Author: Charles Frank

Vyvanse vs Adderall for ADHD: How Are They Different?

With an active drug like Adderall, the ingredients amphetamine and dextroamphetamine directly increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. When the drugs are metabolized, they become inactive and are eliminated. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) are stimulant medications prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While they share some similarities, there are several differences between the two medications. The drug works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

General Health

There are some additional side effects that need to be considered. Men might experience erectile dysfunction (ED) when taking an amphetamine. Although you might feel embarrassed to talk about this with a healthcare provider, they will be able to work with you to help resolve this issue. Always take medications as directed by your healthcare provider. One of the most significant differences between Vyvanse and Adderall is that Vyvanse remains inactive until the body breaks it down in the bloodstream.

Forms and Dosages

When I take Vyvanse, my body turns into lisdexamfetamine and dextroamphetamine. Some do better with short-acting meds, while others prefer the all-day coverage of long-acting options. The two main types of stimulants for ADHD are amphetamines and methylphenidate. This article explains the differences between Vyvanse and Adderall, including how they are used and which are more effective (and why).

Vyvanse is not approved for use for children under the age of 6.
Doctors usually start patients on a low dose of Adderall and adjust as needed.
Wellbutrin, an antidepressant, is sometimes used off-label for ADHD.
Some adults take Vyvanse for moderate to severe binge eating disorder.

Non-Stimulant Medications

Vyvamind is designed to rapidly boost focus, alertness, motivation, and mental energy, making it your ideal solution for peak cognitive performance. I always remind patients that Adderall can be habit-forming. It should only be used under close medical supervision.

It now supplies lisdexamfetamine 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg capsules.15 Other generics are also available. Because Vyvanse and Adderall are similar medications in many ways, the choice really comes down to what works best for you. Both are effective for managing symptoms of ADHD, but it may take some trial and error to find the medication and dose that works best. Physicians usually prescribe a lower dose when you first start taking a medication and gradually increase it until they find the right therapeutic dose for you and your symptoms. Adderall XR was approved by the FDA in 2001 and may be prescribed for the treatment of ADHD in patients 6 years of age and older.

How effective are they?

Getting too much of a boost could make your symptoms worse. So choosing the right medicine at the right dose can be a matter of trial and error. Vyvanse, Adderall, and Adderall XR are all amphetamines that can be effective medications for the treatment of ADHD in children and adults. There are some differences in how they work and how long they stay in your system, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about all your choices, including other medications for ADHD. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

Vyvanse and Adderall FAQs

This longer-acting option is helpful for all-day symptom control. The slow release means Vyvanse can work for up to 14 hours. This long-acting formula is why many people only need to take it once a day. This is different from Adderall, which has multiple amphetamine salts.

Since Vyvanse and Adderall are both stimulant medications from the same drug family—they’re both amphetamines—they may be confused as being the same medication. Here are some basic facts about the two drugs to shed light on their similarities and differences. Immediate-release Adderall is a short-acting medication and has a higher potential for abuse. However, it is the only drug indicated in the treatment of ADHD in children under 6 years old. Another difference in Vyvanse versus Adderall is how often individuals need to take the medication.