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Key takeaways
Vyvanse is a prescription stimulant used for ADHD and binge eating disorder that is available as a lower-cost generic version called lisdexamfetamine.
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.
The brand-name and generic forms contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective, though some people report differences in side effects or how they control symptoms.
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. It 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, as well as moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse is classified by the DEA as a Schedule II controlled substance because of its potential for misuse and dependence. The FDA approved the first generic versions of Vyvanse in 2023, with several generic manufacturers now producing lisdexamfetamine at a lower price than the brand.
Vyvanse generic availability |
|
|---|---|
| Generic name | Lisdexamfetamine |
| FDA approval date of the generic version | August 28, 2023 |
| Is there a generic available for sale in the U.S.? | Yes |
RELATED: Considering an ADHD medication? Your guide to adult ADHD treatment
Save up to 80% on Vyvanse with SingleCare Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
Is there a generic for Vyvanse?
Yes, the FDA has approved a Vyvanse generic under the name lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, or more commonly, 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 early 2026, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) still lists generic lisdexamfetamine capsules in shortage from some manufacturers, while brand-name Vyvanse from Takeda has remained available. Specifically:
- Amneal, Hikma, Mallinckrodt, and Solco continue to report shortages due to an issue with the active ingredient.
- Teva reports a limited supply of the 70 mg strength.
- Apotex, Lannett, Rhodes, and Sun Pharma have been reporting that their products are available.
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. In addition, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) increased stimulant production quotas for 2026. More generic manufacturers have been entering the market, so supply is expected to gradually improve.
As drug availability can change on a day-to-day basis, it’s best to check with your preferred pharmacy to see if they have your prescription in stock.
What are the differences between generic vs. brand-name Vyvanse?
Vyvanse and its generic contain the same active ingredient in the same strengths for each 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 be equivalent to the brand in dosage and effects. The main differences are in the inactive ingredients, such as fillers or dyes, and in the appearance of the capsule or chewable tablet, including its size, shape, and color.
RELATED: What are authorized generics?
How much does generic Vyvanse cost?
Without insurance, brand-name Vyvanse costs an average of $556 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 $439 for 30, 30 mg capsules. With a SingleCare prescription discount card, you could pay $386 for brand-name Vyvanse or $63 for generic lisdexamfetamine. Prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy and location.
Brand vs. generic Vyvanse prices |
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|---|---|---|
| Cost comparison | Brand-name Vyvanse | Vyvanse generic (lisdexamfetamine) |
| Average cost without insurance | $556 for 30, 30 mg capsules of brand-name Vyvanse | $439 for 30, 30 mg capsules of generic lisdexamfetamine |
| SingleCare’s lowest price | $386 for 30, 30mg capsules of brand-name Vyvanse at Kroger | $63 for 30, 30 mg capsules of generic lisdexamfetamine at CVS |
| Free coupons | Vyvanse coupons | Lisdexamfetamine coupons |
RELATED: 5 ways to save money on Vyvanse
Is Vyvanse covered by insurance?
Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D cover Vyvanse and its generic, but the price can vary depending on the plan’s formulary. Medicaid coverage varies by state. Keep in mind that many plans may prefer covering the generic over the brand-name version, and some may require prior authorization or step therapy before providing coverage for the brand-name version.
How do you get Vyvanse covered by insurance?
Switching your prescription to generic lisdexamfetamine is often the quickest way to coverage, since most plans automatically cover the generic. If your plan denies coverage for Vyvanse, your healthcare provider can submit a prior authorization request to explain why the brand-name medication is medically necessary.
If you don’t have insurance or have a high copay, a SingleCare prescription discount card may help lower the cost at participating pharmacies.
Generic alternatives to Vyvanse
If Vyvanse or lisdexamfetamine isn’t the best choice, whether it’s due to costs, shortages, or other factors, there are other FDA-approved ADHD medications available as lower-cost generics. A healthcare provider can help find the right Vyvanse alternatives, including stimulants or non-stimulant options.
- Adderall and Adderall XR (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
- Concerta and Ritalin (methylphenidate)
- Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
- Strattera (atomoxetine)
- Intuniv (guanfacine ER)
Always consult a healthcare provider when considering other treatment options. Vyvanse is a controlled substance that should only be stopped with guidance from a healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping Vyvanse may lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may include mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, increased appetite, and headaches.
How to switch from Vyvanse to lisdexamfetamine
In most cases, if your healthcare provider prescribes Vyvanse, pharmacists may substitute the generic at the request of the patient or the third-party payor. If the prescriber does not want the substitution, they can note 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 when your healthcare provider wants 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 brand’s in-stock availability versus the generic at any given time.
If you have been taking the generic and the pharmacist indicates they can only get brand-name Vyvanse currently, ask about an insurance override to match coverage on the brand name due to a shortage in the generic supply chain. Supply chain issues can be difficult to resolve, but seek medical advice if you have trouble finding 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 for the two years. Most side effects occurred early in treatment, and about 12% of participants in the study discontinued Vyvanse due to 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.
Expert takeaway
Many people opt for the generic version of Vyvanse because it is cheaper. If there’s a shortage for the generic you usually take, ask your healthcare provider about alternatives or whether an insurance override for the brand-name drug makes sense.
The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Apr. 28, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our coupon page for updated drug prices at pharmacies near you.
- 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 (2026)
- FDA drug shortages, FDA (2026)
- 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)