Is Vyvanse stronger than Adderall?

In this article:

• Difference between Vyvanse and Adderall
• Is Vyvanse stronger than Adderall?
• How quickly they kick in
• Duration of action
• Effectiveness
• Equivalent dosages
• Side effects and abuse potential
• Individual response
• Pros and cons of Vyvanse vs. Adderall

In this article

• Difference between Vyvanse and Adderall
• Is Vyvanse stronger than Adderall?
• How quickly they kick in
• Duration of action
• Effectiveness
• Equivalent dosages
• Side effects and abuse potential
• Individual response
• Pros and cons of Vyvanse vs. Adderall

Vyvanse and Adderall are both brand-name central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They’re commonly used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but Vyvanse is also FDA approved for binge eating disorder (BED), and Adderall is also approved to treat narcolepsy. 

It’s normal for people with ADHD and their caregivers to compare similar prescription medications like Vyvase and Adderall and wonder which is stronger or more effective. The truth is that a drug’s strength can vary based on dosage, duration of action, and even individual response. Here’s what you need to know about the strength of Vyvanse versus Adderall for ADHD.

Difference between Vyvanse and Adderall

Vyvanse and Adderall are both approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in the treatment of ADHD. They’re both available in generic versions and are both Schedule II controlled substances with a high potential for substance misuse. However, these stimulant medications have different active ingredients and durations of action.

The active ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, whereas Adderall’s active ingredients are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, otherwise known as amphetamine salts. Unlike amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine is considered a prodrug. Prodrugs need to be broken down in the digestive system to become active, explains Sid Khurana, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and medical director of Nevada Mental Health. Because of this mechanism, Vyvanse takes more time to kick in and has a longer duration than Adderall.

Is Vyvanse stronger than Adderall?

The short answer: It depends on what you mean by stronger. The key for ADHD medications is for them to be effective for the individual patient. 

How quickly they kick in

Adderall is faster-acting, which some might interpret as meaning it is stronger than Vyvanse. Adderall can start working within 30–60 minutes of dosing. In contrast, Vyvanse starts to kick in within 90 minutes of dosing. Still, a more gradual onset isn’t always a bad thing. Some people report that Vyvanse’s effects feel gentler or smoother as the medication kicks in and that, when it wears off, it feels less abrupt.

Duration of action

Dr. Khurana points out that a Vyvanse dose works longer than Adderall, which some individuals might take to mean that Vyvanse is “stronger.” The therapeutic effects of Vyvanse can last up to 14 hours. In comparison, the therapeutic effects of Adderall immediate-release (IR) last four to six hours, and the effects of Adderall extended-release (XR) last eight to 12 hours.

Because of the differences in timing, some healthcare providers prescribe Vyvanse and Adderall together. When done under the guidance of a healthcare professional, some patients take Vyvanse and the immediate-release form of Adderall on the same day—but never at the exact same time—to extend the window of treatment. 

Effectiveness

Both Vyvanse and Adderall are effective ADHD medications. There is little to no data directly comparing the two. A systematic review of ADHD medications concluded that there are not enough studies comparing lisdexamfetamine to other amphetamines, including Adderall, to draw firm conclusions about their differences. 

Equivalent dosages

The so-called strength of a drug is also dependent on dosage. Adderall XR and Vyvanse are both taken once daily, whereas Adderall IR can be taken once or twice daily, depending on the patient’s symptoms and the prescriber’s instructions. The standard dosage of Vyvanse is 5–30 mg once daily in the morning, whereas the standard dosage of Adderall’s extended-release form is 30–70 mg once daily in the morning. It might seem as though Vyvanse is stronger, with as little as 5 mg needed to help improve focus, but comparing the dosage of two different active ingredients is like comparing apples and oranges. 

Side effects and abuse potential

Vyvanse and Adderall are in the same class of drugs, so they have similar side effects. Loss of appetite, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, and increased blood pressure are common side effects of both. Some people experience more or stronger side effects on one of these drugs compared to the other, but the response is individualized.

Vyvanse does present a potentially lower risk of addiction because of its more gradual onset. Adderall kicks in very quickly, making it a more tempting drug of choice for people struggling with addiction to stimulants. This doesn’t mean one of these prescription drug formulations is “stronger,” but it is a reason some healthcare providers may recommend that certain patients switch from Adderall to Vyvanse. (Switching will need to be done under the care of a medical professional to avoid withdrawal symptoms.)

Individual response

It’s important to understand that the effectiveness of a medication, including how long it takes to work and how long it continues working, varies based on an individual’s dosage, metabolism, other medications, and even brain chemistry. “I have seen people do very well with Adderall and horribly with Vyvanse. I’ve also seen people struggle, trying a few options until they start Vyvanse,” says Blair Gingerich, Pharm.D., an ambulatory care pharmacist in northern Indiana. “This is where medicine can be more of an art than a science.”

If a person with ADHD or their caregiver is concerned about the strength or effectiveness of treatment, they should consult a healthcare professional for individualized medical advice. 

Pros and cons of Vyvanse vs. Adderall

The benefits of Vyvanse are that it has a smoother onset, lasts longer, and has less potential for abuse. However, Vyvanse is typically more expensive than Adderall, although it depends on the dosage prescribed and whether you take one or two pills daily. Adderall costs about $14 per 20 mg tablet, while Vyvanse costs about $18 per 30 mg capsule. You can save significantly by using the generic versions. With SingleCare coupons for generic Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), you could pay as low as $2 per 30 mg capsule. With SingleCare coupons for generic Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine), you could pay as low as $0.45 per 20 mg tablet. 

The benefits of Adderall are that it is fast-acting and has flexible dosing options (IR and ER) to help control symptoms exactly when desired. Adderall is also available at a lower cash price for people who are uninsured or underinsured. That said, the cons of Adderall are that its effects fade more abruptly and that it poses a high risk of misuse.

Bottom line

Both Vyvanse and Adderall are effective ADHD treatments, and one is not more potent or effective than the other. “Vyvanse is not stronger, per se, than Adderall, but it does tend to work longer,” Dr. Khurana says. Ultimately, individual responses to Vyvanse versus Adderall depend on lifestyle, severity of ADHD symptoms, and other health conditions. Only a healthcare provider familiar with a patient’s medical history, health conditions, and any other medications they may be taking can determine which ADHD drug is best. Sometimes a medication is prescribed, and during follow-up visits, it’s found that symptoms could improve with a different one. In that case, a new medication is tried. This process is part of the practice of medicine.