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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)

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Dextroamphetamine

 

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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 Dexedrine

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 for Dexedrine

  • Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Narcolepsy (extreme daytime sleepiness)

Pros and Cons for Dexedrine

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 for Dexedrine

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

Warnings for Dexedrine

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Lisdexamfetamine30 capsules / 30mg
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Dextroamphetamine60 tablets / 10mg
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