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Adderall vs Vyvanse: Overview and Key Differences

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition in which an affected person has difficulty focusing, remaining still, and controlling their actions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 6 million children in the United States (nearly 10%) have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

There are several medications available for the treatment of ADHD, along with behavioral therapy, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. These treatments can lead to a significant improvement in the core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Today, we will compare two FDA-approved central nervous system stimulants—Adderall and Vyvanse. These stimulant medications are available in brand name, and generic versions are commonly prescribed to people with ADHD symptoms.

Definition and Purpose of Adderall

Adderall is the brand name for the generic medication called mixed dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is also available as a generic product. This medicine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children 3 years of age and older. 

Adderall is the immediate-release form of the drug. Other brand names for the dextroamphetamine and amphetamine combination are Adderall XR and Mydayis, which are extended-release capsules. 

Adderall XR is for adults and children 6 years of age and older. Mydayis is prescribed for adult ADHD to people 13 years of age and older. 

Adderall immediate release is taken 2-3 times a day, with or without food. The extended-release capsules (Adderall XR and Mydayis) are taken once a day in the morning, with or without food. 

Definition and Purpose of Vyvanse

Vyvanse is the brand name for the generic medication lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. It is used to treat ADHD in children 6 years of age and older. This medicine comes in the form of lisdexamfetamine capsules and chewable tablets. It is taken once a day by mouth in the morning, with or without food.

Key Differences Between Adderall and Vyvanse in Treating ADHD

Both Adderall and Vyvanse are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are effective forms of stimulant therapy. Each of these drugs is a prescription medication and a Schedule II federally controlled substance with a potential for abuse, especially in people with a history of substance abuse (drug or alcohol abuse). 

However, despite their similarities, there are some key differences between Adderall and Vyvanse. Understanding these differences can help you and your healthcare provider choose the best stimulant medication for you or your child. You should also talk to your doctor about other stimulant medications before making a decision.

Active Ingredients

The active ingredients in Adderall are dextroamphetamine saccharate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine aspartate, and amphetamine sulfate. The active ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.

Uses

Both Adderall and Vyvanse are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children. 

Additionally, Adderall is also used to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, which is characterized by excessive drowsiness and sudden attacks of falling asleep. Vyvanse is also used to treat binge eating disorders in adults. 

Risks

Both Adderall and Vyvanse and other drugs categorized as stimulants can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate. Discuss the benefits vs risks of stimulant therapy for ADHD with your provider if you have a history of high blood pressure, chest pain, heart disease, heart attack, blood flow problems, or renal disease (kidney disease).

Age Range

Adderall immediate release is approved for use in children 3 years of age and older. Vyvanse is approved for use in children 6 years of age and older. Vyvanse comes as a chewable tablet and may be a more convenient form of oral administration in children.

Dosage Forms

Adderall comes in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. Vyvanse is only available in an extended-release form. 

Duration of Action

Immediate-release Adderall (Adderall IR) has a duration of action of 4-6 hours and needs to be taken 2-3 times a day. Adderall XR is a once-daily dosing. Vyvanse is an extended-release capsule with a duration of action of 10-14 hours, so it only needs to be taken once a day.

Side Effects

Vyvanse is generally better tolerated than Adderall and tends to cause fewer severe side effects. 

Drug Interactions

Both Adderall and Vyvanse can have possible drug interactions with other medications, increasing the risk of serious, even life-threatening adverse effects. For example, taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) with these stimulant medications can have serious consequences. Therefore, the choice of stimulant medication (Adderall vs. Vyvanse) may depend on your other medications. 

Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications and nutritional supplements you take. Also, tell them if you use any street drugs. Your healthcare provider will prescribe Adderall vs. Vyvanse vs. other ADHD medications after taking into account any potential drug interaction with your other medications.

Potential for Drug Abuse

Both Adderall and Vyvanse are central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drugs that can be habit-forming. Adderall XR and Vyvanse, being long-acting CNS stimulants, have a lower potential for stimulant abuse compared to Adderall IR (immediate release). Additionally, Vyvanse is a prodrug that is converted into an active metabolite by enzymes in the body. Therefore, it can only be taken orally. On the other hand, immediate-release Adderall is short-acting and has additional methods of abuse, such as snorting and injection.

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Effectiveness in Treating ADHD

How Does Adderall Work?

Natural brain chemicals or neurotransmitters in the human brain called epinephrine and dopamine play a key role in attention and focus. Adderall contains amphetamine salts which block the reuptake (reabsorption) of these neurotransmitters from the synapse (the gap between neurons). This makes more of the neurotransmitters available, thereby increasing focus and attention in people with ADHD.

What Does Vyvanse Do To You?

Vyvanse and other stimulants increase the levels of neurotransmitters called norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This leads to an increase in attention span and makes it easier for people with ADHD to focus and remain still.

Clinical Evidence and Studies Comparing Their Effectiveness

There are no head-to-head trials directly comparing Adderall vs Vyvanse. Each person’s response to a medication is different, so you may find that Adderall or Vyvanse works better for you in controlling the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. 

Is Vyvanse A Better Option Than Adderall?

Vyvanse may be a better option than Adderall for some people due to factors such as a longer duration of action, a lower incidence of side effects, and a lower potential for abuse. 

Why Is Vyvanse So Much Better?

Many people prefer Vyvanse because:

• Vyvanse is generally better tolerated and has fewer severe side effects. 

• Vyvanse is long-acting, and you only need to take it once a day (Adderall IR requires 2-3 times a day dosing, but Adderall XR is a once-daily dosing).

• The onset and offset of Vyvanse are more gradual, resulting in a smoother up and down.

• Vyvanse does not have interactions with foods in general and is unaffected by diet. In contrast, foods that contain high amounts of citric acid (citrus fruits, fruit juices) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can decrease the absorption of Adderall and make it less effective. Foods such as sodium bicarbonate can alkalinize the gut and increase absorption of Adderall. 

• Vyvanse has a lower potential for abuse than Adderall. Snorting or injecting Vyvanse does not make the blood levels of the drug rise any faster compared to ingesting it, so it’s less likely to be abused. 

Side Effects of Adderall and Vyvanse

Common Side Effects of Adderall

Common side effects of Adderall include headache, dry mouth, nervousness, painful menstrual cramps, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

Common Side Effects of Vyvanse

Common side effects of Vyvanse capsules include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

Long-Term Side Effects and Risks

Both Adderall and Vyvanse carry a risk of serious, life-threatening health complications, including:

• Risk of misuse, abuse, and addiction.

• Risk of sudden death in patients with serious heart disease.

• Increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

• Worsening of preexisting psychosis and new psychotic symptoms or manic symptoms.

• Long-term growth suppression in children.

• Lowering of seizure threshold.

• Circulation problems, including Raynaud’s phenomenon.

• Serotonin syndrome (a serious condition that occurs due to too much serotonin in the body).

• Worsening Tourette’s syndrome or new motor and vocal tics.

Suitability and Cost

Factors Influencing Doctor's Prescription Choice

Your doctor or your child’s doctor will take into account several factors before recommending an ADHD medication to you, whether it is Adderall, Vyvanse, or other ADHD medications. 

Generally speaking, stimulants are more effective than non-stimulant medications for ADHD. Both Adderall and Vyvanse are stimulants. Also, extended-release formulations are preferred compared to immediate-release formulations due to improved adherence to treatment and a decreased risk of misuse.

Some of the factors your provider will consider before recommending an ADHD medicine include:

• Your age, other medical conditions, and other drugs.

• The time of day when you are most symptomatic.

• Your ability to swallow a tablet or capsule.

• Concerns about misuse, abuse, or diversion in you or members of your household. 

• Your preference. 

Find out how adults can manage ADHD without medication.

Cost Comparison of Adderall and Vyvanse

A 30-day supply of 20 mg Adderall XR capsules may cost between $183 and $239 with a BuzzRx coupon. The generic version (dextroamphetamine amphetamine) costs between $15 and $30 on average with a free BuzzRx discount coupon.

A 30-day supply of 10 mg Vyvanse may cost between $395 and $417 with a free BuzzRx discount coupon. The generic form (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) costs between $153 and $334 with a BuzzRx savings coupon.

Insurance Coverage and Availability

Generic Adderall is usually covered by insurance and Medicare prescription plans. Brand name Adderall may or may not be covered or it may be covered with a higher copay.

Insurance plans usually cover Vyvanse if you have prescription drug coverage and the stimulant is medically necessary. However, Medicare Part D plans may not cover Vyvanse, and your insurance company may require prior authorization to cover it. If the brand name Vyvanse is covered, you may have to pay a copay or coinsurance.

Dependency and Addiction Risks

Risk of Dependency for Adderall Users

Immediate-release Adderall has a high potential for misuse and abuse, which can lead to a substance use disorder and addiction. Misuse and abuse of Adderall also carries risks of overdose and death, especially at higher doses or methods of use, such as snorting or injecting the drug. On the other hand, extended-release Adderall is longer-acting. Therefore, it has a lower potential for abuse. 

Risk of Dependency for Vyvanse Users

Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance with a potential for misuse, abuse, and addiction. However, Vyvanse is less likely to be abused compared to Adderall because it is a prodrug and is long-acting. Injecting or snorting Vyvanse does not produce more rapid euphoric effects compared to ingesting the drug by mouth.

Find out: How Long Do Adderall Withdrawals Last?

Strategies for Mitigating Addiction Risks

Before prescribing Adderall or Vyvanse, your healthcare provider will assess your risk of misuse, abuse, and addiction based on your personal and family history of substance abuse. You should be aware of these risks and understand how to properly store the medication and dispose of any unused medication. Throughout your treatment for ADHD, your healthcare provider will frequently reassess the risk of abuse and monitor you for signs and symptoms of addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Closest Drug to Vyvanse? 

Concerta (methylphenidate) belongs to the same family of drugs as Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). Your healthcare provider can help you choose between Vyvanse vs. Concerta or some other stimulant medication. 

Is Dextroamphetamine The Same As Adderall?

Dextroamphetamine is not the same as Adderall. Adderall contains a mixture of two salts—dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Dextroamphetamine alone is available under the brand name Dexedrine.

How Does Vyvanse Make You Feel?

Vyvanse makes you feel more alert and focused if you have ADHD. Some people misuse stimulant medications for these effects. However, stimulant abuse can lead to serious health consequences, including withdrawal symptoms and sudden death.

Is Vyvanse Good For Anxiety?

Vyvanse is not an anti-anxiety medication. Notably, people with ADHD frequently have co-occurring mental health problems such as anxiety, complicating the diagnosis and treatment of both conditions. Additionally, some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD symptoms can cause worsening anxiety symptoms in people with anxiety disorders.  

If you have a mental illness such as anxiety, treatment-resistant depression, or bipolar disorder (alternating depressive and manic symptoms), talk to your mental health professional about appropriate treatment. For example, your doctor may prescribe an ADHD medication and recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage anxiety, which is an evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions.

Learn more: Can You Have ADHD and Bipolar Disorder?

How Much Weight Do You Lose on Vyvanse?

You can lose 0.9 pounds (lbs) to 4.8 lbs of weight with 4 weeks of treatment with Vyvanse. Clinical trials have shown that children aged 6-12 years who took Vyvanse for 4 weeks lost -0.9 lbs, -1.9 lbs, and -2.5 lbs on the 30 mg, 50 mg, and 70 mg doses, respectively. Higher doses led to more weight loss. In teenagers aged 13-17 years, Vyvanse therapy for 4 weeks resulted in weight loss of -2.7 lbs, -4.3 lbs, and -4.8 lbs on the 30 mg, 50 mg, and 70 mg doses of Vyvanse, respectively. In both cases, patients on placebo controls gained 1-2 lbs of weight. 

There are anecdotal reports of adults losing about 25 lbs in 7-8 months, going from 158 lbs to 133 lbs, but these are not scientifically proven. You should know that Vyvanse is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat obesity and can have possibly fatal adverse effects. However, it is sometimes used off-label to treat obesity in patients with coexisting binge eating disorder and ADHD.