Vyvanse alternatives: What can I take instead of Vyvanse?

In this article:

• Vyvanse alternatives
• Top 5 Vyvanse alternatives
• Other alternatives
• Non-medication approaches to ADHD
• How to switch

In this article

• Vyvanse alternatives
• Top 5 Vyvanse alternatives
• Other alternatives
• Non-medication approaches to ADHD
• How to switch

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a prescription stimulant used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children six years of age and older, and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder in adults. Although it’s commonly prescribed, some people may not have the desired results or may experience negative side effects.

Vyvanse is the only drug that’s FDA-approved for binge eating disorder, but there are alternative medications for ADHD to consider, including stimulant medications, such as Adderall XR, Concerta, and Ritalin, and nonstimulant options, such as Intuniv and Strattera.

Your healthcare provider can help determine which medication may be appropriate for you based on your symptoms, medical history, response to treatment, and other individual factors.

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What can I take in place of Vyvanse?

Alternatives to Vyvanse include other amphetamine stimulants, methylphenidate stimulants, and nonstimulants. The table below compares Vyvanse with common alternatives. All of the drugs listed are prescription medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Dosages vary by medication, age, and individual needs.

RELATED: Mydayis vs. Vyvanse

5 Vyvanse alternatives to consider

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Vyvanse.

1. Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, also called mixed amphetamine salts, extended-release)

Adderall XR contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and is an extended-release (long-acting) medication. It is generally dosed once daily in the morning. Adderall XR is a CNS stimulant, like Vyvanse. Adderall XR is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. Like Vyvanse, Adderall XR has a black box warning (the most serious warning required by the FDA). The warning states that Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance because it has the potential for abuse and dependence.

Common side effects include dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, headache, anxiety, mood swings, agitation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, weakness, and fast heart rate.

How it differs from Vyvanse

Adderall XR has dextroamphetamine as one of its components, which is the active drug that Vyvanse is converted to once it is metabolized. While Vyvanse requires metabolization to convert into the active drug, Adderall XR is already made of the active drug and is slowly released by its dual-bead capsule system.

2. Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release)

Concerta contains the active ingredient methylphenidate (extended-release) and is approved to treat adults and children ages 6 years through 65 years old with ADHD. Concerta is generally dosed once daily in the morning. It is a CNS stimulant and Schedule II controlled substance, and it has the same black box warning as Vyvanse and Adderall XR.

Common side effects include stomach pain, appetite and weight loss, headache, dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, trouble sleeping, irritability, and excessive sweating.

How it differs from Vyvanse

Concerta is an osmotic-controlled release tablet made of a different active ingredient than Vyvanse. It begins working within 30 to 60 minutes, which is faster than the 90 to 120 minutes that Vyvanse takes to work, but it only lasts 10 to 12 hours, whereas Vyvanse can last up to 14 hours.

3. Ritalin (methylphenidate)

Ritalin contains methylphenidate and is a CNS stimulant and a Schedule II controlled substance. It has the same black box warning as Vyvanse, Adderall XR, and Concerta. Ritalin can be used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older or narcolepsy in adults. It is usually dosed 2 or 3 times daily, although there are also extended-release forms of Ritalin that can be dosed once daily.

Common side effects of Ritalin include fast heart rate, palpitations, headache, trouble sleeping (insomnia), anxiety, excessive sweating, appetite and weight loss, dry mouth, nausea, and stomach pain.

How it differs from Vyvanse

Ritalin has a different active ingredient than Vyvanse, and it begins working within 20 to 60 minutes. Its effects only last three to four hours, requiring multiple doses per day, whereas Vyvanse is only taken once daily.

4. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is a nonstimulant drug that is classified as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Its brand-name version, Strattera, was discontinued in 2023. It is generally dosed once or twice daily. Atomoxetine is approved for ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. It is not a controlled substance or a stimulant. It has a different black box warning than the other medications previously mentioned that warns of an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children or adolescents with ADHD. Patients of any age who take atomoxetine should be closely monitored by family and caregivers for suicidal thoughts and behavior and changes in mood and behavior.

Common side effects of atomoxetine include constipation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, decreased appetite, and dizziness.

How it differs from Vyvanse

Atomoxetine is a nonstimulant, noncontrolled medication that increases norepinephrine in the brain over one to four weeks with consistent use. Vyvanse raises both norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, and it works within two hours of taking it.

5. Qelbree (viloxazine hydrochloride extended-release

Qelbree is a nonstimulant drug that is classified as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Its active ingredient is viloxazine hydrochloride, but it is only available as a brand-name medication at this time. It is an extended-release medication that is taken once daily for adults and children ages 6 years and older. It has the same black box warning as atomoxetine that warns of increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Common side effects of Qelbree include somnolence, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, irritability, dry mouth, and constipation.

How it differs from Vyvanse

Qelbree is a nonstimulant, noncontrolled medication that increases norepinephrine in the brain over one to six weeks with consistent use. Unlike Vyvanse, it does not increase dopamine and does not have abuse potential.

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Other alternatives to Vyvanse for ADHD

Amphetamine stimulants:

• Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine extended-release) orally disintegrating tablets
• Dexedrine Spansule (dextroamphetamine sulfate extended-release) capsules
• Dyanavel XR (amphetamine extended-release) tablets and oral suspension
• Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate) tablets
• Mydayis (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended-release) capsules
• Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) transdermal patches

Methylphenidate stimulants:

• Aptensio XR (methylphenidate HCl extended-release) capsules
• Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate-dexmethylphenidate) capsules
• Cotempla XR-ODT (methylphenidate HCl extended-release) orally disintegrating tablets
• Jornay PM (methylphenidate HCl delayed-release) capsules
• Methylin (methylphenidate HCl) oral solution
• Methylphenidate HCl controlled-release tablets
• Methylphenidate HCl transdermal patches
• Quillichew ER (methylphenidate HCl extended-release) chewable tablets
• Relexxii (methylphenidate HCl extended-release) tablets
• Ritalin LA (methylphenidate HCl long-acting) capsules

Off-label nonstimulant alternatives:

• Wellbutrin SR (bupropion HCl sustained-release) tablets
• Wellbutrin XL (bupropion HCl extended-release) tablets

Lifestyle and non-medication approaches to ADHD

ADHD is generally treated with a comprehensive approach. Although medication is an important part of the treatment plan, other parts may include therapy, education, and work interventions. Some people find other measures, such as a healthy diet, exercise, meditation, avoiding caffeine, and getting enough sleep, to help as well. However, these are not a substitute for medication, but rather a complement to it. Talk to your healthcare professional about various natural methods you can try in combination with your medications.

It may be tempting to turn to the vitamin and supplement aisle to see what options there are to help treat ADHD symptoms, but these products are not regulated by the FDA the same way that prescription drugs are, and there is not much evidence to support that they treat ADHD. However, children with ADHD often have lower levels of zinc and iron, but more research is needed to see if there is a true correlation. It may be worth checking with a healthcare provider to see if there is a deficiency present, then adding a supplement if needed, but it is important to remember that this is not an ADHD treatment.

How to switch to a Vyvanse alternative

If you are interested in switching to a Vyvanse alternative, you can:

• Contact your insurance provider if price is a concern or if Vyvanse or its generic version is not covered. Inquire about which Vyvanse alternatives are covered in your formulary and the copay for each medication. Also, if you have a deductible, ask if your deductible has been met or if you are still paying toward it.
• Reach out to your healthcare provider for medical advice on treatment options.
• Do not stop or switch from Vyvanse without your healthcare provider’s guidance.
• Search the SingleCare website or mobile app for free coupons. You can pay $63 instead of $553 for 30, 30 mg capsules of generic Vyvanse by presenting a SingleCare coupon to the pharmacy.