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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)
    Intuniv (guanfacine ER)
  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
    Intuniv (guanfacine ER)

  • Summary of Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    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 Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Intuniv (guanfacine extended release) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids ages 6 to 17 years old. It's not a controlled substance and can be used instead of stimulant medications for ADHD. Intuniv (guanfacine ER) belongs to the drug class called alpha-2A agonists. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once a day, either in the morning or at bedtime. Common side effects include sleepiness and tiredness. Taking it in the evening might help with these side effects. Intuniv (guanfacine ER) comes as brand-name and generic versions.

  • Indications of Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    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 children ages 6 to 17 years

  • Pros and Cons of Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    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 Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •A non-stimulant medication for ADHD
    •Can take alone or with other ADHD medications
    •Only taken once a day, either in the morning or at night
    •Not a controlled substance
    Cons
    •Can make you feel sleepy or tired
    •Might take a few weeks to start working
    •Might not work as well for teens between 13 and 17 years old
    •Not approved for adults with ADHD

  • Common Side Effects of Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    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
    •Sleepiness (38%)
    •Headache (23%)
    •Tiredness (14%)
    •Stomach pain (11%)
    •Low blood pressure (7%)
    •Low energy (6%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Low appetite (6%)
    •Feeling irritable (6%)

  • Warnings of Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    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
    •Low blood pressure and low heart rate
    •Sleepiness
    •Irregular heartbeat
    •Rebound high blood pressure and other symptoms after stopping

  • Prices with our coupons for Vyvanse vs. Intuniv

    Learn more about Vyvanse
    Learn more about Intuniv

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