What is the Difference Between Vyvanse and Adderall?

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Medically Verified: July 10, 2024

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What is the Difference Between Vyvanse and Adderall

What is the Difference Between Vyvanse and Adderall?

More than 4% of people in the United States take prescription stimulants to manage attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[1] Adderall and Vyvanse are two common prescription stimulants that can relieve symptoms of ADHD and other conditions.

This article will explore the difference between Vyvanse and Adderall. You will learn:

  • The effects and risks of Adderall and Vyvanse
  • The difference between Vyvanse and Adderall
  • Symptoms of stimulant abuse
  • Where to find treatment for stimulant addiction

If you or someone you love struggles with stimulant abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Living Room to explore our holistic addiction treatment and support programs. 

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[2] People with this condition may experience a noticeable decrease in ADHD symptoms while taking Vyvanse. 

Like many other prescription drugs, Vyvanse has the potential to be addictive. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) categorizes Vyvanse as a Schedule II drug.[3] This classification means it has a medical use but poses the risk of addiction and physical dependence. 

People who take Vyvanse may like the way it makes them feel and start to misuse it. Others may use Vyvanse recreationally (without a prescription) for its stimulant effects. 

People who misuse Vyvanse may experience unwanted or hazardous side effects, including:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss

Vyvanse abuse can lead to intense stimulant effects followed by a “crash.” Symptoms of a crash can include:

  • Depression
  • Lethargy
  • Muscle aches
  • Increased appetite
  • Drowsiness

People may take more Vyvanse to avoid “crashing.” Heavy or prolonged use can lead to tolerance, meaning people must take more of it to get the desired effects. 

People who abuse Vyvanse are at risk of an overdose. The symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose include:

  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Agitation

An overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. Call 911 if someone near you is showing signs of an overdose. Remain with the person until help arrives. 

People who abuse Vyvanse are at higher risk for severe problems, including:

  • Insomnia
  • Weight loss
  • Heart palpitations
  • Fainting
  • Chest pain
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke


It is important to seek treatment as soon as you recognize Vyvanse abuse. Comprehensive treatment can help you safely stop using Vyvanse and begin to work toward a healthier future. 

What is Adderall?

Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is a prescription stimulant used to treat ADHD. People may also take it to manage narcolepsy, binge-eating disorder (BED), and other conditions. It is available in regular and extended-release tablets.[4] 

Doctors commonly prescribe Adderall to manage ADHD in children six years and older. The stimulant effects of Adderall can decrease ADHD symptoms. However, these effects also make Adderall an appealing drug of abuse, especially among college students and young adults. 

Adderall is a controlled substance with a high risk of addiction. People may experience a range of side effects when using Adderall, including:

  • Reduced appetite and weight loss
  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach pain
  • Mood changes
  • Rapid heart rate

Adderall abuse can cause severe problems, including:

  • Chest pain
  • Fainting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Numbness in arms and legs
  • Slowed speech
  • Blisters or peeling skin
  • Seizures
  • Verbal or muscular tics
  • Pounding heart
  • Delusional thinking
  • Hallucinations

People may become addicted to Adderall after abusing it. They may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it. People with Adderall addiction typically require treatment and ongoing support to avoid relapse. 

Vyvanse vs. Adderall: Understanding the Difference

Adderall and Vyvanse are both prescription stimulant drugs. However, there are some essential differences between them. The differences include:

  • Vyvanse is FDA-approved for people over the age of 18. Adderall is approved for people over the age of six.
  • Vyvanse is approved to treat binge eating disorder. Adderall is approved to treat narcolepsy.
  • Adderall has been available since 1996. Vyvanse has been available since 2007.
  • Adderall is available in immediate and extended-release forms. Vyvanse is available as an extended-release capsule. 
  • Immediate-release Adderall’s duration of action is 4 to 6 hours. Extended-release Adderall’s duration of action is around 12 hours.[5] Vyvanse’s duration of action is 10 to 14 hours.[6] 

There are some significant differences between Vyvanse and Adderall. However, it is important to remember that both drugs are controlled substances with the potential for misuse and addiction. It is important to be aware of the risks of abusing these drugs and seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem. 

Find Treatment Now

Stimulant addiction is a severe, complex condition. People who develop prescription stimulant abuse and addiction require comprehensive, compassionate treatment. Treatment for stimulant abuse may include medically assisted detox programs, mental health care, therapy, education, and more. 

If you or a loved one needs treatment to overcome stimulant abuse, reach out to The Living Room specialists. We will answer your questions, help you find the right course of treatment, and set up an intake evaluation quickly. 

References:

  1. CNN Health: Prescriptions for ADHD treatments surged during the Covid-19 pandemic, CDC report shows
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)
  3. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Drug Scheduling
  4. FDA: Label for Adderall
  5. National Institute of Health: Neurocognitive, Autonomic, and Mood Effects of Adderall: A Pilot Study of Healthy College Students
  6. National Institute of Health: Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate (Vyvanse), A Prodrug Stimulant for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

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