In a battle of Vyvanse vs Adderall, who would win? Like any competition, one would find proponents on both sides. Some physicians might champion one over the other. Some parents might have noticed beneficial changes in their children. Other people might have had terrible experiences with one of these medications. The fact remains that both medications are controlled substances, which means there is a legitimate potential for abuse.
In this article, ARIA compares and contrasts Vyvanse and Adderall. We will attempt to answer the following questions:
- What is Vyvanse and what does it treat?
- Adderall? What is it for?
- In what ways are Vyvanse and Adderall alike?
- How are Vyvanse and Adderall different?
- Where can I get more information about Vyvanse and Adderall?
What Is Vyvanse And What Does It Treat?
The chemical name for Vyvanse is “lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.” Takeda manufactures it. Healthcare providers use Vyvanse to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children ages 6-17 can take it. Adults can also take Vyvanse.
Vyvanse may be dosed from 10mg to 70mg. The official website recommends starting with a dose of 30mg for adults. You can find it in both chewable tablets as well as capsules. You can swallow it, chew it, or mix it with a beverage.
What About Adderall? What Is It For?
Adderall’s chemical name is “dextroamphetamine-amphetamine.” Originally, Shire made it. In January 2019, Takeda acquired Shire. It may also appear under the brand name Mydayis. Like Vyvanse, Adderall helps relieve symptoms of ADHD.
Prescribers may use a particular brand name (Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis) to treat a certain age group. Adderall comes in both immediate-release and extended-release capsules. Low doses begin at 5mg and can increase to 40mg.
How Are Adderall And Vyvanse Alike?
Both Adderall and Vyvanse treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Those suffering from ADHD have difficulty concentrating. They may not find themselves able to remain still. Concentration and focus remain hard for those with ADHD. Adderall and Vyvanse ease these symptoms so that those with ADHD can pay more attention to their lives. They can “show up” more effectively and meet their goals, responsibilities, and obligations.
What Is Adhd?
To an outsider, a child with ADHD might exhibit defiance, rule-breaking, or disregard for tasks. Nevertheless, ADHD remains primarily a neurological phenomenon. We must not think of it simply as external behavior. Rather, we must understand it as part of the brain structure. The brain controls many aspects of our lives. Factors that influence the development of ADHD in the brain include:
- Light weight at birth
- Genetics
- Drinking or smoking during pregnancy
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lead exposure
How Are Adderall And Vyvanse Different?
Vyvanse represents a newer innovation in treating ADHD. It has not been in circulation for even a decade. The FDA only approved Vyvanse to treat ADHD in 2012. But Adderall first became available in 1996.
Dosage remains a clear advantage for Vyvanse. In a study of 142 adults, participants reported noticing changes 2 hours after taking Vyvanse. The same study indicated that participants’ attention spans improved for 14 hours. Each of these patients only took a single dose. Conversely, Adderall requires multiple doses throughout the day.
Vyvanse For Binge Eating Disorder
In addition to ADHD, Vyvanse can also help with binge eating disorder (BED). People with BED may compulsively eat too much food. Or, they may have meals that last for hours. They experience much guilt and shame around the subject of food.
Other symptoms of BED include:
- Eating until one feels physical pain
- Concealing or hiding in order to eat
- Eating very fast
- Negative emotions after eating
- Unable to control eating
Ok, So Vyvanse Vs Adderall. Which Is Better?
The final verdict on Vyvanse vs Adderall? Speak with your treatment provider. No medication gives the same amount of relief to every single person. Medications act differently with different people. Your diet can affect how your medication works. So can your weight, your lifestyle, and your genetics. The most important thing to remember here though is that both are controlled substances. This means they are both potentially addictive. That must be taken into consideration. If you have a predisposition to addiction or even a family history of it, you should tell your physician or psychiatrist before beginning any medication which is a controlled substance.
Whether or not you take other medications also impacts how Vyvanse and Adderall can work. Do you drink alcohol? If so, how often? Alcohol also plays a role in how medications function in your body. As mentioned in the introduction, do not look for the best medication. Look for what makes sense for you and get medical advice from a provider that has all of the facts. Both about you and the medication.
How Can I Find Out More Information About Adderall And Vyvanse?
No clear winner emerges in the conflict of Vyvanse vs. Adderall. Put aside that thinking. Narrow your focus onto your specific needs. Tend to the weeds in your own garden, as it were. Getting hung up on arguments does not produce meaningful results. What we want is recovery. Wholeness. Renewal.
If you or someone that you love struggles with addiction do not wait any longer. Seek help today. ARIA wants to hear from you. Right now. Call us. Or complete the contact form to send us an email.