Compare Vyvanse vs. Adderall
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) are both stimulant medications used to treat ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Vyvanse is also FDA approved for binge-eating disorder and Adderall is approved for narcolepsy. They’re both part of a group of stimulants called amphetamines. Vyvanse is a long-acting, or extended-release (ER), stimulant. Adderall comes in an immediate-release (IR) and ER form (Adderall XR). Vyvanse and Adderall XR are taken once a day usually, while Adderall IR may be taken 2 to 3 times a day. Vyvanse and Adderall have similar side effects such as low appetite, headache, and trouble sleeping. Both medications are controlled substances, which means they can lead to dependence and misuse. Taking them only as prescribed can help decrease these risks.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Adderall
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)Adderall
Summary of Vyvanse vs. Adderall
Summary for StimulantPrescription onlyVyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is one of the first-choice medications used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also help treat binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is taken once per day and can start to work within a couple hours. But some common side effects include difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite. It's a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.
Summary for StimulantPrescription onlyAdderall 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 of Vyvanse vs. Adderall
Indications for•Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - adults and children age 6 years and older•Moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) - adults onlyIndications for•Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)Pros and Cons of Vyvanse vs. Adderall
Pros and Const for StimulantPros•A first-choice medication for ADHD•Works well for binge eating disorder•In children with ADHD, might start working within 1.5 hours and last for 13 hours•In adults with ADHD, might start working within 2 hours and last for 14 hours•If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can open the capsules and sprinkle contents onto certain foods, 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•Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms•Not the best choice for pregnant or breastfeeding females or people with heart conditionsPros and Const for StimulantPros•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 ADHDCons•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 of Vyvanse vs. Adderall
Common Side Effects forADHD
•Poor appetite (up to 39%)•Difficulty sleeping (up to 27%)•Dry mouth (26% in adults)•Stomach pain (12% in children younger than 12 years old)•Feeling irritable (10% in children younger than 12 years old)Binge eating disorder
•Dry mouth (36%)•Difficulty sleeping (20%)Common Side Effects for•Upset stomach•Lower appetite•Weight loss•Nervousness•Changes in mood•Trouble sleepingWarnings of Vyvanse vs. Adderall
Common Side Effects for•Misuse and dependence•Serious heart problems•Changes in behavior or thoughts•Slowed growth in children•Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)•Serotonin syndrome•Drug interactionsCommon Side Effects for•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 interactionsPrices with our coupons for Vyvanse vs. Adderall
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