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Key takeaways
Vyvanse is a prescription stimulant medicine used for ADHD and binge eating disorder. There is a generic version, lisdexamfetamine, which is as effective as brand-name Vyvanse but costs much less.
Some generic versions of Vyvanse are currently in shortage. However, availability can change on a day-to-day basis, so you can check with your pharmacy for availability.
Studies of Vyvanse over a two-year period have found the drug to be effective and generally safe.
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Vyvanse is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older. It is also FDA approved to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse is classified by the DEA as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for drug abuse and dependence. ADHD medications like Vyvanse can be expensive, even with insurance, which is why patients who rely on them often seek out generic alternatives.
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Is there a generic for Vyvanse?
Yes, the FDA has approved a Vyvanse generic. It is called lisdexamfetamine. The first generics for Vyvanse were approved in August 2023. Generic lisdexamfetamine is available in the same formulations as brand-name Vyvanse: oral capsules and chewable tablets.
Generic Vyvanse shortage
You may have heard about shortages of certain ADHD drugs over the past few years, including Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and Vyvanse, among others. As of June 6, 2025, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has reported that there are still some shortages of generic lisdexamfetamine—although brand-name Vyvanse does not seem to be affected at this time. Specifically:
- Manufacturers Alvogen, Rhodes, and Teva report having generic lisdexamfetamine available.
- Other manufacturers report shortages due to “an issue with the active ingredient,” including Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Lannett, Mallinckrodt, Mylan, Solco, and Sun Pharma.
According to the FDA, some of the companies reporting shortages note that they have some availability and are allocating limited amounts of medicine to pharmacies.
As drug availability can change on a day-to-day basis, it is advisable to check with your preferred pharmacy to see if they have your prescription in stock.
What are the differences between brand-name and generic Vyvanse?
Vyvanse and its generic, lisdexamfetamine, contain the same active ingredient in the same amount for each strength and dosage form. The FDA must approve generic drugs to come on the market, but they can only be marketed once the original patent granted to the brand-name manufacturer has expired. Generic drugs must prove themselves equivalent to the brand in dose and effect. Generic drugs may have different inactive ingredients than the original brand-name drug. Generic drugs may also have other physical attributes from the brand, such as the size, shape, imprint, or color of the pill.
RELATED: What are authorized generics?
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) at a glance |
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|---|---|
| Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) | |
| Uses |
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| Standard dosage | Starting dose 30 mg daily, increased gradually by the healthcare provider if needed until desired effect or a max of 70 mg daily |
| Common side effects |
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| Contraindications (who should not take Vyvanse) |
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| Other considerations and potential risks |
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How much is generic Vyvanse?
Without insurance, brand-name Vyvanse costs an average of $557 for 30, 30 mg capsules. The introduction of the generic has provided some relief from that price. The average retail price of generic lisdexamfetamine is $441 for 30, 30 mg capsules. With your SingleCare prescription discount card, you could pay $386 for brand-name Vyvanse or $65 for generic lisdexamfetamine. Prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy and location.
| Brand vs. generic Vyvanse prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Brand-name Vyvanse | Vyvanse generic (lisdexamfetamine) | |
| Average cost without insurance | $557 for 30, 30 mg capsules of brand-name Vyvanse | $441 for 30, 30 mg capsules of generic lisdexamfetamine |
| SingleCare’s lowest price | $386 for 30, 30mg capsules of brand-name Vyvanse | $65 for 30, 40 mg capsules of generic lisdexamfetamine |
| Free coupons | Vyvanse coupons | Lisdexamfetamine coupons |
RELATED: 5 ways to save money on Vyvanse
How to switch from Vyvanse to lisdexamfetamine
In most cases, if your healthcare provider writes your prescription for Vyvanse, pharmacists are allowed to substitute the generic at the request of the patient or the third-party payor. If the prescriber does not want the substitution to occur, they can notate that on the order. If you have been taking Vyvanse, it is okay to make an immediate and equal-dose conversion to the generics of Vyvanse. No tapering or dose adjustment is required. The next time you fill your prescription, ask the pharmacist about generic Vyvanse.
There may be instances where your healthcare provider will want you to take brand-name Vyvanse. This could be because you have an allergy or sensitivity to one of the inactive ingredients in the generic form that’s not in the brand-name formulation. It may also be due to the in-stock availability of the brand versus the generic at any given time.
It’s important to slowly taper Vyvanse use. If you suddenly stop taking Vyvanse or lisdexamfetamine after taking it consistently for a long time, you may encounter withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, increased appetite, and headaches. If you have had to stop taking Vyvanse suddenly due to a shortage in the supply chain, speak to your healthcare provider about alternative stimulant medications you may be able to try instead of Vyvanse.
If you have been taking the generic, and the pharmacist indicates they can only get brand-name Vyvanse currently, ask about an insurance override option to match coverage on the brand name due to the shortage in the supply chain of the generic. Supply chain issues can be challenging to navigate, but be persistent in your search for alternative options and solutions, and seek medical advice if you are facing challenges locating your medication in stock.
RELATED: Vyvanse alternatives: What can I take instead of Vyvanse?
Long-term use of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Vyvanse has been studied for long-term safety and effectiveness in children and adolescents with ADHD. The study, which lasted two years, monitored vital signs, electrocardiography, growth, and side effects. The results found that the effectiveness of the medication was maintained through the two years. Most side effects occurred early in treatment, and about 12% of people in the study stopped taking Vyvanse because of side effects. Overall, long-term safety was similar to findings from earlier, shorter-term studies.
Vyvanse and its generic, lisdexamfetamine, are safe and effective treatments for ADHD. The generic provides the same efficacy as Vyvanse at a much lower cost. Speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information on taking generic Vyvanse.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), National Institute of Mental Health (2024)
- Vyvanse, DailyMed (2023)
- FDA approves multiple generics of ADHD and BED treatment, FDA (2023)
- Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules, ASHP (2025)
- FDA drug shortages, FDA (2025)
- Generic drugs: Questions & answers, FDA (2021)
- Long-term safety and efficacy of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in children and adolescents with ADHD: A Phase IV, 2-Year, open-label study in Europe, CNS Drugs (2017)