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Compare Vyvanse vs. Kapvay

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

Key takeaways

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and clonidine ER (Kapvay) are both used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they work in different ways and belong to different medication classes. Vyvanse is a stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older, and it is also used to treat binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. In contrast, clonidine ER is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that works on certain receptors in the brain, though its exact mechanism for treating ADHD is not well understood. Vyvanse is a controlled substance with a high risk of misuse and dependency, while clonidine ER is not a controlled medication and has no potential for abuse. Vyvanse is available in both capsule and chewable tablet forms, whereas clonidine ER must be swallowed whole and is only available in an extended-release form. Vyvanse can cause side effects like difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite, while clonidine ER often leads to sedation and sleepiness. Additionally, Vyvanse is approved to treat ADHD in both children and adults, while clonidine ER is only approved for children aged 6 to 17.

  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
    Clonidine er (Kapvay)
  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
    Clonidine er (Kapvay)

  • Summary of Vyvanse vs. Kapvay

    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-2 adrenergic agonist
    Prescription only

    Extended-release clonidine (Kapvay) is an alpha-2 agonist. It's a non-stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. Clonidine ER (Kapvay) is taken by mouth, typically twice per day. Some of the more common side effects include sleepiness and headache. This medication rarely causes insomnia (trouble sleeping), and isn't known to cause weight gain. Brand name Kapvay has been discontinued; clonidine ER (Kapvay) is only available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Vyvanse vs. Kapvay

    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) in people ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Vyvanse vs. Kapvay

    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-2 adrenergic agonist
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •A non-stimulant option for ADHD
    •Can be taken by children ages 6 years and older
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for ADHD
    •Need to take twice daily
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly

  • Common Side Effects of Vyvanse vs. Kapvay

    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 (up to 38%)
    •Headache (up to 20%)
    •Fatigue (up to 16%)
    •Upper stomach pain (up to 15%)

  • Warnings of Vyvanse vs. Kapvay

    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
    •Blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm problems
    •Extreme sleepiness and dizziness
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Vyvanse vs. Kapvay

    Learn more about Vyvanse
    Learn more about Clonidine er

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