Differences between Adderall and Vyvanse
Adderall vs. Vyvanse[edit]
Adderall and Vyvanse are both central nervous system stimulants prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[1][2][3] While both medications contain amphetamines and work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, there are key differences in their chemical composition, mechanism of action, and approved uses.[4][5] Adderall contains a combination of four different amphetamine salts, while Vyvanse's active ingredient is lisdexamfetamine.[4][1]
Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until it is metabolized in the body.[4] This conversion process to dextroamphetamine occurs in the bloodstream.[4] This results in a more gradual onset and offset of effects compared to Adderall. Adderall is available in both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) formulations, while Vyvanse is only available in a long-acting form.[1][5] The duration of action for Adderall IR is about 4-6 hours, with the XR version lasting up to 12 hours.[1][5] Vyvanse's effects typically last for 10 to 13 hours.[1][5]
The differing formulations affect how the medications are used and their potential for misuse. Because Vyvanse requires metabolic conversion to become active, it has a lower potential for abuse via non-oral routes such as snorting or injection. Both medications are classified as Schedule II controlled substances due to their potential for dependence and misuse.[1]
In addition to ADHD, Adderall is also approved for the treatment of narcolepsy.[1] Vyvanse is also approved to treat binge eating disorder in adults.[1] The side effect profiles of both drugs are similar and can include loss of appetite, insomnia, and increased heart rate.[1][2]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Adderall | Vyvanse |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient(s) | Mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts[4][1] | Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate |
| Mechanism of Action | Directly increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels[1] | Prodrug that converts to dextroamphetamine in the body[4] |
| Formulations | Immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR)[1][5] | Extended-release capsules and chewable tablets |
| Duration of Action | IR: 4-6 hours; XR: up to 12 hours[1][5] | 10-13 hours[1][5] |
| Approved Uses | ADHD, narcolepsy[1] | ADHD, binge eating disorder[1] |
| Abuse Potential | Higher potential for abuse, particularly the IR formulation | Lower potential for abuse due to its prodrug nature |
| Generic Availability | Yes | Yes |
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 "americanaddictioncenters.org". Retrieved December 02, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "webmd.com". Retrieved December 02, 2025.
- ↑ "verywellhealth.com". Retrieved December 02, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "floridarehab.com". Retrieved December 02, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 "oxfordtreatment.com". Retrieved December 02, 2025.
