Vyvanse vs. Adderall dosage, equivalency, and guidelines

In this article:

• What’s the difference between Vyvanse and Adderall?
• How dosage is measured for ADHD medication
• Vyvanse vs. Adderall dosage
• Switching ADHD medications
• Vyvanse to Adderall conversion chart
• Adderall to Vyvanse conversion chart
• What to consider when switching ADHD medications
• Alternatives to Vyvanse and Adderall for ADHD

In this article

• What’s the difference between Vyvanse and Adderall?
• How dosage is measured for ADHD medication
• Vyvanse vs. Adderall dosage
• Switching ADHD medications
• Vyvanse to Adderall conversion chart
• Adderall to Vyvanse conversion chart
• What to consider when switching ADHD medications
• Alternatives to Vyvanse and Adderall for ADHD

Many people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rely on a stimulant drug to stay focused and be able to function throughout the day. Vyvanse and Adderall are popular prescription drugs used to treat ADHD, and, in some cases, can help treat other conditions like binge eating disorder and narcolepsy. 

You might switch from one to another if there’s a drug shortage, you’re dealing with side effects, or what you’re using just isn’t working for you. However, Vyvanse and Adderall are not equal in dosage, and switching between them is not a simple milligram-to-milligram swap. In most cases, the goal is to take the lowest effective dose without increasing the risk of side effects.

What’s the difference between Vyvanse and Adderall?

Vyvanse and Adderall have several differences. Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, a prodrug that has to be converted in the body to become active. It has a slower, more gradual onset and a lower risk of misuse than Adderall. Adderall, on the other hand, contains a mix of amphetamine salts that start working more quickly. 

While both Vyvanse and Adderall are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD, Vyvanse is also approved for treating binge eating disorder in adults. Adderall, on the other hand, is only approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Both medications increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine to help improve focus and reduce impulsivity.

Vyvanse and Adderall are available in brand-name and generic versions. Adderall comes in an immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) form, while Vyvanse is only available as an extended-release capsule or chewable tablet.

How dosage is measured for ADHD medication

ADHD medication dosages are measured in mg per day or set hours. The strength of the medication, the way the body absorbs the drug (bioavailability), and how quickly it takes effect all play a part in finding the right dosage.

Vyvanse typically lasts about 10 to 14 hours, while Adderall’s effects can range from four to six hours for the IR form and eight to 12 hours for the ER form. Vyvanse reaches its peak effects more slowly than Adderall because it’s a prodrug that needs to be activated by the body. Adderall XR may have prolonged effects like Vyvanse, but regular Adderall IR acts faster and wears off sooner.

Healthcare providers generally look at a person’s age and overall condition to determine the right dose. However, the dosage typically starts low and gradually increases based on how a person responds to treatment.

Vyvanse vs. Adderall dosage
	Vyvanse	Adderall
Active ingredient	Lisdexamfetamine	Amphetamine salts
Formulations available	Capsule Chewable tablet	Tablet Capsule
Dosage range in adults	30 to 70 mg daily	IR tablets: 5 mg once or twice daily up to 40 mg in 2 to 3 daily doses every 4 to 6 hours ER capsules: 20 to 60 mg daily
Dosage range in children  6 years and older	30 to 70 mg daily	IR tablets: 5 mg once or twice daily up to 40 mg in 2 to 3 daily doses every 4 to 6 hours ER capsules: 5 to 30 mg daily
Typical starting dose	30 mg every morning	IR tablets: 2.5 mg once daily or 5 mg once or twice daily ER capsules: 5 to 20 mg daily
Time to peak effect	3 to 4 hours	IR tablets: 3 hours ER capsules: 7 hours
Duration of action	Up to 14 hours	IR tablets: 4 to 6 hours ER capsules: 8 to 12 hours
Dose equivalency (approximate)	30 mg	IR tablets: 10 mg ER capsules: 10 mg

 

Different people need different doses. Some need medicine to last a full day, while others only need coverage during the school or workday. 

Switching ADHD medications

Amphetamines in medicines like Adderall and Vyvanse come in two types: dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. The dextro type is stronger, but both affect how the medicine works. Because the mix can vary, switching doses between these medicines isn’t exact and needs to be adjusted for each person.

A common error is switching from Vyvanse to Adderall without lowering the dose. This mistake can cause excessive stimulant effects, as Adderall requires a lower dose than Vyvanse to achieve similar effects. The active ingredient in Vyvanse also includes lysine, which adds molecular weight but has no effect, so its dose seems higher. However, it actually delivers less active medication than the same number of milligrams of Adderall.

Although not exact, the dosage conversion can be estimated. The following table provides an estimate for converting Vyvanse to Adderall.

Vyvanse to Adderall conversion estimate table
Dosage of Vyvanse	Dosage of Adderall IR	Dosage of Adderall XR
30 mg	5 mg twice daily	10 mg once daily
50 mg	10 mg twice daily	20 mg once daily
70 mg	15 mg twice daily	30 mg once daily

 

You can also convert from Adderall to Vyvanse using the same principles. Because Vyvanse is inactive until metabolized, and its listed dose includes the lysine portion, the numbers will look higher than those for Adderall.

Adderall to Vyvanse conversion estimate table
Dosage of Adderall IR	Dosage of Adderall XR	Dosage of Vyvanse
5 mg twice daily	10 mg once daily	30 mg
10 mg twice daily	20 mg once daily	50 mg
15 mg twice daily	30 mg once daily	70 mg

 

These conversions are general guidelines. The lowest recommended dose may help prevent side effects, although actual dosing may need adjustments based on how a person responds. Changes should be made with medical supervision.

What to consider when switching ADHD medications

Switching ADHD medications isn’t just about the dosage. You may want to consider the following when switching medications. 

Side effects

Because of how they work in the central nervous system (CNS), Vyvanse and Adderall come with similar side effects, such as loss of appetite, dry mouth, and weight loss. More serious side effects may include high blood pressure, problems with heart rate, or mental health problems like psychosis and mania, which may be more likely or more severe at higher doses.

Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can happen when your body has become used to a medication and the dose is suddenly lowered or stopped, especially if the change isn’t gradual. Stopping or switching ADHD medications can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, mood changes, depression, or a temporary worsening of ADHD symptoms.

Drug interactions

ADHD medications can interact with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, or supplements. For example, combining stimulants with certain antidepressants may increase the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or serotonin syndrome, while mixing them with some blood pressure medicines can cause dizziness or dangerously low blood pressure.

Substance abuse risks

Vyvanse and Adderall are Schedule II controlled substances that have a high potential for misuse or addiction. People with a personal or family history of substance use disorders may need to use extra caution or alternative treatment options.

Insurance and cost

Coverage and out-of-pocket costs can vary between medications. Sometimes, insurance plans require trying certain drugs before covering others. It’s important to check specific plan details and talk to the insurance provider about preferred options.

Always work with a healthcare provider to make any changes to ADHD treatment plans.

Alternatives to Vyvanse and Adderall for ADHD

Not every medication works the same for everyone. If Vyvanse or Adderall isn’t effective or causes unwanted side effects, a healthcare provider may recommend another option. Adderall and Vyvanse alternatives include other stimulant and non-stimulant medications:

• Other stimulants: These include methylphenidate-based medications such as Ritalin (methylphenidate immediate-release), Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release), Daytrana (methylphenidate transdermal patch), and Focalin (dexmethylphenidate). They work similarly to amphetamine-based drugs and may be better tolerated or cause fewer side effects in some people.
• Non-stimulant medications: These include Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), and Kapvay (clonidine). They may be used alone or alongside stimulants, especially in people who can’t tolerate stimulant medications or have health conditions like anxiety or sleep problems.
• Antidepressants: Some healthcare providers may prescribe certain antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion), off-label to help manage ADHD symptoms, particularly in adults.
• Behavioral therapy and coaching: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people change negative thought patterns and develop practical skills for managing ADHD symptoms. Working with a coach can also provide support with organization, time management, and setting goals.
• Lifestyle changes: A consistent daily routine, regular physical activity, and healthy sleep habits may help make ADHD symptoms easier to manage. These changes may also help the medication work better or sometimes reduce the need for it.

Everyone’s ADHD is different, and finding the right treatment often involves trial and error. Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s working and what’s not so you can find what works for you.

Bottom line

Vyvanse and Adderall are both effective stimulants for treating ADHD, but their dosages are not interchangeable. Vyvanse is dosed higher in milligrams because it is a prodrug that requires activation in the body, while Adderall contains active amphetamine salts that work more quickly. 

Typically, 30 mg of Vyvanse is roughly equivalent to 10 mg of Adderall IR or XR. However, individual responses vary, and these conversions are only starting points. Dosage adjustments should always be made by a healthcare provider. Never attempt to switch between Vyvanse and Adderall without medical advice.