  • Summary of Adderall XR vs. Vyvanse

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Adderall XR is the extended-release version of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salt combo. It's a stimulant used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older. It comes as a capsule that you take once a day in the morning. The prescriber can adjust the dosage depending on how well it helps you focus and if you have side effects that bother you. These side effects can include low appetite, stomach pain, and trouble sleeping. It's a controlled substance because of its high risk of misuse and dependency. Adderall XR is available as a brand-name medication and a generic.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, is a stimulant medication. It's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older. It can also treat binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) comes as capsules and chewable tablets. It's taken once per day in the morning. The dosage starts low and gets adjusted based on how you respond to the medication. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.

  • Indications of Adderall XR vs. Vyvanse

    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people ages 6 years and older
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older
    •Moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Adderall XR vs. Vyvanse

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for ADHD
    •Only taken once a day
    •Starts working within 45 minutes and lasts for up to 12 hours
    •Can open capsules and mix contents with applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills whole
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop the medication too suddenly
    •Not the best choice for people with heart conditions
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •A first-choice ADHD medication
    •Can help with ADHD for up to 14 hours with each dose
    •For binge eating disorder, can lower the number of binge-eating days per week by about one and a half days
    •Has a few options for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole (open the capsule or switch to chewable tablets)
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Might need to take gradually lower doses before stopping to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Not the best choice for people with heart conditions

  • Common Side Effects of Adderall XR vs. Vyvanse

    Common Side Effects for

    Children:

    •Low appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Stomach pain

    Adults:

    •Dry mouth
    •Low appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    •Feeling nervous
    •Weight loss
    Common Side Effects for

    ADHD

    •Lower appetite (27%)
    •Trouble sleeping (27%)
    •Dry mouth (26%)

    Binge eating disorder

    •Dry mouth (36%)
    •Trouble sleeping (20%)

  • Warnings of Adderall XR vs. Vyvanse

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of misuse and addiction
    •Risks to people with serious heart conditions
    •Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
    •Strange thoughts or behaviors
    •Slow growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Problems with blood flow in the arms and legs, including Raynaud's phenomenon
    •Serotonin syndrome
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of misuse and addiction
    •Risks to people with serious heart problems
    •Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
    •Strange thoughts or behavior
    •Slow growth in children
    •Problems with blood flow in the arms and legs, including Raynaud's phenomenon
    •Serotonin syndrome

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