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Compare Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

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

Key takeaways

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv) are both used to treat ADHD, but they have some key differences. Vyvanse is a stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older, but can also treat binge eating disorder in adults. Vyvanse works quickly, often within a couple of hours, but can cause side effects like difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite. It’s also a controlled substance, which means it has a high risk of misuse and dependency. On the other hand, guanfacine ER is a non-stimulant and not a controlled substance, making it a safer option for those concerned about dependency. Additionally, guanfacine ER is only approved for children and adolescents and can take several weeks to start working. Common side effects of guanfacine ER include sleepiness and tiredness. Both medications are taken once a day and available as a lower-cost generics.

  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
    Guanfacine er (Intuniv)
  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
    Guanfacine er (Intuniv)

  • Summary of Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    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 Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids ages 6 to 17 years old. Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) isn't a controlled substance and can be an alternative to stimulant-based ADHD medications. Keep in mind that only the extended-release (ER) version of guanfacine, under the brand name Intuniv ER, is approved to treat ADHD. It's taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of guanfacine ER (Intuniv) include sleepiness and tiredness. Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) is available as a lower-cost generic medication.

  • Indications of Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    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)

  • Pros and Cons of Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    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 Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Not a stimulant, so doesn't have same side effects typically linked to stimulants
    •Can be taken alone or with other medications for ADHD
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Only taken once daily
    •Not a controlled substance since there's no concern for abuse and dependence
    Cons
    •Might take several weeks to start working
    •Not a long-term medication for ADHD
    •Commonly causes sleepiness and tiredness
    •Not approved for adults with ADHD
    •Might not work as well for older children (13 to 17 years old)

  • Common Side Effects of Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    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
    •Sleepiness (38%)
    •Tiredness (14%)
    •Low blood pressure (7%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Lack of energy (6%)
    •Dizziness (6%)

  • Warnings of Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    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
    •Low blood pressure or heart rate
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Rebound high blood pressure
    •Heart problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    Learn more about Vyvanse
    Learn more about Guanfacine er

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