Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Xelstrym vs. Vyvanse

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

Key takeaways

Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are both stimulant medications used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They work by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. However, they differ in several ways. Xelstrym is a transdermal patch applied to the skin, while Vyvanse is taken orally as a capsule or chewable tablet. Xelstrym is only approved for ADHD, whereas Vyvanse is also approved for treating moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Xelstrym is typically applied once daily and lasts up to 9 hours. Vyvanse is taken once daily in the morning and typically lasts throughout the day. Common side effects for both include difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite, but Vyvanse may also cause dry mouth and stomach pain. Both medications have a risk of misuse and dependency and are controlled substances.

  • Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine)
    Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
  • Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine)
    Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

  • Summary of Xelstrym vs. Vyvanse

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) is the second stimulant patch approved for the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It's placed on the skin 2 hours before you need the effects of the medication to start, and it's kept on for up to 9 hours to last throughout the day. This medication can commonly cause headache, trouble sleeping, and a loss of appetite. Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) is a controlled substance due to the risk of abuse and dependence.

    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.

  • Indications of Xelstrym vs. Vyvanse

    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older
    •Moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Xelstrym vs. Vyvanse

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •Can use in adults and children 6 years and older
    •Used once per day because it lasts a long time
    •An option to switch from taking stimulants by mouth to Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) patch – but with some dose adjustments
    •Can bathe, shower, or swim with the patch on
    Cons
    •Takes 2 hours to start working
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Not the best choice for pregnant or breastfeeding females or people with heart conditions
    •Might worsen tics or Tourette syndrome if you already have these problems
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Xelstrym vs. Vyvanse

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low appetite (12%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (8%)
    •Headache (6%)

    ^*Side effects were reported for children younger than 18 years old. Side effects might differ in adults.^

    Common Side Effects for

    ADHD

    •Lower appetite (27%)
    •Trouble sleeping (27%)
    •Dry mouth (26%)

    Binge eating disorder

    •Dry mouth (36%)
    •Trouble sleeping (20%)

  • Warnings of Xelstrym vs. Vyvanse

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abuse and dependence
    •Serious heart problems
    •Aggressive behavior and other changes in behavior
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Skin reactions and skin sensitivity
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Xelstrym vs. Vyvanse

    Learn more about Xelstrym
    Learn more about Vyvanse

Compare other ADHD drugs

Xelstrym vs AdderallXelstrym vs VyvanseAdderall vs ConcertaAdderall vs StratteraAdderall vs XanaxAdderall Xr vs AdderallArmodafinil vs AdderallAtivan vs AdderallAzstarys vs AdderallDaytrana vs AdderallDesoxyn vs AdderallDexedrine vs AdderallDextroamphetamine vs AdderallEvekeo vs AdderallFocalin vs AdderallGuanfacine vs AdderallIntuniv vs AdderallKapvay vs AdderallLexapro vs AdderallModafinil vs AdderallMydayis vs AdderallNamenda vs AdderallPhentermine vs AdderallProzac vs AdderallQelbree vs AdderallRitalin vs AdderallSunosi vs AdderallVyvanse vs AdderallWakix vs AdderallZenzedi vs Adderall
View More

Browse medications

View All

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