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Lisdexamfetamine vs. Focalin

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.

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

ADHD

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

Binge eating disorder

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

• 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

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.

• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

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%)

• 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