{"id":632896,"date":"2025-07-17T12:29:57","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T16:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632896"},"modified":"2026-04-15T11:20:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T15:20:39","slug":"vyvanse-vs-adderall-dosage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/vyvanse-vs-adderall-dosage\/","title":{"rendered":"Vyvanse vs. Adderall dosage, equivalency, and guidelines"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many people with <\/span>attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>binge eating disorder<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>narcolepsy<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You might switch from one to another if there\u2019s a drug shortage, you\u2019re dealing with side effects, or what you\u2019re using just isn\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s the difference between Vyvanse and Adderall?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vyvanse and Adderall have <\/span>several differences<\/span><\/a>. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Vyvanse<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Adderall<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

How dosage is measured for ADHD medication<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vyvanse<\/span><\/a> typically lasts about 10 to 14 hours, while <\/span>Adderall\u2019s<\/span><\/a> effects can range from four to six hours for the <\/span>IR form<\/span><\/a> and eight to 12 hours for the <\/span>ER form<\/span><\/a>. Vyvanse reaches its peak effects more slowly than Adderall because it\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Healthcare providers generally look at a person\u2019s 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. Different people need different doses. Some need medicine to last a full day, while others only need coverage during the school or workday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Vyvanse vs. Adderall dosage<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nVyvanse<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Active ingredient<\/b><\/td>\nLisdexamfetamine<\/span><\/td>\nAmphetamine salts<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Formulations available<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Capsule<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Chewable tablet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Tablet<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Capsule<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dosage range in adults<\/b><\/td>\n30 to 70 mg daily<\/span><\/td>\nIR tablets: 5 mg once or twice daily up to 40 mg in 2 to 3 daily doses every 4 to 6 hours<\/span><\/p>\n

ER capsules: 20 to 60 mg daily<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Dosage range in children\u00a0 6 years and older<\/b><\/td>\n30 to 70 mg daily<\/span><\/td>\nIR tablets: 5 mg once or twice daily up to 40 mg in 2 to 3 daily doses every 4 to 6 hours<\/span><\/p>\n

ER capsules: 5 to 30 mg daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Typical starting dose<\/b><\/td>\n30 mg every morning<\/span><\/td>\nIR tablets: 2.5 mg once daily or 5 mg once or twice daily<\/span><\/p>\n

ER capsules: 5 to 20 mg daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Time to peak effect<\/b><\/td>\n3 to 4 hours<\/span><\/td>\nIR tablets: 3 hours<\/span><\/p>\n

ER capsules: 7 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Duration of action<\/b><\/td>\nUp to 14 hours<\/span><\/td>\nIR tablets: 4 to 6 hours<\/span><\/p>\n

ER capsules: 8 to 12 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Dose equivalency (approximate)<\/b><\/td>\n30 mg<\/span><\/td>\nIR tablets: 10 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

ER capsules: 10 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\t\t

\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tVyvanse 30 mg (30 Capsules)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\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$63.46\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$123.71\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<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Vyvanse prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n

Switching ADHD medications<\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2019t exact and needs to be adjusted for each person.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>includes lysine<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although not exact, the <\/span>dosage conversion<\/span><\/a> can be estimated. The following table provides an estimate for converting Vyvanse to Adderall.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Vyvanse to Adderall conversion estimate table<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Dosage of Vyvanse<\/b><\/td>\nDosage of Adderall IR<\/b><\/td>\nDosage of Adderall XR<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
30 mg<\/span><\/td>\n5 mg twice daily<\/span><\/td>\n10 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
50 mg<\/span><\/td>\n10 mg twice daily<\/span><\/td>\n20 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
70 mg<\/span><\/td>\n15 mg twice daily<\/span><\/td>\n30 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Adderall to Vyvanse conversion estimate table<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Dosage of Adderall IR<\/span><\/td>\nDosage of Adderall XR<\/span><\/td>\nDosage of Vyvanse<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5 mg twice daily<\/span><\/td>\n10 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n30 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10 mg twice daily<\/span><\/td>\n20 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n50 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
15 mg twice daily<\/span><\/td>\n30 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n70 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t

\n\t\t\t

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

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tAdderall 20 mg (60 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$27.13\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\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$27.13\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<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Adderall prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n

What to consider when switching ADHD medications<\/span><\/h2>\n

Switching ADHD medications isn\u2019t just about the dosage. You may want to consider the following when switching medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

Because of how they work in the central nervous system (CNS), Vyvanse and Adderall come with similar <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Withdrawal symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n

Withdrawal symptoms<\/span><\/a> can happen when your body has become used to a medication and the dose is suddenly lowered or stopped, especially if the change isn\u2019t gradual. Stopping or switching ADHD medications can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, mood changes, depression, or a temporary worsening of ADHD symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drug interactions<\/span><\/h3>\n

ADHD medications can interact with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, or supplements. For example, combining stimulants with <\/span>certain antidepressants<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Substance abuse risks<\/span><\/h3>\n

Vyvanse and Adderall are Schedule II <\/span>controlled substances<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Insurance and cost<\/span><\/h3>\n

Coverage and out-of-pocket costs can vary between medications. Sometimes, insurance plans require trying certain drugs <\/span>before covering others<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s important to check specific plan details and talk to the insurance provider about preferred options.<\/span><\/p>\n

Always work with a healthcare provider to make any changes to ADHD treatment plans.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternatives to Vyvanse and Adderall for ADHD<\/span><\/h2>\n

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. <\/span>Adderall<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Vyvanse alternatives<\/span><\/a> include other stimulant and non-stimulant medications:<\/span><\/p>\n