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Compare Vyvanse vs. Dexedrine

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

Key takeaways

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) are both stimulant medications. Both are FDA approved to treat ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Vyvanse is also approved to treat binge eating disorder, and Dexedrine is approved to treat narcolepsy. Both are controlled substances, and can lead to dependence and misuse. Taking them only as prescribed can help decrease these risks. Both are available as a lower-cost generic. Vyvanse is an extended-release medication that’s taken once a day usually. But dexedrine is short-acting and may be taken 1 to 2 times a day. However, an extended-release capsule is available as Dexedrine Spansule as well.

  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
    Dextroamphetamine
  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
    Dextroamphetamine

  • Summary of Vyvanse vs. Dexedrine

    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

    Dextroamphetamine is used for the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also be used to treat uncontrollable daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy). Some side effects of the medication include difficulty sleeping, restlessness, and loss of appetite (that might lead to possible weight loss).

  • Indications of Vyvanse vs. Dexedrine

    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)
    •Narcolepsy (extreme daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Vyvanse vs. Dexedrine

    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
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules
    •Available as a liquid solution if you have difficulty swallowing pills
    •Tablets and solution are okay to use in children as young as 3 years old
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Can cause trouble sleeping if taken late in the day
    •Not the best option if you have heart problems

  • Common Side Effects of Vyvanse vs. Dexedrine

    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
    •Fast heartbeat
    •Loss of appetite
    •Stomach upset
    •Dry mouth
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Tremors
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Vyvanse vs. Dexedrine

    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
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart-related problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Vyvanse vs. Dexedrine

    Learn more about Vyvanse
    Learn more about Dextroamphetamine

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