{"id":2910,"date":"2019-12-09T14:30:36","date_gmt":"2019-12-09T19:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=2910"},"modified":"2025-10-08T13:19:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T17:19:21","slug":"vyvanse-vs-adderall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/vyvanse-vs-adderall\/","title":{"rendered":"Vyvanse vs. Adderall: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Main Differences<\/a> | Adderall vs. Vyvanse<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQs<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Vyvanse<\/a> are central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD<\/a>) in adults and children.\u00a0Both Adderall and Vyvanse are <\/span>Schedule II<\/span><\/a> controlled substance<\/span><\/a> drugs, meaning there is a high potential for abuse, misuse, and dependence. These drugs have some similarities and some differences. This article will provide in-depth information about both prescription medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Adderall and Vyvanse?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Adderall<\/b><\/h3>\n

Adderall is a CNS stimulant drug used in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy in adults and children. It comes in an immediate-release tablet and extended-release capsule (<\/span>Adderall XR<\/span><\/a>) formulation. Both are available in brand and generic. The generic name (and active ingredient) is dextroamphetamine\/amphetamine, also known as mixed amphetamine salts (more specifically\u2014amphetamine sulfate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and dextroamphetamine saccharate).<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall is usually covered by insurance, but using the generic version may be more cost-effective. This medication is usually taken two or three times a day; each dose lasts about 4 to 6 hours. Adderall XR is taken once a day, and each dose can last up to 8 to 12 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall comes with many side effects, drug interactions, and warnings, many of which can be managed with careful monitoring and continuous evaluation.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: How much is Adderall without insurance?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Vyvanse<\/b><\/h3>\n

Vyvanse is a CNS stimulant drug used to treat ADHD in adults and children, as well as moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. Vyvanse comes in capsule form and as a chewable tablet and is available in both brand and generic. Vyvanse is usually covered by insurance, although choosing the generic may result in cost savings.<\/span><\/p>\n

The active ingredient of Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine. Lisdexamfetamine is known as a prodrug because it is not active until it is converted into its active form, dextroamphetamine, in the GI tract and liver. Because of this mechanism, it may be less likely to be abused than Adderall. Vyvanse is taken once daily in the morning; a dose can last up to 14 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Adderall vs. Vyvanse<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nAdderall\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nVyvanse<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug Class<\/span><\/td>\nCNS Stimulant<\/span><\/td>\nCNS Stimulant<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/span><\/td>\nDextroamphetamine\/amphetamine<\/span><\/td>\nLisdexamfetamine dimesylate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form does the drug come in?<\/span><\/td>\nTablets: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 30 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall XR extended-release (XR) capsules: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 mg<\/span><\/td>\n

Capsules: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Chewable tablets: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage? (Doses vary; examples provided are general doses)<\/span><\/td>\nADHD in adults & children 6 years and older: 5 to 40 mg per day, divided once, twice, or 3 times daily<\/span><\/p>\n

ADHD in children 3-5 years old: 2.5 to 40 mg per day divided once, twice, or 3 times daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Narcolepsy in adults: 5 to 60 mg per day, divided once, twice, or 3 times daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Narcolepsy in children 6 years and older: 5 to 60 mg per day divided once, twice, or 3 times daily<\/span><\/td>\n

ADHD in adults or children 6 years and older: 30 to 70 mg once daily in the morning\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Binge eating disorder in adults: 50 to 70 mg every morning\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/span><\/td>\nVaries, patients should be closely monitored\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nVaries, patients should be closely monitored\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/span><\/td>\nAdults or children with ADHD or narcolepsy<\/span><\/td>\nAdults with ADHD or moderate to severe binge-eating disorder; children with ADHD<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Adderall and Vyvanse<\/span><\/h2>\n

Adderall is used in adults and children for the treatment of ADHD or <\/span>narcolepsy<\/span><\/a>. (Adderall XR is approved for ADHD but not narcolepsy.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vyvanse is used in adults and children for the treatment of ADHD. It is also used in adults for moderate to severe <\/span>binge eating disorder<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As stimulants, these drugs work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, called dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall<\/b><\/td>\nVyvanse<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ADHD (children and adults)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Binge-eating disorder (moderate to severe)<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Narcolepsy (children and adults)<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Adderall or Vyvanse more effective?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Both drugs have gone through extensive testing for safety and effectiveness. However, there is little data comparing the two medications directly. ADHD treatment generally consists of therapy with a mental health professional, ADHD medications, and educational or work interventions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Guidelines for ADHD treatment in adults<\/span><\/a> note that there are two general types of stimulants: methylphenidates (such as Ritalin) and amphetamines (such as Adderall and Vyvanse). Stimulants have a similar effect on ADHD symptoms regardless of the type of stimulant used. Also, regardless of the patient\u2019s age, healthcare professionals try to prescribe stimulants at the lowest effective dosage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guidelines from the <\/span>American Academy of Pediatrics<\/span><\/a> for children and adolescents recommend:<\/span><\/p>\n