April 28, 2023Tyler Collins
Adderall is popular among college campuses as a study drug. Many students and young professionals use this drug to sharpen their concentration and get an edge when it comes to their studies, work, or sports performance.
Another prescription drug called Vyvanse is being compared to Adderall because it delivers the same effects.
This is the reason why some people think that they are the same drug even if they are two different medications. So what is the difference of Adderall vs Vyvanse?
Here are some of their similarities and differences of Vyvanse vs Adderall.
1. Adderall and Vyvanse are both stimulants.
Adderall
and Vyvanse both contain the drug amphetamine. They are both stimulant medications that act on the central nervous system. Taking these drugs affects the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain known as norepinephrine and dopamine. This results in increased concentration and focus as well as reduced impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
2. Adderall is available in generic form while Vyvanse is not.
Both Adderall and Vyvanse are brand names. Adderall is the brand name of a drug which is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Vyvanse is a brand name of a drug containing lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
You can get a generic version of Adderall, which usually costs cheaper to buy. On the other hand, there is no approved generic version for Vyvanse.
If you find online sellers offering generic versions of Vyvanse, these might be fake drugs as the manufacturer’s patent for Vyvanse will only expire in 2023.
3. Both drugs are prescribed to treat ADHD.
Adderall and Vyvanse are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as medication for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Doctors also prescribed Adderall to treat people suffering from chronic sleep disorder called narcolepsy. It is also used as an off-label drug to treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Aside from the treatment of ADHD, Vyvanse has also been approved to treat binge eating disorder. It is, however, being used for weight loss purposes, which the FDA clearly stated should be avoided.
4. Adderall and Vyvanse have different absorption rates.
Adderall has a faster absorption rate than Vyvanse. What this means is that the drug starts to take effect in just 30 minutes. Because of this, it is useful for people with ADHD who need the drug to take effect immediately.
With Vyvanse, the absorption rate is much slower. For the drug to take effect, it takes approximately one to two hours after taking the drug. Because of the slower absorption, the user does not experience a jolt to the system as experienced by some people who take Adderall.
5. The two stimulants differ in their duration of effect.
While it takes longer for the user to feel the effects of Vyvanse, the duration of the effects can last for up to 14 hours. It is only available in one formula.
Adderall, on the other hand, is available, in two formulas: Adderall IR and Adderall XR. IR stands for “immediate release” where the effects last for up to 4 hours. XR stands for “extended release” version wherein the user can feel the effects for 10 to 12 hours.
6. Adderall and Vyvanse share similar side effects.
Because both drugs are stimulants, they can cause similar side effects. Usual side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dry mouth, fever, weight loss, nervousness, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, sleep problems, and irritability.
The use of Adderall and Vyvanse could also result in increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure.
A person who has a heart condition may also suffer more serious side effects after taking stimulants and it could even lead to death. People with a history of mental problems may also suffer from paranoia, hallucinations, and other mental effects after taking Vyvanse. Men may also experience erectile dysfunction after taking these drugs.
7. There is a high potential for abuse when taking Adderall and Vyvanse.
Both Adderall and Vyvanse are considered by the FDA as Schedule II drugs. This means that they have a high potential for abuse. Adderall is popularly abused on campuses to improve focus especially during high pressure exam periods. Because Vyvanse produces the same effect, there are people who are also abusing Vyvanse.
Taking Adderall or Vyvanse without a proper prescription is dangerous. They can be highly addictive and it can be difficult to get off the drugs if you start becoming dependent on these medications.
If you feel that you are struggling with Adderall and Vyvanse abuse, help is available.
Contact Lighthouse Treatment today.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Preet Joneja PsyD and the clinical team at Lighthouse Treatment Center
Preet Joneja is the Clinical Director at Lighthouse Treatment Center based in Anaheim, California. She is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals suffering from mental and emotional disorders.
Related Topics:
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Signs Vyvanse Dose Is Too High: How To Avoid Vyvanse Overdose
Can You Snort Vyvanse? 3 Reasons Why You Should Never Do So
5 Things You Should Know: Adderall Addiction
Weaning Off Adderall? 5 Tips On How To Avoid Adderall Crash
Does Adderall Make You Lose Weight? The Dangers of Using ADHD Drugs for Weight Loss
Sources:
Vyvanse Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148324/vyvanse-oral/details
Adderall: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety Info. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://drugs.com/adderall.html
Generic Vyvanse Availability. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/availability/generic-vyvanse.html
Medical Disclaimer:
The Lighthouse Treatment Center strives to enhance the well-being of individuals dealing with mental health disorders or substance use through accurate information about health conditions, treatment options, and their effects.
Our content is created with extensive research, citations, editing, and reviews. However, it is important to note that our information is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
