Vyvanse vs. Adderall: Differences & Similarities

Vyvanse and Adderall are prescription medications often indicated to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

This guide to Vyvanse vs Adderall highlights the effects of these medications, explores their similarities and differences, and shows you how to choose the most effective treatment for ADHD. You will also learn how you can get effective and compassionate treatment for any mental health issue.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a medication that helps people with ADHD. It contains two active ingredients: amphetamine anddextroamphetamine. Both substances are CNS stimulants. These stimulants help the brain focus better and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe Adderall to both kids and adults to help them pay attention, stay organized, and follow through with tasks.

How Does It Feel to Take Adderall?

When you take Adderall, you might notice that it becomes easier to concentrate on what you’re doing. Tasks that felt overwhelming might seem more manageable. Some people feel more alert and awake. However, it can also have side effects. You might feel less hungry, have trouble sleeping, or feel a bit more anxious or jittery than usual. Talk to your doctor about how it makes you feel, so they can help you adjust the dose if needed.

What Is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is another medicine used to treat ADHD. Its scientific name is lisdexamfetamine. Unlike Adderall, Vyvanse is a prodrug, which means it only becomes active after your body processes it. This helps make the effects of Vyvanse last longer and feel smoother throughout the day. Doctors also prescribe Vyvanse to treat binge eating disorder in adults.

How Does It Feel to Take Vyvanse?

Taking Vyvanse can help you feel more focused and in control of your actions. Like Adderall, it can make schoolwork, chores, and other tasks easier to handle. Vyvanse is designed to work gradually, so you might notice a gentle increase in your ability to concentrate. Some side effects can include dry mouth,loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and feeling more energetic. If Vyvanse makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your doctor so they can help adjust your treatment.

What is 40 mg of Vyvanse equal to in Adderall

Understanding howdifferent ADHD medications compare can be tricky. Vyvanse and Adderall are both used to help with focus and attention, but they aren’t exactly the same. When it comes to dosage, 40mg of Vyvanse is roughly equal to 10mg of Adderall taken twice a day.

However, this is just a general guideline. Vyvanse is a prodrug, which means it needs to be processed by the body to become active. This can make its effects last longerand feel smoother than Adderall. Adderall, on the other hand, is a mix of amphetamine salts and works more quickly.

Individual response to these medicationscan vary. Always talk to your doctor to find the right dose for your specific needs.

Differences Between Adderall and Vyvanse

Differences Between Adderall and Vyvanse

Adderall and Vyvanse are both used to treat ADHD, but they work in different ways. Adderall is a mix of two drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These drugs start working quickly, helping you focus and control impulses almost right away. Adderall comes in different forms, including short-acting and long-acting versions.

Vyvanse, on the other hand, is a single drug called lisdexamfetamine. This prodrug needs to be processed by your body before it starts working. This makes Vyvanse’s effects last longer and feel more even throughout the day. Vyvanse usually comes in a once-a-day form, which can be more convenient for some people.

Differences in Side Effects

Both Adderall and Vyvanse can have side effects, but they aren’t always the same. Here’s the difference between Vyvanse and Adderall side effects:

Adderall side effects:

• Trouble sleeping

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Dry mouth

• Feeling anxious or jittery

• Fast heartbeat

Vyvanse side effects:

• Trouble sleeping

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Dry mouth

• Feeling irritable

• Nausea

• Feeling tired

While both medicines can cause trouble sleeping and loss of appetite, Vyvanse might make you feel more tired or nauseous. Adderall might make you feel more jittery or anxious.

Differences in Benefits

Adderall and Vyvanse both help people with ADHD focus and control their impulses, but Adderall vs Vyvanse benefits can differ slightly due to how they work.

Adderall benefits:

• Quick start: Adderall starts working faster, which can be helpful if you need quick relief from ADHD symptoms.

• Flexibility: Adderall comes in both short-acting and long-acting forms, allowing for more flexibility in how it’s used.

Vyvanse benefits:

• Longer lasting: Vyvanse provides a steady effect throughout the day because it’s processed slowly by the body.

• Smoother effect: As a prodrug, Vyvanse can feel smoother and less abrupt in its effects, which some people prefer.

Both medications improve focus, attention, and impulse control, but the way they deliver these benefits can make one more suitable than the other depending on your needs.

Differences in Risks

While both Adderall and Vyvanse are effective for treating ADHD, they also come with risks, especially if not used correctly:

Adderall risks:

• Higher potential for misuse: Because Adderall works quickly and can create a sense of euphoria, there’s a higher risk of it being misused.

• More heart-related side effects: Adderall can cause a fast heartbeat and raise blood pressure, which can be risky for people with heart problems.

Vyvanse risks:

• Lower potential for misuse: Vyvanse is less likely to be misused because it needs to be processed by the body first before the effects kick in.
• Long-lasting side effects: Because Vyvanse lasts longer, any side effects might stick around longer, too.

Both medications can lead to dependence if not used as prescribed and stopping them suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and talk to them if you have any concerns about the risks.

Vyvanse vs Adderall Mood

Both Vyvanse and Adderall can affect your mood, but they might do so in different ways due to how they work in the brain.

• Vyvanse and mood: Vyvanse can help improve mood by increasing levels of chemicals in the brain like dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a role in how you feel happiness, focus, and motivation. When Vyvanse is working well, people often feel more balanced and less impulsive. However, if the dose is too high, it might cause irritability or mood swings. Because Vyvanse is a prodrug and releases its active ingredient slowly, it often leads to a smoother, more stable mood throughout the day than other stimulants.

• Adderall and mood: Adderall also increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels, helping with focus and mood. However, because Adderall acts quickly, the changes in mood can be more noticeable. Some people might feel a rush of energy and happiness when it starts working, but they might also experience a crash as it wears off, leading to feelings of tiredness or irritability. This rapid up-and-down effect can sometimes cause more pronounced mood swings.

In general, both medications can improve mood by helping people with ADHD feel more in control and less frustrated. But the way they affect mood can vary from person to person. Monitor how each medication impacts your mood and discuss any changes with your doctor.

Adderall or Vyvanse—Is Vyvanse Better Than Adderall?

Deciding whether Vyvanse or Adderall is better depends on individual needs and how each person responds to the medication.

• Effectiveness: Both Vyvanse and Adderall are effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Vyvanse is often preferred for its long-lasting and steady effects, which can be especially beneficial for those who need consistent symptom control throughout the day. Adderall, with its quicker onset, can be useful for those who need more immediate relief from their symptoms.

• Convenience: Vyvanse is usually taken once a day, which can be more convenient and easier to remember. Adderall comes in both short-acting and long-acting forms. Some people may prefer this flexibility when comparing Adderall XR vs Vyvanse, especially if they need to adjust their dose during the day.

• Side effects: The side effects of each medication can also influence which one is better for an individual. Some people find that Vyvanse’s gradual release causes fewer mood swings and less anxiety. Others might prefer Adderall if they need a more immediate effect or if they experience fewer side effects with it.

• Personal response: Everyone’s body reacts differently to medications. What works well for one person might not work as well for another. It’s often a matter of trial and error under a doctor’s supervision to find out which medication provides the best balance of benefits and manageable side effects.

Is Vyvanse Safer Than Adderall?

Safety is a key concern when choosing between Vyvanse and Adderall. Both medications are considered safe when taken as prescribed, but they do have some differences in their safety profiles.

• Risk of misuse: Vyvanse is less likely to be misused than Adderall. Because Vyvanse is a prodrug, it needs to be converted in the body to become active. This makes it harder to misuse for an immediate high. Adderall, with its quicker onset, can be more easily misused, leading to a higher potential for abuse and dependence.

• Heart-related risks: Both medications can increase heart rate and blood pressure, but the risk might be slightly higher with Adderall due to its immediate effects. People with heart conditions need to be particularly cautious and should discuss their medical history with their doctor before starting either medication.

• Mood and mental health: Both Vyvanse and Adderall can impact mood and mental health. Vyvanse’s smoother and longer-lasting effect can sometimes result in fewer mood swings and a more stable mood. However, both medications can potentially lead to anxiety, irritability, and other mood changes, especially if the dosage is too high.

• Growth in children: Both medications can affect growth in children, leading to reduced appetite and weight loss. Regular monitoring by a doctor is essential to ensure that children are growing properly while on these medications.