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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)

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Adderall

 

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Summary for Vyvanse

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 Vyvanse

Pros and Cons for Vyvanse

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 Vyvanse

ADHD

Binge eating disorder

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

Warnings for Vyvanse

  • 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 Adderall

Prescription only

Adderall 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 for Adderall

Pros and Cons for Adderall

Pros

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 available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))

Common Side Effects for Adderall

  • Upset stomach
  • Lower appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Nervousness
  • Changes in mood
  • Trouble sleeping

Warnings for Adderall

  • 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 interactions

Prices with our coupons for Vyvanse vs. Adderall

Price Card Drug Icon
Lisdexamfetamine30 capsules / 30mg
$67.96$389.37
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Amphetamine Salt Combo30 tablets / 20mg
$16.99$47.49
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