Both Desoxyn vs Vyvanse are drugs used to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) which is a psychological disorder normally found in children and adults. Children and grownups suffering from inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity need these medications to get relief from ADHD.
Nearly 4 to 5 % of adults and children suffer from ADHD problems in the United States. Both Desoxyn and Vyvanse medications are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and help in raising the level of certain chemicals in the brain, hence resulting in alertness, increase in energy, and attention.
In this blog, you will learn about these drugs such as their uses, dosage strengths, side effects, and precautions.
Comparison Between the 2 Drugs
What is Desoxyn?
Desoxyn whose generic variant is methamphetamine is a prescription drug and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating ADHD in people ages 6 years and above.
This medicine belongs to the category of controlled substance, making it highly susceptible to drug addiction and drug dependence. As this is a CNS stimulant, it helps increase one’s ability to pay attention, stay more focused on the activity, and regulate behavioral problems.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a medication obtained on prescription and used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorder in adults. This medication is a CNS stimulant that affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves, which lead to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Lisdexamfetamine is the generic name of Vyvanse. It helps to increase the ability to stay focused, pay attention, and limit fidgeting. This is a CNS stimulant and works by altering the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Vyvanse was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the year 2007 for the treatment of ADHD in adults and in 2015, it was approved for the treatment of binge-eating disorder.
Mechanism of Working
Both these drugs affect the way how brain functions. Stimulant medicines are known to change the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline, in the brain. These neurotransmitters help with attention and focus, avoiding small movements with the hands and feet.
Dopamine and noradrenaline are increased in tiny gaps between neurons, known as synapses. This is done by mainly blocking a transporter that then prevents their reuptake back into the neuron that released them.
It means more dopamine and noradrenaline elements can bind to their respective receptors, and this assists in connecting neurons in the brain to talk to one another.
Amphetamines are also known to raise the amount of dopamine the neuron releases into the synapse. Later it inhibits the enzymes that break down dopamine. This results in an increase of dopamine in the synapse.
Dose & Dosage Strengths
Desoxyn
This drug is available in the strength of 5 mg in the form of oral tablets.
- In the case of ADHD patients, the recommended initial dosage of Desoxyn is 5 mg per day. Your doctor may increase or decrease the dose as needed.
- The normal effective dose is 20 to 25 mg per day. The maximum administered dose is 25 mg per day.
Vyvanse
This drug comes in two forms:
- Capsule
- Chewable tablet
The strengths of tablet and capsule are as follows:
- Tablets:- 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg and 60 mg strengths.
- Capsules:- 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg and 70 mg strengths.
Dosages of Vyvanse medication
- The initial dose for patients suffering from ADHD and BED is 30 mg per day.
- The dosage of the drug for adults and children is the same for the treatment of ADHD. This medication is not administered to children for the treatment of BED.
- The highest dose that can be taken is 70 mg per day and can be recommended by your healthcare expert if necessary, for better treatment.
Vyvanse is preferably taken with or without food, in the morning.
Form Factor
Vyvanse is an orange and white capsule and has imprint ‘S489’ on one side and ‘30 mg’ on the adjacent side. It is oblong.
Desoxyn is a white, round pill with the imprint ‘OV’ on one side and ‘12’ on the other side.
Side-effects
Some side-effects of Desoxyn drug are as:
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
- Mood changes and swings
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Itching or skin rash
- Sleeping problems
- Fast Heartbeat
Serious side-effects of Desoxyn drug are as:
- High blood pressure, fast heartbeat
- Unusual sweating, shortness of breath
- Seizures
- Sudden changes in vision
- Severe headache
Common side-effects of Vyvanse drug
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Feeling anxious or irritable
- Mood changes
- Feeling jittery
Serious side-effects of Vyvanse medicine
- Mental health conditions, such as mania or psychosis
- Blood circulation problems in fingers and toes
- Serotonin syndrome (high level of serotonin buildup in the body)
- Allergic reactions
- Slowed growth in children
- Cardiovascular problems, such as fast and rapid heartbeats, increased blood pressure
Precautions
Risk of addiction or misuse
As Desoxyn and Vyvanse are stimulants and prescribed drugs they have a high risk of misuse and drug abuse. This can make the patient psychologically and physically dependent on the medication.
Before taking these drugs talk to your doctor if you’ve ever misused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs. You may need monitoring during your treatment to see if you develop any signs of misusing or becoming dependent on Vyvanse or Desoxyn medications.
Serotonin syndrome
Desoxyn, when taken with other serotonergic drugs, can lead to life-threatening reactions visible by loss of motor function, seizures, and mental mood changes. Special care should be taken when the drug is taken with depressants such as Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), triptans, and so on.
Mental health conditions
Taking these CNS drugs can worsen symptoms of mania and psychosis. If you or a person close to you has had depression, bipolar disorder, mania or psychosis, then ask your doctor if these drugs are suitable for you.
Heart-related problems
These medications can cause serious cardiovascular conditions leading to death. If you have a heart condition, talk with your doctor if Vyvanse or Desoxyn is right for you. They may want to check your heart function before prescribing Vyvanse.
Kidney problems
If your kidneys are not functioning in a normal manner, this can cause Vyvanse to build up in the body and raise your risks for side effects. If you are suffering from kidney problems, your doctor can prescribe a lower dose of Vyvanse.
Both drugs are habit-forming, and you should never share these medications with another person, who has a history of drug abuse or addiction.
