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

Vyvanse

(lisdexamfetamine)

Dextroamphetamine

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 Dextroamphetamine

Prescription only

Dextroamphetamine is used for the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also be used to treat uncontrollable daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy). Some side effects of the medication include difficulty sleeping, restlessness, and loss of appetite (that might lead to possible weight loss).

Indications for Dextroamphetamine

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

Pros and Cons for Dextroamphetamine

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules
Available as a liquid solution if you have difficulty swallowing pills
Tablets and solution are okay to use in children as young as 3 years old

Cons

Has a risk of misuse and dependency
A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
Can cause trouble sleeping if taken late in the day
Not the best option if you have heart problems

Common Side Effects for Dextroamphetamine

Fast heartbeat
Loss of appetite
Stomach upset
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Headache
Tremors
Trouble sleeping

Warnings for Dextroamphetamine

Misuse and dependence
Serious heart-related problems
Aggressive behavior and psychosis
Slowed growth in children
Seizures
Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
Serotonin syndrome
Interactions with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Lisdexamfetamine vs. Dextroamphetamine

Lisdexamfetamine30 capsules / 30mg

$67.98$389.38

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Dextroamphetamine30 tablets / 10mg

$26.58$86.76

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Lisdexamfetamine vs. Dextroamphetamine

Vyvanse

Dextroamphetamine

Summary for Lisdexamfetamine

Indications for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros and Cons for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lisdexamfetamine

Warnings for Lisdexamfetamine

Summary for Dextroamphetamine

Indications for Dextroamphetamine

Pros and Cons for Dextroamphetamine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dextroamphetamine

Warnings for Dextroamphetamine

Prices with our coupons for Lisdexamfetamine vs. Dextroamphetamine

Compare other ADHD drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Vyvanse

Dextroamphetamine

Summary for Lisdexamfetamine

Indications for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros and Cons for Lisdexamfetamine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lisdexamfetamine

Warnings for Lisdexamfetamine

Summary for Dextroamphetamine

Indications for Dextroamphetamine

Pros and Cons for Dextroamphetamine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dextroamphetamine

Warnings for Dextroamphetamine