Adderall and Vyvanse are both stimulant medications that stimulate the central nervous system. They are prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Both medications are the derivates of amphetamine salts. The main difference between Adderall and Vyvanse is that Adderall contains four different salts of amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and amphetamine. In contrast, Vyvanse contains Lisdexamfetamine, which gets converted to dextroamphetamine in the body.

The active ingredient of Vyvanse if a prodrug as it gets eventually converted to dextroamphetamine and works similarly like Adderall.

Vyvanse has lesser side effects than Adderall as the body takes extra time to convert Lisdexamfetamine into dextroamphetamine that tends to make its side effects less pronounced. However, both Adderall and Vyvanse have similar side effects; the only difference is that Adderall has more pronounced side effects.

Vyvanse and Adderall both belong to the amphetamine family of drugs, which means they have the potential to cause withdrawal and addiction. However, Vyvanse is less potent in terms of abuse and addiction when compared to Adderall.

Working:

Adderall is a medication used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. Doctors prescribe Adderall as a part of a complete treatment plan that may include other therapies and counseling sessions.

Vyvanse is a medication used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and binge eating disorder. The medicine reduces the number of binges eating days. It is not a weight loss medication, and no clinical studies demonstrate its effectiveness and safety for obese patients.

Dosing:

Adderall comes as both immediate-release and extended-release medication. The doctor usually prescribes Adderall for two to three times use per day, with the first dose taken in the morning. Other doses are to be taken four to six hours apart, as directed by the health care expert. The prescribing doctor does regular checks of heart, blood, and blood pressure while on Adderall treatment.

Vyvanse is generally for once a day use. People should take Vyvanse as directed by the health care expert. The medication is available in the form of capsules to be swallowed as a whole with adequate water. If a person has trouble swallowing Vyvanse pills, the prescribing doctor advises to open it up, pour its constituents on soft food and consume it immediately.

Potential side effects:

As both medications have similar active ingredients and work mechanisms, they cause similar side effects.

Adderall

Adderall’s side effects include:

• Decreased growth in children
• Seizures
• Eyesight changes or blurred vision
• Serotonin syndrome
• Stomachache
• Nervousness
• Decreased appetite

Vyvanse

Vyvanse side effects include:

• Slow growth
• Anxiety
• Dry mouth
• Trouble sleeping
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite

Drug Interactions:

Adderall

Adderall mainly interacts with the following drugs:

• Anti-depressants including MAO inhibitors
• Seizure medicines
• Blood pressure medications
• Blood-thinning medicines
• Cold or allergy medicines that contain decongestants
• Stomach acid medicines

Vyvanse

Vyvanse mainly interacts with the following drugs:

• Anti-depressants like MAO inhibitors
• Serotonergic drugs
• Tricyclic antidepressants