Many people in the USA suffer from the problem of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). If you are one of them, your doctor must have prescribed you drugs. Both Vyvanse and Adderall, drugs act as central nervous system stimulants and are approved for the treatment of ADHD including other conditions. These drugs are different in terms of their doses, side effects, strengths, and other factors.Â
In this article, we will discuss in-depth the differences between Vyvanse and medicines.
Differences Between Vyvanse and Adderall
Overview
Vyvanse
The generic name of Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine. It is an oral drug used to treat ADHD in kids and adults, and mild to severe condition of BED (binge eating disorder) in adults. It is approved by the FDA to treat patients with ADHD above the age of 6 years.
Vyvanse is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is a brand of medicine and is available in the form of capsules and chewable tablets.
Adderall
Adderall is a combination drug of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is a central nervous system stimulant drug and is used to treat ADHD in children above the age of 6 years and also in adults, and narcolepsy (sleeping disorder) in adults.
It is approved by the FDA for off-label use and is available in the forms of immediate release (IR) and extended-release (ER). The US DEA classifies it as a Schedule II controlled substance for its potential for misuse.
Function of the Drug
Vyvanse
Vyvanse is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine. It increases the level of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain which helps in improved focus, and impulse control in people suffering from ADHD.
It has a slower absorption rate resulting in long-lasting effects compared to Adderall.
Adderall
Unlike Vyvanse, Adderall contains active salts of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It leads to an increased level of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain resulting in increased focus, alertness, arousal, and decreased hyperactivity and impulsivity.
It has a shorter duration of effect compared to Vyvanse but has a faster mechanism of action.
Uses
Vyvanse
Vyvanse is used to treat ADHD in kids above the age of 6 years and adults, and BED in adults only. It restores the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain and increases the ability to pay attention and stay focused.
Adderall
Adderall is administered to treat narcolepsy in adults only and ADHD in patients above the age of 6 years. It improves the ability to concentrate and helps with the behavior controlling problems.
The drug also helps with narcolepsy, but shouldn’t be used to treat tiredness.
Dose and Dosage Strengths
Vyvanse
Dose
For ADHD in children and adults, the recommended dose is 30 mg per day, increasing the dosage to 30-70 mg per day after monitoring the patient’s condition.
For BED (for adults only) the suggested dose is 30 mg per day and can be gradually increased to 50-70 mg once per day.
Dosage – 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60mg, 70 mg
Adderall
Dose
Adderall is not recommended for children under the age of 6 years and Adderall ER should not be used for treating narcolepsy. Children with ADHD are administered a dose of 5 mg to 10 mg per day which is increased after examining their condition.
For adults, the starting dose of Adderall IR should be 5 mg to 10 mg per day and the highest dose can be 40 mg per day. A 20 mg Adderall ER dosage should be taken only once daily. For narcolepsy, a dose of 10 mg per day is administered and the maximum dose can be 60 mg per day.
Dosage
- Adderall ER – 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg
- Adderall IR – 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg
Side Effects
Vyvanse
Common Side Effects
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Increased blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Poor appetite
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Irritation
- Stomachache
Serious Side Effects
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
- Heart-attack
- Sweating
- Fever
- Hallucination and confusion
Adderall
Common Side Effects
- Loss of appetite
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Stomachache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Changes in mood
Serious Side Effects
- Pain in the chest
- Trouble breathing
- Hallucinations
- Aggression
- Multiple episodes of seizures
- Pale skin
- Numbness in fingers or toes
- Muscle twitching
Precautions
- Both Vyvanse and Adderall may be habit-forming and make the patient dependent in the long term.
- The drugs have a high potential for abuse and misuse.
- These drugs can cause side effects like anxiety, insomnia, and many more.
- If any of these drugs is taken with anti-depressant medications it can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Vyvanse and Adderall can cause problems like increased blood pressure, heart rate, and so on.
- A doctor may increase or decrease the doses of Vyvanse or Adderall drugs to reduce the chances of withdrawal symptoms in patients.
- Patients should avoid hazardous activities and heavy machinery work while taking the drugs.
- The doctor may check the patient’s history of cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, arrhythmia, etc., before prescribing any of these drugs.
