Vyvanse vs. Adderall: Similarities and Differences

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.

For example, the effects of Vyvanse generally last longer than those of Adderall since Vyvanse has a slower absorption rate. Adderall also has a higher potential to be misused than Vyvanse. Keep reading to learn more about their similarities and differences, as well as how to decide which is right for you.

Vyvanse vs. Adderall: Key Facts

Vyvanse and Adderall are both drugs that work by acting on the central nervous system, which boosts the availability of neurotransmitters in the brain. With increased amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine, it is easier for people with ADHD to pay attention and focus. In addition, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior are reduced.

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.

Adderall

Adderall is a brand name for a drug that contains dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is available in two formulas: Adderall IR (immediate-release) and Adderall XR (extended-release) capsules.

Adderall IR is short-acting and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Typically, when a person is prescribed this immediate-release version, they take it two or three times a day, or every 4 to 6 hours.

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. Unlike Adderall IR, Adderall XR is taken once per day, typically in the morning.

Vyvanse

Vyvanse is a brand name for a drug that contains lisdexamfetamine. When lisdexamfetamine enters the body, it is converted to dextroamphetamine. Vyvanse is available in one formula, which was approved by the FDA in 2007 for people 6 years and older. 

In addition to treating ADHD, Vyvanse is also approved to treat binge eating disorder in adults. For both conditions, patients take this medication once per day, often in the morning.

Effectiveness of Vyvanse vs. Adderall

Stimulant medications are widely accepted as being effective ADHD treatments. But if you're looking at Vyvanse and Adderall specifically, there is little comparative research to suggest that one is better than the other.

The two medications do differ in terms of how long they last. This can be a deciding factor for many people as it may impact how effective the medication is for controlling ADHD symptoms.

• The immediate-release form of Adderall lasts for around three to four hours. However, people may be able to take a dose two to three times per day. The extended-release form is taken once per day and lasts for 10 to 12 hours.
• One dose of Vyvanse can last up to 14 hours, which means that it can last all day.

Side Effects of Vyvanse vs. Adderall

As Vyvanse and Adderall are both amphetamine-type stimulant medications, the side effects of each drug are similar and include:

• Abdominal pain
• Affect lability
• Anxiety, nervousness, or jitteriness
• Appetite loss
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fever
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sleep problems
• Weight loss

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.

Precautions

People with certain conditions should not take Vyvanse or Adderall. For example, you should not take either of these medications if you have:

• Bipolar disorder
• Cardiovascular disease
• Glaucoma
• High blood pressure
• Hyperthyroidism
• Liver problems

Additionally, Adderall and Vyvanse could both be unsafe during pregnancy, and they are not recommended while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your prescribing physician.

Since both medications are amphetamines that can be addicting, you should also not use them if you have a history of substance abuse.

Drug Interactions

There is also a risk of drug interactions that can occur if you combine Adderall or Vyvanse with another substance. Medications that you should avoid while taking these ADHD medications include:

• Antacids
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Blood pressure medications
• Cold or allergy medications containing antihistamines or decongestants
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Opioid pain medications

Other things that can interact with and affect the actions of Vyvanse and Adderall include alcohol, caffeine, and foods or beverages containing ascorbic acid.

Differences in Vyvanse vs. Adderall

While Vyvanse and Adderall share a number of similarities, there are some important differences between the two medications. These differences can play a role in determining which medication is right for you. 

Absorption Rate

Perhaps the biggest distinction between Adderall and Vyvanse is that Vyvanse is a prodrug. This means that it needs to be taken orally in order to be metabolized by the body’s enzymes to become effective.

The effects of Adderall start to work within 30 minutes. In contrast, Vyvanse takes approximately one to two hours to take effect.

Vyvanse is often described as "smoother" than Adderall. One of the reasons for this is that because it has a slower absorption rate, there is not a "kick" or "jolt" to the system when the medication starts to work.

Medication Rebound

In addition, there is less medication rebound when Vyvanse starts to wear off. Since Adderall is available in both intermediate and extended versions, it allows for great flexibility in how it can be taken.

For example, a person might be prescribed Adderall XR to take daily and have Adderall IR to take when a more immediate effect is needed or when it is beneficial to have the medication wear off before bedtime.

Safety

Vyvanse and Adderall are Schedule II drugs, which means there is a potential for abuse and dependency. Both are approved to take orally. Since Vyvanse needs to be converted in the body, it can't be inhaled or injected as a way to become high, so it is less likely to be misused than Adderall and other stimulant medications.

Forms and Dosages

Adderall IR is available in tablets ranging from 5 to 30 milligrams (mg). Adderall XR is available in six different doses ranging from 5mg to 30mg. Vyvanse is available in capsules and chewable tablets in doses from 10mg to 70mg.

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.

Cost

Adderall and Vyvanse are both brand names and a month’s supply without insurance can cost from around $150 to $400 depending on the frequency and dose. Your cost can vary according to your insurance coverage. If the cost is too much, generic versions can be considerably cheaper.

Adderall is available in generic versions called mixed amphetamine salts. In 2023, the FDA approved multiple generic versions of Vyvanse, called lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, offering patients both capsule and chewable tablet options.

Which ADHD Drug Is Right For You?

If you are wondering which ADHD medication is best for you or your child, talk through the options with your healthcare provider. Finding the optimal medication often involves some back and forth with your physician as each person responds differently.

When you start taking a new medication, monitor how it makes you feel, including side effects. Then inform your prescribing physician so they can make the necessary adjustments if needed.

Some of the key factors that might go into deciding which one is right for you are how long the medication lasts and how much it costs. After trying one medication, you might find that it is not working as well as expected, and you may want to switch. Each person is different, so go off of how you feel and work with your healthcare provider to come up with the right approach.

Final Thoughts

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.

It is also important to remember that while these are among the most popular options for treating ADHD, they are not the only ones. There are also other options available, which you should discuss with your physician if you feel like neither Vyvanse nor Adderall is right for your needs.