ADHD
20 min read
Written by Emily Mendez, M.S., Ed.S
Published: Sep 5, 2024
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Zoe Russell
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 (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:
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 Health
| Vyvanse | Adderall (immediate release) | Adderall ER (extended-release) | |
| Active ingredient | Lisdexamfetamine | Amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine | Amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine |
| How long to start working | 1 to 2 hours | Immediately | Immediately |
| Duration | Up 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 | 2007 | 1996 | 2002 |
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 | Adderall | |
| Drug class | Federally controlled Schedule II stimulant | Federally controlled Schedule II stimulant |
| Generic | Lisdexamfetamine | Amphetamine/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 treat | ADHD 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.
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 Health 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.”
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.
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.
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) |
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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:
A healthcare provider can help you determine whether Vyvanse, Adderall, or another medication is right for you. Find a licensed provider on Klarity Health today and have an appointment to talk to an ADHD specialist in as little as 24 hours.*
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. 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. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. 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. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
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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