Quick Answer: Adderall and Vyvanse are prescription stimulants that treat ADHD, but each product’s formulation and processing, duration of effect, and risks of misusing vary. There is no definitive “better” between the two. The appropriate drug will vary according to the individual, their symptoms, medications, side effects, and the recommendations of the healthcare professional.
Adderall vs Vyvanse: It’s crucial to learn that although these two drugs are prescription central nervous system stimulants, they’re different drugs. Adderall has amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, and Vyvanse has lisdexamfetamine. Both are employed for ADHD treatment but have different effects in the body and can induce diverse experiences.
However, for the individual who is using a stimulant as directed, it is not merely about getting a “boost. To achieve better focus, more effective symptom control, and a treatment program which are effective without interfering side effects. If, however, use has become difficult to control, then professional help may be required.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription stimulant that contains a blend of two types of amphetamine: dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. It comes in immediate-release form as well as extended-release form. Adderall is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
While normal Adderall is fast-acting, Adderall XR is supposed to last longer. Some people find that the treatment takes a relatively rapid effect, so the start and finish of the drug’s effects are more noticeable.
That does not mean that Adderall is necessarily superior or inferior. Some people may feel the effects of this well, but others may feel unpleasant side effects, like loss of appetite, problems with sleep, irritability, anxiety, a faster heartbeat, or higher blood pressure.
What Is Vyvanse?
The brand name of this drug is Vyvanse. It is a medication that is used to treat ADHD and moderate to severe BBE in adults. It is a prodrug; that is, the drug needs to be metabolized by the body into an active form.
Vyvanse is meant to be a longer-acting drug. It lasts for about 10-13 hours, but it varies. It doesn’t feel as strong or as intense as Adderall for some people, and for this reason, they say it’s processed differently.
Again, the individual response is important. What works and is comfortable for one person could cause issues for a different person.
Adderall vs Vyvanse: The key differences
The key distinctions are in the ingredients, formulation, length, and metabolism.
- Adderall: Contains dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine; comes in straight or extended-release forms.
- Vyvanse: Contains the drug lisdexamfetamine and is an extended-release form that is metabolized into dextroamphetamine.
The immediate-release form of Adderall can last about 4-6 hours, and Adderall XR can last about 12 hours. The half-life of Vyvanse is approximately 10 to 13 hours, and some sources state that the drug has a half-life of up to 16 hours in some individuals.
This can have an impact on an individual’s mood throughout the day. An individual with a shorter time requirement for symptom coverage might react differently than one who requires the use of medication to get them to work a full school or workday.
Adderall vs. Vyvanse: How Do They Feel Different?
Individuals have referred to Adderall’s usage as having an extra noticeable onset, particularly the immediate-release kind. Some might notice a less noticeable effect of Vyvanse due to how the drug is metabolized in the body.
There is, however, no ‘right’ way that these medications should feel.
The following are not normal symptom controls: feeling really cool, really hyper, too confident, or unable to go on without the drug. Those experiences could be a reason to talk to a health care provider.
Both medicines have side effects such as nausea, discomfort in the stomach, dry mouth, headaches, loss of appetite, loss of weight, sleep problems, feelings of irritability, anxiety, and a higher heart rate and blood pressure. Although rare, serious complications are also possible.
Prescription stimulant drugs also have warnings for abuse, misuse, and dependency in the FDA prescribing information.
Is Vyvanse Less Addictive Than Adderall?
Vyvanse is still a controlled prescription stimulant and is not considered to be addiction-proof.
The makers of Vyvanse, American Addiction Centers, state that because the drug is a prodrug, it may have a lower potential for misuse than Adderall. But with lower misuse potential comes a lower risk… but not none.
Misuse of either medication can include taking them in a larger dose, more often than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription, or for reasons other than prescribed medical reasons.
It’s time to seek professional help when someone can’t stop thinking about the medication, takes more than prescribed, hides taking, gets multiple prescriptions, or just continues to take the medication despite problems.
Is 30 mg of Vyvanse the same as 30 mg of Adderall?
The medicines have different active ingredients and are excreted differently from the body. You can’t just compare their milligram strengths. When changing from one medication to another, a healthcare provider should decide on an appropriate dosage.
This is also true of lower doses. 20 mg of Vyvanse doesn’t equal 20 mg of Adderall.
Do not change, mix, or change medications to other stimulants on mg dosage alone.
Why Do Some People Switch From Adderall to Vyvanse?
Patients might try other medications if their current medication is not adequately controlling their symptoms or when the side effects of the medication are difficult to deal with.
Patients may request switching if they have issues around sleep, appetite, anxiety, irritability, effect duration, or effects ‘wearing off.’ The person’s medical background, other medications, and his or her potential for misuse may also be a factor when a clinician decides whether or not to prescribe the medication.
It can sometimes take time to find the right medicine. A clinician may try to find the right dosage, switch medications, or over time watch how well they work before making a decision.
The key is to ensure that the change is medically monitored.
Does Vyvanse Give You Energy Like Adderall?
Both drugs will stimulate and make you symptomatic. However, ADHD medicines are not used for the same purpose as other drugs used for getting high.
When a person feels unusually stimulated, restless, euphoric, or unable to sleep, they should talk about it with the prescribing professional, especially if it’s in response to Vyvanse or Adderall.
It’s for symptom management, not a “high.”
Call (844) 643-2287 so that a caring specialist can guide you through the different steps that you should follow to go through with recovery.
What Is the Dark Side of Vyvanse?
Common side effects associated with Vyvanse are loss of appetite, nausea, dry mouth, headaches, difficulties sleeping, irritability, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, and elevated heart rate. Although rare, serious reactions are possible.
Prescription stimulants also have the potential for misuse, addiction, and dependence. This is particularly critical for those who have a history of substance abuse or who start to notice that they are using the substance more than they would like.
Don’t hesitate to seek assistance when you’re concerned about stimulant abuse.
Can Adderall or Vyvanse Cause a Crash?
Others find that a change is evident when their stimulant effects diminish. This may differ in terms of the medication, dosage, formulation, individual metabolism, sleep, foods consumed, and other factors.
The release from the medication can be noticed by someone as they can start to look tired, not themselves, or concentrate on things or experience a mood change. This is not a rule of thumb for excluding addiction as a possibility, although if symptoms are present and persistent or severe, they should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
It is not safe to adjust the dose separately.
Key Takeaways
- Both Adderall and Vyvanse are ADHD stimulant drugs prescribed by a doctor.
- Adderall is made up of dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine.
- Vyvanse contains the medication lisdexamfetamine, which is metabolized into dextroamphetamine when it is in the body.
- There are two types of Adderall: immediate release and extended release.
- Vyvanse comes with the added benefit of being long-acting.
- These drugs are not always better for all people.
- The 20 mg or 30 mg dosage of Vyvanse is NOT the same dosage of Adderall in milligrams.
- There are risks of misuse and/or addiction with both medications, as well as side effects.
- The choice of medication should be left to a competent health care provider.
When Prescription Stimulant Use Becomes a Problem
It is not the same to use a medication according to instructions as it is to misuse it. But abusing prescription stimulants can be a gradual process.
If you are taking more than prescribed amounts, using stimulants (or other drugs) to stay awake or up to work more effectively, suffering from severe cravings, obtaining medication outside of approved drug sources, or continuing pill use when you are having physical or emotional or financial or relationship issues, you might want to get some professional help.
Only a practitioner in the treatment field can figure out if the problem is regarding medicine management, problematic drug use, dependency, or even a substance use condition. Don’t wait to ask questions; the sooner you ask, the more options may be available.
Need Help With Prescription Stimulant Misuse?
Whether you are battling your own or a loved one’s addiction to Adderall, Vyvanse, or any other prescription stimulant, Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions can provide care and share options for treatment.
It isn’t necessary to know all the answers before you can contact them. First steps can be simple and a confidential conversation.
Contact Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions to talk with one of their representatives about your concerns and take the next step towards recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vyvanse considered better than Adderall?
No. Vyvanse is not universally better than Adderall. Both can be effective, but individual responses differ. Doctors consider symptoms, duration, side effects, medical history, other medications, and potential misuse risk when selecting a stimulant.
Will Vyvanse give me energy like Adderall?
Vyvanse is a stimulant and can increase alertness, but its purpose is treating ADHD symptoms, not providing an energy boost. If you feel unusually energized, restless, euphoric, or unable to sleep, discuss those effects with your prescriber.
Why do people switch from Adderall to Vyvanse?
People may switch because of side effects, duration, symptom control, or how the medication feels as it starts and wears off. A clinician may recommend a change after reviewing the person’s response and overall treatment needs.
Is 30 mg of Vyvanse the same as 30 mg of Adderall?
No. Milligram strengths cannot be compared directly because Vyvanse and Adderall contain different medications and are processed differently. A healthcare professional should determine an appropriate dose when switching between these prescription stimulants.
What is the dark side of Vyvanse?
Potential concerns include appetite loss, weight loss, sleep problems, anxiety, irritability, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure. Vyvanse also carries risks related to misuse, dependence, and addiction because it is a controlled prescription stimulant.
Why does Vyvanse feel so different than Adderall?
Vyvanse and Adderall are formulated differently. Vyvanse is converted in the body into dextroamphetamine, while Adderall contains amphetamine salts directly. These differences can affect onset, duration, and how a person experiences the medication.
Why do I feel better on Vyvanse?
You may respond differently to Vyvanse because its formulation, duration, and effects differ from Adderall. Feeling better can mean improved symptom control or fewer side effects, but medication changes should always be discussed with your prescriber.
Does Vyvanse have a crash like Adderall?
Some people may notice fatigue, irritability, or changes in concentration as stimulant effects wear off. Experiences vary widely. If the effects are severe, disruptive, or persistent, speak with your healthcare professional rather than changing your dose yourself.
Is 20 mg of Vyvanse the same as 20 mg of Adderall?
No. The two medications are not dose-equivalent on a milligram-for-milligram basis. They contain different active ingredients and have different formulations. A clinician should determine the appropriate dose when starting, stopping, or switching stimulant medication.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, combine, or change the dose of Adderall, Vyvanse, or another prescription medication without speaking with your prescribing clinician. If you experience severe symptoms or a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
References and Content Sources
The primary informational source used for this article is American Addiction Centers’ “Adderall vs. Vyvanse: What’s the Difference?”, which discusses the medications, approved uses, formulations, duration, side effects, metabolism, and misuse considerations.
For additional medication safety and regulatory information, readers can consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and current FDA prescribing information for stimulant medications.
For substance use treatment support, Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions can help individuals and families explore appropriate recovery resources and next steps.
