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.
