{"id":628223,"date":"2024-05-13T10:55:04","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T14:55:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628223"},"modified":"2026-03-04T16:04:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T21:04:17","slug":"adderall-xr-vs-vyvanse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/adderall-xr-vs-vyvanse\/","title":{"rendered":"Adderall XR vs. Vyvanse: Use, side effects, and costs"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many people with <\/span>attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)<\/span><\/a>, finding the right medication can be the key to managing symptoms. Adderall XR and Vyvanse are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which may help improve concentration and focus.<\/span><\/p>\n

These two medications are available by prescription and are commonly used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Although they are used for a similar purpose, they differ in duration of effectiveness, potential side effects, and cost, among other factors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between Adderall XR and Vyvanse.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Both Adderall XR and Vyvanse are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ADHD medications that are <\/span>CNS stimulants<\/span><\/a>. They increase the availability of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which may help regulate attention and behavior. However, they contain different active ingredients.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall XR contains a mixture of <\/span>amphetamine salts<\/span><\/a>, including dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine sulfate, and dextroamphetamine sulfate. In contrast, Vyvanse consists of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a prodrug that is converted into the active ingredient <\/span>dextroamphetamine<\/span><\/a> in the body. This means that Vyvanse is inactive until it’s metabolized. This may help improve the medication\u2019s effectiveness and reduce serious side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall XR is an extended-release capsule intended to provide a sustained release of medication for 10 to 12 hours. Vyvanse, on the other hand, is also an extended-release medication, available as either an oral capsule or a chewable tablet, and both provide treatment lasting up to 14 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between Adderall XR and Vyvanse<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nAdderall XR<\/b><\/td>\nVyvanse<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nCNS stimulant<\/span><\/td>\nCNS stimulant<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBoth brand and generic versions are available<\/span><\/td>\nBoth brand and generic versions are available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nDextroamphetamine\/amphetamine salts, extended-release<\/span><\/td>\nLisdexamfetamine dimesylate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral capsule<\/span><\/td>\nOral capsule<\/span><\/p>\n

Chewable tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n5 to 30 mg once daily in the morning<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n30 to 70 mg once daily in the morning<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and children 6 years of age and older<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 6 years of age and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

Adderall XR and Vyvanse are FDA-approved to manage ADHD in adults and children aged six years and older. They may be prescribed to help increase attention and decrease hyperactivity and impulsiveness in people with ADHD.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to ADHD, Vyvanse is also FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. <\/span>Binge eating disorder<\/span><\/a> is a condition that involves recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food, a feeling of loss of control during the binge-eating episodes, and experiencing shame, distress, or guilt afterward.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall XR and Vyvanse are also used <\/span>off-label <\/span><\/a>(meaning not FDA-approved) to treat narcolepsy. <\/span>Narcolepsy<\/span><\/a> is a condition of excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. The immediate-release version of Adderall is currently FDA-approved for narcolepsy, not the extended-release version.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clinical trials show that Adderall XR and Vyvanse are more effective than a placebo. However, limited studies compare Adderall XR to Vyvanse. The choice is related to personal preference and individual responses to the medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall XR works within 30 minutes to an hour and lasts for <\/span>up to 12 hours<\/span><\/a>. Vyvanse works within one to two hours and lasts for <\/span>up to 14 hours<\/span><\/a>. Some people report a smoother onset of action with Vyvanse than with Adderall XR. The wearing-off period for Vyvanse is also less abrupt, which may result in fewer noticeable changes in mood or behavior as the medication is cleared from the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

In one study comparing Adderall XR and Vyvanse in children with ADHD, it showed more improvement with Vyvanse compared to Adderall XR or a placebo. Specifically, <\/span>32% of children<\/span><\/a> on Vyvanse reported \u201cvery much improved\u201d compared to 16% on Adderall XR.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Adderall XR versus Vyvanse<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most insurance plans, including <\/span>Medicare<\/span><\/a>, often include coverage for Adderall XR, particularly for the generic version. Vyvanse is a newer medication, may be more expensive, and insurance coverage may not be as widespread as for Adderall XR. Consider that Vyvanse is available in a generic version, which may be cheaper than brand-name options.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients without insurance or those looking to lower their <\/span>copay<\/span><\/a> may benefit from pharmacy discount programs. <\/span>SingleCare<\/span><\/a> offers coupons that help reduce the retail cost of these medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

The average cost of these medications without insurance varies greatly depending on the pharmacy, pharmacy location, medication strength, and quantity. <\/span>Adderall XR<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Vyvanse<\/span><\/a> can cost several hundred dollars for a month’s supply of brand-name capsules.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nAdderall XR<\/b><\/td>\nVyvanse<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by <\/b>Medicare Part D<\/b><\/a>?<\/b><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n30, 30 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n30, 30 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$28<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$65<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of Adderall XR vs. Vyvanse<\/span><\/h2>\n

Adderall XR and Vyvanse come with similar side effects as other stimulant medications: dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite. Increased heart rate and blood pressure can occur and are important to monitor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other serious side effects of stimulant medications are the risk of abuse and addiction, worsened bipolar disorder, or new psychotic symptoms. Discuss potential side effects with a healthcare professional to help manage them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects for Adderall XR and Vyvanse can include:<\/span><\/p>\n