{"id":53142,"date":"2022-08-12T09:00:13","date_gmt":"2022-08-12T13:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=53142"},"modified":"2026-10-20T10:10:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T14:10:05","slug":"vyvanse-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/vyvanse-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Vyvanse alternatives: What can I take instead of Vyvanse?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vyvanse<\/a> (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a prescription stimulant<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Vyvanse with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tVyvanse 30 mg (30 Capsules)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"CVS\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$63.28\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Walgreens\"\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$111.54\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tSee Vyvanse prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

What can I take in place of Vyvanse?<\/h2>\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u00a0 \u00a0 Compare Vyvanse alternatives<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nType<\/b><\/td>\nUses<\/b><\/td>\nTypical dosing frequency<\/b><\/td>\nHow to save<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vyvanse<\/b> (<\/b>lisdexamfetamine dimesylate<\/b>)<\/b><\/td>\nStimulant<\/td>\nADHD<\/p>\n

Moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder<\/td>\n

Once daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adderall<\/b> (<\/b>dextroamphetamine<\/b>\/ amphetamine)<\/b><\/td>\nStimulant<\/td>\nADHD<\/p>\n

Narcolepsy<\/td>\n

1\u20133 times daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adderall XR<\/b> (amphetamine-<\/b>dextroamphetamineextended-release<\/b>)<\/b><\/td>\nStimulant<\/td>\nADHD<\/td>\nOnce daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Concerta<\/b> (<\/b>methylphenidate<\/b> HCl <\/b>extended-release<\/b>)<\/b><\/td>\nStimulant<\/td>\nADHD<\/td>\nOnce daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Focalin (<\/b>dexmethylphenidate HCl<\/b>)<\/b><\/td>\nStimulant<\/td>\nADHD<\/td>\nTwice daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Focalin XR<\/b> (<\/b>dexmethylphenidate<\/b> HCl <\/b>extended-release<\/b>)<\/b><\/td>\nStimulant<\/td>\nADHD<\/td>\nOnce daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Intuniv<\/b> (<\/b>guanfacine HCl<\/b> extended-release<\/b>)<\/b><\/td>\nAlpha-2A-adrenergic receptor agonist<\/td>\nADHD<\/td>\nOnce daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clonidine HCl <\/b>extended-release<\/b><\/td>\nAlpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist<\/td>\nADHD<\/td>\n1\u20132 times daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quillivant XR (<\/b>methylphenidate<\/b> extended-release<\/b>)<\/b><\/td>\nStimulant<\/td>\nADHD<\/td>\nOnce daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ritalin<\/b> (<\/b>methylphenidate HCl<\/b>)<\/b><\/td>\nStimulant<\/td>\nADHD<\/p>\n

Narcolepsy<\/td>\n

2\u20133 times daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Atomoxetine<\/b><\/td>\nSelective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor<\/td>\nADHD<\/td>\n1\u20132 times daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Qelbree (viloxazine hydrochloride extended-release)<\/b><\/td>\nSelective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor<\/td>\nADHD<\/td>\nOnce daily<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Dosages vary by medication, age, and individual needs.<\/i><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> Mydayis vs. Vyvanse<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

5 Vyvanse alternatives to consider<\/h2>\n

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Vyvanse.<\/p>\n

1. Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, also called mixed amphetamine salts, extended-release)<\/h3>\n

Adderall XR<\/a> 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<\/a> (the most serious warning required by the FDA). The warning states that Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance<\/a> because it has the potential for abuse and dependence.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

How it differs from Vyvanse<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2. Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release)<\/h3>\n

Concerta<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Common side effects include stomach pain, appetite and weight loss, headache, dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, trouble sleeping, irritability, and excessive sweating.<\/p>\n

How it differs from Vyvanse<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

3. Ritalin (methylphenidate)<\/h3>\n

Ritalin<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

How it differs from Vyvanse<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

4. Atomoxetine<\/h3>\n

Atomoxetine<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Common side effects of atomoxetine include constipation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, decreased appetite, and dizziness.<\/p>\n

How it differs from Vyvanse<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

5. Qelbree (viloxazine hydrochloride extended-release<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Common side effects of Qelbree include somnolence, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, irritability, dry mouth, and constipation.<\/p>\n

How it differs from Vyvanse<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Free coupons for ADHD meds<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Other alternatives to Vyvanse for ADHD<\/h3>\n

Amphetamine stimulants:<\/p>\n