Vyvanse vs Adderall: What’s the Difference?

Adderall and Vyvanse are very common medications. It’s likely you’ve heard of both of them, and you probably know that they are both prescribed primarily to treat ADHD. Adderall is more common; it’s prescribed five times as often as Vyvanse. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with ADHD, and about six million of those people – adults and children – take medication for it. In most cases, the medication prescribed for ADHD is one of these two drugs.

What’s the difference between Vyvanse and Adderall? Is Vyvanes stronger than Adderall, or is it the other way around? Do people take Vyvanse and Adderall together? Are these drugs addictive? Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between Vyvanse vs. Adderall.

What is Adderall?

Adderall was approved for use in 1996. Since then, it has helped countless people to manage ADHD. It’s classified as a psychostimulant; its main ingredients are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. In addition to being prescribed for ADHD treatment, Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy.

How does it work?

Adderall is a stimulant that raises dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the user’s brain. When these hormones are elevated, they help users focus and control impulses. Most people who struggle with the symptoms of ADHD find that they are much more focused when they take Adderall. 

Why and how should Adderall be taken?

This medication can be taken in standard or extended-release form. The standard medication lasts about four to six hours in the body, but the extended-release type can last as long as eight to twelve hours. However, even after the effects have worn off, Adderall can stay in your system much longer.

What are the possible side effects of Adderall?

There are a number of side effects that Adderall users experience. Some report headaches, dizziness, or dry mouth. Others experience higher blood pressure or even may develop feelings of stomach upset or pain. People who have heart problems should avoid Adderall due to the fact that it’s a stimulant; it also can be dangerous for people who are bipolar or have seizures.

What is Vyvanse? 

Vyvanse is very similar to Adderal in function, but its active ingredient is lisdexamfetamine. Like Adderall, it is a psychostimulant and a controlled substance that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has also been approved by the FDA to treat binge eating disorders in adults. Vyvanse was first approved in 2007. While there are generic forms of Adderall on the market that can save patients money, there is not yet a generic version of Vyvanse.

How does it work?

This medication works in a similar way to Adderall. It also raises dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the user’s brain, thereby helping the user to more easily focus and control distraction impulses. However, the way that Vyvanse functions is different in one significant way. This drug is a prodrug; it is activated as the human body metabolizes it. This means it lasts longer, but it also means that it has fewer harsh side effects.

Why and how should Vyvanse be taken? 

Vyvanse comes in both capsule form and in chewable tablet form. It lasts much longer than Adderall because of the way that it works. A dose of Vyvanse may last up to fourteen hours. Because of this, people who are prescribed Vyvanse need to take their medication less often than people who are prescribed Adderall. Vyvanse vs Adderall dosage is often different.

What are the possible side effects of Vyvanse?

The side effects of Vyvanse are similar to the side effects that Adderall users experience, but they may be less severe. Still, some people who take Vyvanse report that they experience headaches, dizziness, and dry mouth as well. Blood pressure may increase while using, and some users may even have heart palpitations. This drug, like Adderall, is a stimulant, so both drugs can also cause a loss of appetite, irritability, restlessness, and other similar side effects as well.

What’s the difference between Vyvanse and Adderall?

Adderall and Vyvanse are not the same. They are similar drugs prescribed for ADHD, and they have many similar effects, but they contain different active ingredients. 

However, both of these drugs do have the potential for abuse, and both can be addictive. When it comes to Adderall vs Vyvanse, Vyvanse is somewhat less addictive than Adderall, but people can also become dependent on Vyvanse as well. This is why it’s crucial that people who are prescribed Adderall or Vyvanse take it as directed by their doctors.

Long-term effects of these drugs can include insomnia, weight loss, tremors, and heart problems. Some men also experience changes in sex drive, impotence, or erection issues as well. 

In some cases, a doctor may have a patient switch from Adderall to Vyvanse for these or other reasons; the two drugs are more or less interchangeable in the treatment of ADHD.

Get help for addiction at Clear Sky Recovery

If you are someone who feels dependent on Adderall or Vyvanse or someone who has been using either drug without a prescription, you may need to get help to quit. It helps to detox from Adderall or Vyvanse in an addiction treatment center. At Clear Sky Recovery, we are standing by to help you to take your first steps on the path to recovery. Our ibogaine detox treatment is effective for many and saves lives. Come visit us at our beautiful facility in Cancun, Mexico. Give us a call today to learn more. Our experienced staff is standing by to answer all of your questions. We can’t wait to hear from you; we are here to help. Contact us now.

FAQ

What is better, Adderall or Vyvanse?

Choosing between Adderall and Vyvanse depends on individual health needs, response to medication, and the condition being treated. The best choice varies by individual and should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.

How do you switch from Adderall to Vyvanse?

Switching from Adderall to Vyvanse requires consultation with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage based on your current medication and health status.

Resources:

https://www.drugs.com/adderall.html

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148324/vyvanse-oral/details