From Ritalin to Qelbree: 7 Vyvanse Alternatives to Consider

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a popular medication for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But like many ADHD medications, it’s been affected by shortage issues in recent years. If you’re having trouble accessing your medication, it’s helpful to know about other options available for your condition. Here, we’ll look at seven Vyvanse alternatives to consider.

1. Adderall

Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) is a stimulant medication that works in a similar way to Vyvanse. It’s considered a first-choice treatment option for ADHD in adults.

Adderall comes in both immediate-release and extended-release (Adderall XR, Mydayis) formulas. It’s FDA approved for children age 3 and older (6 and older for Adderall XR and 13 and older for Mydayis).

For those who have trouble swallowing pills, Adderall tablets can be cut or crushed. And Adderall XR capsules can be opened and sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce.

Adderall side effects are also similar to Vyvanse, including decreased appetite, insomnia, and headache. It can also cause new or worsening heart problems and carries a risk for dependence and misuse. Talk to your prescriber if any side effects are a concern for you.

Like Vyvanse, both Adderall and Adderall XR are experiencing shortage issues due to increased demand. Don’t hesitate to let your provider know if you’re having trouble filling your prescription.

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2. Ritalin

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is another Vyvanse alternative to consider. It’s also a stimulant and considered a first-choice option for ADHD in children.

The active ingredient in Ritalin comes in many different dosage forms (as well as other brand names) including:

• Immediate-release tablets, chewable tablets, and oral solution

• Extended-release (ER) capsules (Adhansia XR,Metadate CD, Journey PM, Ritalin LA, Aptensio XR)

• ER tablets (Concerta, Metadate ER, Methylin ER, Ritalin SR)

• ER patch (Daytrana)

• ER chewable tablet (QuilliChew ER)

• ER orally disintegrating tablet (Contempla XR)

Ritalin is FDA approved for children age 6 and older. It’s worth noting that other forms of methylphenidate may be approved for different age groups. Your prescriber can help you find the best fit for your needs.

Common Ritalin side effects include decreased appetite, nausea, and headache. More rare side effects include heart problems and a risk for dependence and misuse.

Similar to Vyvanse and Adderall, Ritalin and other methylphenidate medications are also experiencing shortage issues. ER dosage forms seem to be affected more than immediate release forms at this time. But let your prescriber know if you're having trouble filling your prescription.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Understanding stimulant medications: Focalin is a stimulant medication. Learn more about how stimulants affect your body and brain and what conditions they’re prescribed to treat.

• Which type of ADHD do I have? There are three types of ADHD. Understanding which type you or your child have may help you manage symptoms.

• Nonstimulant options for ADHD: Stimulant medications, such as Focalin and Focalin XR, are first-choice options for treating ADHD. But these nonstimulant medications are better options in some cases.

3. Focalin

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is another Vyvanse alternative to consider. It comes as an immediate-release tablet and an ER capsule (Focalin XR).

Both forms of Focalin are approved for adults and children age 6 and older. Focalin XR capsules can be opened and sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce if you or your child have trouble swallowing pills.

Focalin side effects include heartburn, decreased appetite, and headache. You may also experience dry mouth and anxiety. As with other stimulants, it also carries a risk of heart problems as well as dependence and misuse.

4. Xelstrym patch

Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) is a patch that delivers medication through your skin. It’s approved for adults and children age 6 and older. This makes Xelstrym the only ADHD medication in a topical patch that’s approved for adults (Daytrana is only approved for children).

You’ll apply Xelstrym about 2 hours before you want it to start working. You can apply it in several different places, such as the hip, upper arm, and upper back. You should remove the patch within 9 hours of applying it.

Xelstrym side effects include skin irritation, decreased appetite, and nausea. Like other stimulants, it also carries a risk of heart problems and dependence or misuse.

5. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant Vyvanse alternative for ADHD. It’s approved for adults and children age 6 and older. Atomoxetine works by increasing levels of a chemical called norepinephrine in the brain. It comes in oral capsules that you can take once daily in the morning or in two divided doses.

Atomoxetine and other non-stimulant treatments aren’t as effective as stimulants for ADHD. They can also take longer to reach their full effect — typically about 4 to 8 weeks. But unlike Vyvanse, atomoxetine isn’t a controlled substance. So it may be a good option for people with a history of substance misuse or those who cannot tolerate stimulant side effects.

Common atomoxetine side effects include nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It’s also been linked to sudden death in people with heart problems, so be sure to let your prescriber know if this applies to you. Atomoxetine also carries an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

6. Qelbree

Qelbree (viloxazine) is another non-stimulant Vyvanse alternative. It’s approved for ADHD in adults and children age 6 and older. 

Qelbree and Strattera work in a similar way. But Qelbree seems to start working faster, have fewer side effects, and improve symptoms better than Strattera. You can also open Qelbree capsules and sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of applesauce or pudding. This is helpful for those who have trouble swallowing pills.

Qelbree isn’t a controlled substance, so it doesn’t carry a risk of dependence or misuse. But it doesn’t start working as quickly as Vyvanse. It can take a week or more for symptoms to improve.

Common Qelbree side effects include nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Like Strattera, Qelbree can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. It also carries an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

7. Alternatives for binge eating disorder

Vyvanse is the only medication that’s FDA approved to treat binge eating disorder. But if you’re having trouble filling your prescription, there are some Vyvanse alternatives that may help. The following medications are prescribed off-label for binge eating disorder:

• Topamax (topiramate)

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Celexa (citalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline)

• Zonegran (zonisamide)

• Nuvigil (armodafinil)

• Ritalin

• Strattera

Your prescriber can help determine the best Vyvanse alternative for you based on your personal history.

Can Wellbutrin replace Vyvanse for ADHD?

Possibly, but it isn’t considered an ideal choice.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant that’s approved for depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. It’s not approved to treat ADHD, but it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for this use in adults. Wellbutrin may be an option if you have depression along with ADHD, or if other ADHD medications haven’t worked well for you.

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Written by:

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Patricia has 16 years of pharmacist experience. She previously held positions as a community pharmacist, pharmacy manager, and hospital pharmacist.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS, is a clinical pharmacotherapy specialist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in New York City. His favorite part of the job is working with preterm newborns because they are strong and mighty despite their size.

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