Compare Ritalin vs. Vyvanse
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a first-choice treatment for ADHD that comes in many different forms, but you need to take this medication more often than alternatives.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 526 reviewsforRitalin
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a first-choice treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but it can be expensive since it's only available as a brand name product.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 491 reviewsforVyvanse
Upsides
- First-choice medication to treat ADHD because it is cheap and effective.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) is used with counseling and other non-drug therapies to treat ADHD.
- Available as a generic medication.
- Available in many different forms: extended-release and immediate-release tablets, chewable tablet, and liquid.
- Preferred medicine for elderly with ADHD or narcolepsy because it is safer than alternatives for this population.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a first-choice medication to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- It is usually dosed once a day, so parents don't need to send the medication with their children to school.
- Can take the capsule as a whole or mix the contents with water, orange juice, or yogurt.
- Available as a chewable pill form.
Downsides
- Need to take Ritalin (methylphenidate) 2 or 3 times a day compared to other ADHD medications which you can take once daily.
- Can raise your blood pressure and pulse, so its not safe for people with heart problems.
- It's a controlled medication (CII), so you may need to get a new prescription each month from your doctor.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) may affect growth in children and teens in some cases.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) contains a mixture of active and inactive compounds (dexmethylphenidate and methylphenidate, respectively), which may not work as well for some people.
- Need to take Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) in the morning, otherwise it can cause difficulty sleeping at night.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is not available as a generic medication, so it is expensive.
- This medicine has the potential for abuse and dependence.
- Can cause serious side effects for the heart.
- Can also slow growth in children and cause weight loss.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$46.10
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$316.11
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Reviews
526 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
42%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ritalin (methylphenidate)?
Leave a review491 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
17possible side effects
- Lowered appetite25%
- Headache22%
- Dry mouth14%
- Nausea13%
- Difficulty sleeping12%
- Anxiety8%
- Weight loss7%
- Dizziness7%
- Irritability6%
- Fast heartbeat5%
- Sweating5%
- Depression4%
- Stomach pain2%
- Loss of appetite2%
- Vomiting2%
- Blurry vision2%
- Aggressive behavior2%
15possible side effects
- Decreased appetite27%
- Difficulty sleeping27%
- Dry mouth26%
- Diarrhea7%
- Nausea7%
- Anxiety6%
- Loss of appetite5%
- Feeling jittery4%
- Agitation3%
- Increased blood pressure3%
- Sweating3%
- Restlessness3%
- Difficulty breathing2%
- Increased heart rate2%
- Tremor2%
Risks and risk factors
- Abuse and dependence
- History of drug abuse
- Alcoholism
- Serious or life-threatening heart problems
- History of heart problems
- Aggressive behavior and psychiatric symptoms
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of bipolar disorder
- History of Tourette's syndrome
- Height and weight delay in children
- Children
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Circulation problems in the hands and feet
- High blood pressure
- Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) 14 days before starting Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
- Abuse and dependence
- History of drug abuse
- Serious or life-threatening cardiovascular events
- History of heart problems
- Aggressive behavior and psychosis
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of bipolar disorder
- Long-term growth suppression
- Children ages 6 to 12