When it comes to choosing between Vyvanse vs Adderall XR, understanding the differences is crucial. Both are popular ADHD medications, but they vary in how they work, their effectiveness, and potential side effects. This guide will help you navigate these options to find the best fit for your needs.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that mainly affects the social behavior of the affected people. Most cases are diagnosed in children under the age of 12 years, but it can be diagnosed later in life as well.
There are multiple approved treatment options, both non-pharmacological and pharmacological, but the management is specific for every patient as determined by the physician.
Difference between Vyvanse Vs Adderall XR
Among the pharmacological treatments for ADHD, the first-line drugs are central nervous system stimulants such as amphetamines. There are two prevalent drugs within this class of drugs for long-term treatment of ADHD, i.e., Vyvanse and Adderall XR. These medicines can help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness (acting without thinking) and hyperactivity.
Active Ingredient
Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, an inactive amphetamine that the body breaks down into an active compound. Adderall XR contains active mixed amphetamine salts. Both Vyvanse and Adderall XR increase the circulating amount of certain brain chemicals, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, so you feel more alert.
Duration of Action
Vyvanse can take 1 hour to show effect and may last 8 to 14 hours. At the same time, Adderall XR medicine can take up to 7 hours to show effect and may act for around 10 hours. Therefore, you may have to take additional short and immediate acting Adderall and Adderall XR to achieve optimum results.
Comorbid conditions
People with ADHD are more prone to develop eating disorders such as binge eating disorder to cope with their intense feelings. Vyvanse is also an FDA-approved drug for binge eating disorder. Therefore, it can help you to overeat less often.
While both immediate and extended-release forms can help treat ADHD, people also use immediate-release Adderall to treat narcolepsy, which is a sleep disorder that is commonly comorbid with ADHD.
It must be noted that Adderall XR is not approved for the treatment of narcolepsy, and hence, it is used as an off-label medication for this purpose.
Drug interactions
Both drugs have similar profiles of drug interactions. Therefore, strict caution is required before prescribing any of the two drugs. One main difference is that Vyvanse has not shown any drug interaction with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but PPIs can prolong the peak concentration of Adderall XR, modifying drug effects.
Which is better, Vyvanse vs Adderall XR?
The choice of one of the two drug options depends on the patient’s health status and preference. Before deciding on one drug, the physician should consider the patient’s history and vulnerabilities.
- According to a study, children responded better to Vyvanse than Adderall XR.
- Some people have reported both smooth onset and wearing-off drug effects in Vyvanse more than Adderall XR. This helps them stabilize their mood and prevent abrupt changes in behavior.
- Regarding cost, Adderall XR’s generic version can be purchased at a lower price and is usually covered by most insurance plans. However, Vyvanse, being a new medication, may not be covered by insurance, although it has some generic versions available.
- One of the main differences between the two drugs lies in the potential for misuse. For a person who is prone to substance abuse, Vyvanse would be a better choice.
- Apart from these, physicians usually start with a trial of one drug at a specific dose according to disease severity and, after getting feedback, decide to continue at the same dose, change the dose of the same drug, or switch to a different drug.
Vyvanse vs Adderall XR Side Effects Comparison
Since Vyvanse is an inactive compound, whereas Adderall XR contains active amphetamines, the side effects of Vyvanse are less than those of Adderall XR. Vyvanse and Adderall XR are the two popular long-acting ADHD medications that can also cause common side effects, such as:
- Headache
- Irritating mood swings
- Stomach issues
- Insomnia
- Reduction in weight
- Anxiety
- Decreased Appetite
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
While both of these stimulants are well tolerated, they can cause serious side effects like psychotic episodes, CVD, Chronic Insomnia, etc. It is important to consult with the healthcare professional to determine the suitable treatment for the needs.
CONCLUSION
Both Vyvanse and Adderall XR are good treatment options for ADHD patients. Vyvanse is an inactive amphetamine, and Adderall XR is an active amphetamine that increases the amount of chemicals in the brain to improve the symptoms of ADHD.
Both drugs are strong stimulants, being central nervous stimulants, and are similar in their profiles. Vyvanse offers a consistent, steady release and lower risk of abuse, while Adderall XR provides flexibility and a faster onset. When choosing between Vyvanse and Adderall XR, consider factors like symptom severity, lifestyle, and medical history.
However, the choice of treatment drug will be different for every patient based on the physician’s assessment of the patient’s symptoms and vulnerabilities.
