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

Vyvanse

(lisdexamfetamine)

Focalin

(dexmethylphenidate)

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 Dexmethylphenidate

Prescription only

Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. It's thought to work by balancing certain chemicals in your brain to help you focus. This medication is available as an immediate-release tablet that you take twice per day and an extended-release capsule you take once per day. Side effects can include stomach upset and nervousness. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if it's suddenly stopped after long-term use. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is available as both a brand-name and lower-cost generic medication.

Indications for Dexmethylphenidate

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Pros and Cons for Dexmethylphenidate

Pros

Works well to treat ADHD in children and adults
Available as immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules for a more flexible dosing schedule
Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

A controlled substance because of the risk for misuse and dependency
Might cause trouble sleeping if you take too late in the day
Not the best option if you have heart problems
Not available as a liquid

Common Side Effects for Dexmethylphenidate

Immediate-release tablet Age 6 to 17 years:

Stomach pain (15%)
Nausea (9%)
Low appetite (6%)

Extended-release capsule Age 6 to 17 years:

Difficulty sleeping (up to 17%)
Vomiting (up to 9%)
Low appetite (up to 7%)

Age 17 to 60 years:

Headache (up to 39%)
Dry mouth (up to 20%)
Anxiety (up to 11%)
Indigestion (up to 9%)
Throat pain (up to 7%)

Warnings for Dexmethylphenidate

Misuse and dependence
Serious heart problems
Changes in behavior or thoughts
Prolonged and painful erection
Problems with blood circulation (Raynaud's phenomenon)
Slowed growth in children
Serotonin syndrome
Drug interactions

Prices with our coupons for Lisdexamfetamine vs. Dexmethylphenidate

Lisdexamfetamine30 capsules / 30mg

$67.98$389.38

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Dexmethylphenidate60 tablets / 10mg

$25.01$156.69

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Lisdexamfetamine vs. Dexmethylphenidate

Vyvanse

Focalin

Summary for Lisdexamfetamine

Indications for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros and Cons for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lisdexamfetamine

Warnings for Lisdexamfetamine

Summary for Dexmethylphenidate

Indications for Dexmethylphenidate

Pros and Cons for Dexmethylphenidate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dexmethylphenidate

Warnings for Dexmethylphenidate

Prices with our coupons for Lisdexamfetamine vs. Dexmethylphenidate

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Vyvanse

Focalin

Summary for Lisdexamfetamine

Indications for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros and Cons for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lisdexamfetamine

Warnings for Lisdexamfetamine

Summary for Dexmethylphenidate

Indications for Dexmethylphenidate

Pros and Cons for Dexmethylphenidate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dexmethylphenidate

Warnings for Dexmethylphenidate