Key takeaways:
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription medication that treats ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) in adults and children. It also treats binge eating disorder in adults.
Generic Vyvanse, lisdexamfetamine, was FDA approved in 2023. But as of December 2025, generic Vyvanse is part of a drug shortage that includes several ADHD medications.
If you can’t find generic Vyvanse, talk to your pharmacist and prescriber. They can update you on the status of the drug shortage and offer alternatives if necessary.
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Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is an oral medication that treats ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) in adults and children. It also treats binge eating disorder in adults. Vyvanse is a long-acting medication, so you need to take it only once a day. This makes it a convenient option for many people.
For 16 years, Vyvanse was available only as a brand-name medication. But in August 2023, generic Vyvanse — lisdexamfetamine — entered the market. Below, we cover five things to know about generic versions of Vyvanse, including how they came to be and their availability.
1. Generic Vyvanse was approved in 2023
Generic Vyvanse was approved in 2023. Until then, only one company (Takeda Pharmaceuticals) made Vyvanse. Now several manufacturers are producing generic Vyvanse, including:
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
Hikma Pharmaceuticals
Mylan Pharmaceuticals
Actavis Pharmaceuticals
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2. For a long time, special rules protected brand-name Vyvanse from becoming a generic product
Vyvanse was FDA approved in 2007 for ADHD. It was approved for binge eating disorder in 2015. But it wasn’t until 2023 — 16 years after its initial approval — that generic Vyvanse was approved. The reasons for this delay were largely because of:
Patents: Takeda Pharmaceuticals had patents for brand-name Vyvanse. Generic versions can’t be made until the patents on the brand-name medication expire. And drug companies can have several patents for one medication. These patents can cover everything from how a medication is made to how it’s used.
Market exclusivity: Takeda also had market exclusivity of Vyvanse. Market exclusivity refers to a period of time in which other companies can’t make a generic version of a medication. Market exclusivity is granted by the FDA.
Takeda’s market exclusivity expired in 2012. But because its patents didn’t expire until 2023, generic versions of Vyvanse couldn’t be made until then.
3. Generic Vyvanse works as well as brand-name Vyvanse
Manufacturers of generic Vyvanse are required to prove that their medications work the same way as brand-name Vyvanse. This means they have the same active ingredient, effectiveness, and safety. But they may look different and contain different inactive ingredients.
The major difference between generic and brand-name Vyvanse is that generic versions cost significantly less.
4. Generic Vyvanse is available in two oral forms
Generic and brand-name Vyvanse are available in two oral forms: capsules and chewable tablets. You should take Vyvanse once daily in the morning, no matter which dosage form you’re taking.
You can swallow the capsules whole or sprinkle their contents into a small amount of yogurt, orange juice, or water. You should chew the chewable tablets completely before swallowing.
5. As of November 2025, generic Vyvanse is in shortage
As of November 2025, generic Vyvanse is one of several ADHD medications that’s still in short supply. This is what’s known as a drug shortage.
The generic Vyvanse shortage likely has two main causes:
DEA restrictions: The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sets restrictions on the production of certain controlled substances to help control illegal sales of these medications. Generic Vyvanse manufacturers claim they aren’t able to produce as much of the medication as they’d like because of these restrictions.
Other ADHD medication shortages: Shortages of other ADHD medications, such as Adderall (amphetamine mixed salts), have increased demand for generic Vyvanse. This also affects the manufacturers’ ability to make enough medication to keep up.
What should you do if you’re affected by the generic Vyvanse shortage?
If you have been affected by the generic Vyvanse shortage, talk with your prescriber and pharmacist. A pharmacist can tell you whether generic Vyvanse is in stock at your pharmacy. If it isn’t, your prescriber may be able to recommend an alternative medication. They may also recommend brand-name Vyvanse (which isn’t in short supply as of December 2025).
But brand-name Vyvanse may be more expensive. Even if you have health insurance, your plan will likely have better coverage for generic Vyvanse. Some insurance plans may make an exception due to the shortage. Contact your insurance provider to discuss your options.
Frequently asked questions
Natural supplements such as zinc, probiotics, and omega fatty acids may help improve some ADHD symptoms. But they’re unlikely to be as effective as prescription treatments, such as Vyvanse. Other holistic treatments to consider include acupuncture, meditation, and certain diets. But keep in mind that it’s still best to talk to a healthcare professional before trying ADHD treatments on your own.
Vyvanse and Adderall are both considered first-choice treatment options for ADHD in adults. They both come in once-daily dosage forms. And they both have dosage options for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Vyvanse may last slightly longer than Adderall XR (the once-daily form of Adderall). But both medications are considered similarly effective for ADHD. The choice is often based on your insurance coverage and your personal response.
Yes, Vyvanse and all medications have an expiration date. The expiration date is required to be on the label when you receive Vyvanse from your pharmacy. You shouldn’t take Vyvanse after this date. The safety and effectiveness of your medication can’t be guaranteed after the expiration date.
Natural supplements such as zinc, probiotics, and omega fatty acids may help improve some ADHD symptoms. But they’re unlikely to be as effective as prescription treatments, such as Vyvanse. Other holistic treatments to consider include acupuncture, meditation, and certain diets. But keep in mind that it’s still best to talk to a healthcare professional before trying ADHD treatments on your own.
Vyvanse and Adderall are both considered first-choice treatment options for ADHD in adults. They both come in once-daily dosage forms. And they both have dosage options for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Vyvanse may last slightly longer than Adderall XR (the once-daily form of Adderall). But both medications are considered similarly effective for ADHD. The choice is often based on your insurance coverage and your personal response.
Yes, Vyvanse and all medications have an expiration date. The expiration date is required to be on the label when you receive Vyvanse from your pharmacy. You shouldn’t take Vyvanse after this date. The safety and effectiveness of your medication can’t be guaranteed after the expiration date.
The bottom line
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is an oral medication that treats ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) in adults and children. It also treats binge eating disorder in adults. Generic Vyvanse, lisdexamfetamine, was FDA approved in August 2023. It’s just as effective as brand-name Vyvanse. But as of November 2025, generic Vyvanse remains in shortage.
If you’re having trouble finding generic Vyvanse, ask your prescriber about switching to the brand name, which is available. You can also ask about Vyvanse alternatives.
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References
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