Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Vyvanse vs. Ritalin

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

Key takeaways

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are both stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. Vyvanse is also FDA approved for binge-eating disorder and Ritalin is approved for narcolepsy. But they’re different types of stimulants: Vyvanse is an amphetamine and Ritalin is a methylphenidate. Vyvanse is a long-acting, or extended-release (ER), stimulant. Ritalin is a short-acting, or immediate-release amphetamine. Ritalin also comes in an ER version (Concerta, Ritalin LA). Vyvanse is taken once a day usually, while Ritalin may be taken 2 to 3 times a day. Vyvanse and Ritalin have similar side effects such as low appetite and headache. And they’re both controlled substances, which means they can lead to dependence and misuse. Taking them only as prescribed can help decrease these risks.

  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

  • Summary of Vyvanse vs. Ritalin

    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 Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness) in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It works by raising the levels of certain chemicals in your brain to keep you focused and awake. The dosage is typically 2 to 3 times per day because it's an immediate-release form of methylphenidate. Side effects of this medication include low appetite, nervousness, and trouble sleeping.

  • Indications of Vyvanse vs. Ritalin

    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)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Vyvanse vs. Ritalin

    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 Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice medication to treat ADHD in adults and children.
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available as an oral tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid
    Cons
    •Is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence
    •Shouldn't stop taking this medication suddenly without talking to your provider first because of greater risk for mood changes
    •Can negatively affect growth in children

  • Common Side Effects of Vyvanse vs. Ritalin

    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

    Side effects might differ depending on the formulation. In general:

    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Weight loss

  • Warnings of Vyvanse vs. Ritalin

    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
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart problems
    •Changes in behavior or thoughts
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Vyvanse vs. Ritalin

    Learn more about Vyvanse
    Learn more about Methylphenidate

Compare other ADHD drugs

Azstarys vs VyvanseEvekeo vs VyvanseFocalin vs VyvanseGuanfacine vs VyvanseNuvigil vs VyvanseQelbree vs VyvanseVyvanse vs AdderallVyvanse vs Adderall XrVyvanse vs ConcertaVyvanse vs DesoxynVyvanse vs DexedrineVyvanse vs IntunivVyvanse vs KapvayVyvanse vs RitalinVyvanse vs StratteraXelstrym vs VyvanseAdderall Xr vs AdderallAzstarys vs AdderallAzstarys vs ConcertaConcerta vs Adderall XrDexedrine vs AdderallDextroamphetamine Er vs Adderall XrDyanavel Xr vs Adderall XrFocalin vs DexedrineFocalin Xr vs Adderall XrGuanfacine vs AdderallKapvay vs DexedrineProvigil vs DexedrineRitalin vs DexedrineStrattera vs Adderall Xr
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.