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ADHD

19 min read

Vyvanse vs Adderall: which ADHD medication should I take?

Emily Mendez, M.S., Ed.S

Written by Emily Mendez, M.S., Ed.S

Published: Sep 5, 2024

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Zoe Russell

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Vyvanse vs Adderall: which ADHD medication should I take?
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Vyvanse and Adderall are 2 medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Both are stimulants and effective for treating ADHD. But when it comes to Vyvanse vs Adderall: is one better and which one is right for you? 

That depends. And in this article, we take a look at these 2 medications, so you can work with your provider to pick the best medications to help with your ADHD symptoms.

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Vyvanse vs Adderall: what they are and how they work for ADHD

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) are 2 prescription medications for ADHD. Both are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD in adults, teens, and children. Vyvanse and Adderall, along with any other prescribed medication, should only be taken under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider and only as prescribed. Neither drug should be taken outside of prescribed dosages or for non-medical purposes. 

Adderall and Vyvanse:

  • Are both amphetamines, stimulants that calm ADHD symptoms.
  • Work by increasing the release of chemicals in the brain that are involved in executive function and attention. So, they help you focus and pay attention better.  They also increase motivation and reduce hyperactivity. 
  • Are Schedule II controlled substances. This means that both have the potential for abuse. Adderall is more likely to be abused than Vyvanse. 

In spite of the similarities, these 2 medications aren’t the same. It’s important to understand the differences between Vyvanse vs Adderall so that you can talk to your provider to decide which one is right for you. 

“Most of my clients are on amphetamines, specifically Adderall due to cost and availability. Over half of the Adderall clients are on IR [immediate release]. Those on Adderall XR can handle extended-release without sleep deprivation. With Adderall XR, 50% is IR, the rest extended. It seems to lose effectiveness when the IR component has depleted.

Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC, a provider on Klarity

Differences between Vyvanse vs  Adderall

Vyvanse Adderall (immediate release)Adderall ER (extended-release)
Active ingredientLisdexamfetamineAmphetamine/
dextroamphetamine
Amphetamine/
dextroamphetamine
How long to start working1 to 2 hours Immediately Immediately 
DurationUp to 14 hours Up to 4 hours Up to 12 Hours 
Times taken per day Once 2–3 times Once 
Abuse potential Medium High High 
FDA approved 200719962002

The key differences between Adderall and Vyvanse are that Vyvanse stays active in your body longer than Adderall and Adderall XR. Vyvanse also has a lower abuse potential and may be a better choice for anyone with a history of substance abuse.

Vyvanse vs Adderall at a glance

Vyvanse Adderall 
Drug class Federally controlled Schedule II stimulant Federally controlled Schedule II stimulant 
Generic LisdexamfetamineAmphetamine/dextroamphetamine 
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine – extended release 
Forms available Extended-release oral capsule

Extended-release chewable tablet
Immediate-release tablet 

Extended-release capsule 
Dosages 10 mg
20 mg
30 mg
40 mg
50 mg
60 mg
70 mg (capsules only) 
Adderall 
5 mg
7.5 mg
10 mg
12.5 mg
15 mg
20 mg
30 mg

Adderall XR 
5 mg
10 mg
15 mg
20 mg
25 mg
30 mg
FDA approved to treatADHD 
Moderate to severe binge-eating disorder (BED) in adults 
ADHD
Narcolepsy (immediate-release only)
Cost Brand-name Vyvanse costs $1,370 for 100 capsules or chewable tablets*

Generic lisdexamfetamine) starts at $570 for 100 capsules or $1,186 for 100 chewable tablets*
Brand-name Adderall costs $1,138 for 100 capsules*

Brand-name Adderall XR costs $759 for 100 capsules*

Generic amphetamine/dextroamphetamine starts at $24 for 100 tablets*

Generic amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, extended-release starts at $52 for 100 capsules*

*Prices are from drugs.com and reflect the cost with its discount.

Adderall vs Vyvanse: what patients and healthcare providers say 

Overall, patients who take Adderall or Vyvanse have a good experience. And most online reviews are positive. Some users are unhappy, and report thinking that the drugs have changed since the shortage. According to one user on drugs.com, “Adderall worked great prior to 2020. Now, they are either taking out or substituting the ingredients as this drug is not as effective.” (Note: User reviews are subjective experiences and should not be relied upon as medical advice.)

In spite of some users’ concerns about the ingredients being different, Adderall has a 7.3 out of 10 rating on drugs.com. Sixty-five percent of users report a positive experience while 17% had a negative one. And users on WebMD gave Adderall a rating of 4.0 out of 5. 

Vyvanse has the same rating as Adderall — 7.3 out of 10 on drugs.com. Sixty-five percent of users also reported a positive experience. Fifteen percent had a negative experience. 

Vyvanse received a slightly lower rating than Adderall on WebMD. Users give it a 3.8 out of 5. Users felt its effectiveness was less compared to Adderall. 

Klarity provider Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, had this to say about Vyvanse and Adderall, “Most of my clients are on amphetamines, specifically Adderall due to cost and availability. Over half of the Adderall clients are on IR [immediate release]. Those on Adderall XR can handle extended-release without sleep deprivation. With Adderall XR, 50% is IR, the rest extended. It seems to lose effectiveness when the IR component has depleted.

Vyvanse is extended without the IR component. It may have fewer side effects but can impact sleep. Also, generic lisdexamfetamine is very scarce due to price and demand, and few people can afford Vyvanse out of pocket.”

Vyvanse or Adderall: what research says

Few studies have compared the effectiveness of Adderall vs Vyvanse. A study, published in the Journal of Central Nervous System Disease, found that people who took longer-acting stimulants like Vyvanse were more likely to be medication-compliant compared to those taking other ADHD medications. That’s because of the once-daily dosing, according to the study authors.  Otherwise, both drugs are similarly effective in treating all types of ADHD

A meta-analysis conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School looked at the effectiveness of standard-release Adderall for ADHD across 6 studies. This analysis found that Adderall is effective for hyperactivity, inattention, aggression, and impulsivity in children and adults. 

Vyvanse has also been shown to be effective for the treatment of ADHD. A review of several studies examined the effectiveness of Vyvanse compared to placebo for ADHD in adults 18 to 55. Participants who were taking Vyvanse had significant improvements in ADHD symptoms compared to placebo. 

Vyvanse vs Adderall side effects

Drugs like Adderall and Vyvanse do have side effects. Most of the time, these side effects are minor. They usually disappear as your body gets used to the medication. Yet, some people do have longer-lasting or more serious side effects. 

Common side effects of Vyvanse and Adderall

Below are some of the most common side effects for Adderall and Vyvanse in adults per the medication guide for each. This list doesn’t include all possible side effects.

Vyvanse Adderall and Adderall XR 
Most common
side effects 
Upper belly pain
Dizziness
Irritability
Nausea
Weight loss
Decreased appetite
Dry mouth
Trouble sleeping
Vomiting
Adderall
Stomachache
Decreased appetite
Nervousness

Adderall
XRDry mouth
Loss of appetite
Trouble sleeping
Headache
Weight loss
Nausea
Anxiety
Agitation
Dizziness
Fast heartbeat
Diarrhea
Weakness
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Vyvanse vs Adderall serious side effects, warnings, and drug interactions

When deciding between Vyvanse and Adderall, it’s important to be aware of serious side effects and warnings. 

Adderall and Vyvanse both have the risk of serious side effects. They can also interact with many different drugs and have a boxed warning for their abuse potential. However, most of these issues can be managed with careful evaluation and monitoring by your healthcare professional. 

Serious side effects 

Adderall and Vyvanse both can cause serious side effects. Using these drugs without medical supervision increases the risk of side effects. Here’s a side-by-side look at the serious side effects of both.  

Vyvanse Adderall and Adderall XR
Serious side effects 

Heart-related problems due to it being a stimulant medication
Mental/psychiatric problems
Slowing of growth (height and weight) in children
Seizures, mainly in patients with a history of seizures
Eyesight changes or blurred vision
New or worsening tics or worsening Tourette’s syndrome
Slowing of growth (height and weight) in children
Seizures, mainly in patients with a history of seizures
Circulatory problems in fingers and toes
Serotonin syndrome
New or worsening tics or worsening Tourette’s syndrome

If you have serious side effects, contact your medical provider immediately. If you have a medical emergency, go to the emergency room, or call 911. 

Boxed warning

Vyvanse and Adderall have an FDA-boxed warning for the risk of misuse and dependence. This is the strongest warning issued by the FDA. If you take these medications other than how prescribed, this increases the risk. Misusing these drugs can also lead to overdose and sudden death. 

Drug interactions 

Vyvanse and Adderall may have adverse effects when taken with other medications or substances. Drug interactions can also increase the risk of serious side effects. In some cases, drug interactions can decrease the effectiveness of your medications. 

Common drug interactions that can occur with both Vyvanse and Adderall include: 

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — taking a stimulant with an MAOI can cause a potentially fatal interaction. 
  • Ecstasy —Ecstasy is an illegal drug that people abuse for its effects. Taking it with Vyvanse or Adderall can lead to serotonin syndrome, which is a serious life-threatening condition that results from too much serotonin.  
  • Antidepressants — taking some antidepressants with Vyvanse or Adderall can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, including Prozac (Fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Pamelor (nortriptyline), and others.
  • Lithium —taking Lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder, with Vyvanse or Adderall increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. 

Contraindications

Certain health conditions and other factors might make it unsafe to take Adderall or Vyvanse. Talk to your doctor before taking Vyvanse or Adderall and consider another option if you’re:

  • Allergic to any of the ingredients 
  • Diagnosed with serious heart disease or heart rhythm problems
  • Have taken an MAOI within the last 14 days. 
  • Have a history of substance use disorder

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your provider if stimulant ADHD medications are right for you. Tell your medical provider right away if you experience fast heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, or blood pressure changes. This could be a sign of serotonin syndrome.   

Adderall vs Vyvanse: are there shortages

According to the FDA drug shortage database, there are currently shortages of many stimulant ADHD medications, including all forms of Vyvanse. It’s either unavailable or in short supply from most pharmaceutical companies. There’s also an Adderall shortage.

Key takeaway 

Both Vyvanse and Adderall are stimulants approved to treat ADHD. Both work on the central nervous system (CNS) and are effective for treating ADHD symptoms.  They also have similar positive user reviews on drugs.com and webmd.com.

Some differences between Adderall and Vyvanse include:

  • Adderall is available in 2 forms — immediate release and extended release. Although the immediate release form has been largely discontinued. Vyvanse is only available in extended-release form.
  • Both Adderall XR and Vyvanse are taken once a day, but Adderall XR has a somewhat shorter duration of action than Vyvanse. 
  • Adderall has a quicker onset of action compared to Vyvanse and is taken 2 to 3 times a day.

Get an ADHD diagnosis and/or prescription, if recommended, on Klarity

A healthcare provider can help you determine whether Vyvanse, Adderall, or another medication is right for you. Find a licensed provider on Klarity today and have an appointment to talk to an ADHD specialist in as little as 24 hours. 

*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage.  

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.

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All professional services are provided by independent private practices via the Klarity technology platform. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide any medical services.
If you’re having an emergency or in emotional distress, here are some resources for immediate help: Emergency: Call 911. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 988. Crisis Text Line: Text Home to 741-741
Fax:
(855) 975-3008

PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063

100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063

If you’re having an emergency or in emotional distress, here are some resources for immediate help: Emergency: Call 911. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 988. Crisis Text Line: Text Home to 741-741
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