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Compare Guanfacine vs. Vyvanse

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

Key takeaways

Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are both medications that can be used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they belong to different medication classes. Guanfacine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist; its immediate-release form is used to treat high blood pressure, and its extended-release form (Intuniv) is approved for ADHD. Vyvanse, on the other hand, is a stimulant and is FDA-approved for ADHD and binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Guanfacine is typically taken once a day in the morning or evening, while Vyvanse is taken once a day in the morning. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic and a brand-name medication. Vyvanse is a controlled substance with a high risk of misuse and dependence. Common side effects of guanfacine include sleepiness and dizziness, while Vyvanse can cause difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite. Guanfacine can interact with medications that cause drowsiness, while Vyvanse has many potential drug interactions, including with medications that affect serotonin levels.

  • Guanfacine
    Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
  • Guanfacine
    Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

  • Summary of Guanfacine vs. Vyvanse

    Summary for Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Guanfacine is used to treat high blood pressure, but it's not a first-choice option. It's taken by mouth, typically once a day at nighttime. Common side effects of guanfacine include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Some medications, such as sleep medications or certain pain medications, can interact with guanfacine by worsening those side effects. The brand name Tenex is no longer available.

    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 Guanfacine vs. Vyvanse

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in people ages 12 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 Guanfacine vs. Vyvanse

    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Available in a lower-cost generic version
    •Taken once a day
    •Taken by mouth
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for treating high blood pressure
    •Stopping suddenly can lead to anxiety and nervousness
    •Can cause sleepiness and dizziness
    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 Guanfacine vs. Vyvanse

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (up to 54%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 39%)
    •Dizziness (up to 15%)
    •Constipation (up to 15%)
    •Headache (up to 13%)
    •Weakness (up to 10%)
    •Tiredness (up to 10%)
    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 Guanfacine vs. Vyvanse

    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness and dizziness
    •Nervousness and anxiety (from stopping guanfacine too suddenly)
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Guanfacine vs. Vyvanse

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