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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 (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 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) - adults and children age 6 years and older
•Moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) - adults only
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 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 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

•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

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
•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
•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

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