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Compare Vyvanse vs. Desoxyn

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

Key takeaways

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Desoxyn (methamphetamine) are both stimulant medications used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Vyvanse is also approved for treating moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults, while Desoxyn is not. Vyvanse is a first-choice medication for ADHD and is commonly prescribed, whereas Desoxyn is rarely prescribed due to its higher risk of addiction and dependence. Vyvanse is available in both capsule and chewable tablet forms, while Desoxyn is only available as a tablet. Both medications can cause side effects like difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite, but Vyvanse is known to cause dry mouth and irritability more frequently. Additionally, both medications carry risks of serious heart problems, changes in behavior or thoughts, and serotonin syndrome. However, Vyvanse is considered safer for long-term use compared to Desoxyn, which has a higher potential for misuse and dependency.

  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
    Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
    Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)

  • Summary of Vyvanse vs. Desoxyn

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Vyvanse (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 Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is a stimulant medication. It's FDA-approved to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it's not commonly prescribed because other options are preferred. Some side effects of methamphetamine (Desoxyn) include restlessness, high blood pressure, and low appetite. Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is a controlled substance with a risk of addiction and dependence.

  • Indications of Vyvanse vs. Desoxyn

    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - adults and children age 6 years and older
    •Moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) - adults only
    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Vyvanse vs. Desoxyn

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •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 conditions
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •Possible option for ADHD when other medications haven't worked
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a generic medication
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet
    •Might need to take twice daily
    •Not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Vyvanse vs. Desoxyn

    Common Side Effects for

    ADHD

    •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
    •High blood pressure
    •Fast heartbeat
    •Tremors
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Diarrhea or constipation
    •Low appetite
    •Dry mouth
    •Weight loss

  • Warnings of Vyvanse vs. Desoxyn

    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 interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Addiction, misuse, and dependence
    •Serious heart problems
    •Changes in behavior or thoughts
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Worsening of motor and verbal tics

  • Prices with our coupons for Vyvanse vs. Desoxyn

    Learn more about Vyvanse
    Learn more about Methamphetamine

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