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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, 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.

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

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

    Binge eating disorder

    •Dry mouth (36%)
    •Trouble 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
    •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
    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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