Lisdexamfetamine vs. Adderall for ADHD: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Vyvanse

(lisdexamfetamine)

Adderall

Summary for Lisdexamfetamine

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 for Lisdexamfetamine

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

Pros and Cons for Lisdexamfetamine

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 for Lisdexamfetamine

ADHD

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

Binge eating disorder

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

Warnings for Lisdexamfetamine

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

Summary for Adderall

Prescription only

Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

Indications for Adderall

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

Pros and Cons for Adderall

Pros

First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
Starts working within an hour after taking
Available as a lower-cost generic
Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD

Cons

Has a risk of misuse and dependency
A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))

Common Side Effects for Adderall

Upset stomach
Lower appetite
Weight loss
Nervousness
Changes in mood
Trouble sleeping

Warnings for Adderall

Misuse and addiction
Dependence and withdrawal
Serious heart problems
Aggressive behavior and psychosis
Slowed growth in children
Seizures
Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
Serotonin syndrome
Drug interactions

Prices with our coupons for Lisdexamfetamine vs. Adderall

Lisdexamfetamine30 capsules / 30mg

$67.98$389.38

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Amphetamine Salt Combo30 tablets / 20mg

$16.99$47.51

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Lisdexamfetamine vs. Adderall

Vyvanse

Adderall

Summary for Lisdexamfetamine

Indications for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros and Cons for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lisdexamfetamine

Warnings for Lisdexamfetamine

Summary for Adderall

Indications for Adderall

Pros and Cons for Adderall

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Adderall

Warnings for Adderall

Prices with our coupons for Lisdexamfetamine vs. Adderall

Compare other ADHD drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Vyvanse

Adderall

Summary for Lisdexamfetamine

Indications for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros and Cons for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lisdexamfetamine

Warnings for Lisdexamfetamine

Summary for Adderall

Indications for Adderall

Pros and Cons for Adderall

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Adderall

Warnings for Adderall