Skip to main content

Compare
Lisdexamfetamine vs. Dexmethylphenidate

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

Vyvanse

(lisdexamfetamine)

Get free coupons

Focalin

(dexmethylphenidate)

Get free coupons

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

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

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

Price Card Drug Icon
Lisdexamfetamine30 capsules / 30mg
$67.98$389.23
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Dexmethylphenidate30 tablets / 10mg
$21.83$80.96
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other ADHD drugs

Lisdexamfetamine vs. AdderallLisdexamfetamine vs. Adderall-xrLisdexamfetamine vs. AtomoxetineLisdexamfetamine vs. ConcertaLisdexamfetamine vs. Dexedrine
Lisdexamfetamine vs. DexmethylphenidateLisdexamfetamine vs. DextroamphetamineLisdexamfetamine vs. FocalinLisdexamfetamine vs. MethylphenidateLisdexamfetamine vs. ModafinilLisdexamfetamine vs. RitalinAdderall vs. ConcertaAdderall-xr vs. AdderallAtomoxetine vs. WellbutrinAzstarys vs. ConcertaConcerta vs. Adderall-xrConcerta vs. RitalinDexedrine vs. AdderallDextroamphetamine-er vs. Adderall-xrDyanavel-xr vs. Adderall-xrEvekeo vs. ConcertaFocalin vs. ConcertaFocalin vs. DexedrineFocalin-xr vs. Adderall-xrIntuniv vs. ConcertaKapvay vs. DexedrineStrattera vs. Adderall-xrStrattera vs. ConcertaVyvanse vs. Adderall-xrVyvanse vs. Concerta

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.