Compare Vyvanse vs. Desoxyn

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

ADVERTISEMENT

Desoxyn (methamphetamine)

Prescription only
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.

3.7/ 5 average rating with 491 reviewsforVyvanse
Helps you focus and lose weight.

Desoxyn (methamphetamine) effectivly treats ADHD and obesity, but should not be used for long-term treatment.

4.4/ 5 average rating with 19 reviewsforDesoxyn
Upsides
  • 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.
  • Is a first-choice treatment for ADHD in both adults and children.
  • Available as a generic, so it is cheaper than other brand name medications to treat ADHD.
Downsides
  • 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.
  • Desoxyn (methamphetamine) is habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence.
  • Not carried by all pharmacies, so you may have a hard time getting this medication.
  • If you want to stop taking this medicine, talk to your doctor since suddenly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms.
  • You'll have to check-in with your doctor often and get a new prescription monthly.
  • Only lowers appetite for the first few weeks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
491 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)?

Leave a review
19 reviews so far
84%
saidit'sworth it
79%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Desoxyn (methamphetamine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
15possible side effects
  • Decreased appetite
    27%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    27%
  • Dry mouth
    26%
  • Diarrhea
    7%
  • Nausea
    7%
  • Anxiety
    6%
  • Loss of appetite
    5%
  • Feeling jittery
    4%
  • Agitation
    3%
  • Increased blood pressure
    3%
  • Sweating
    3%
  • Restlessness
    3%
  • Difficulty breathing
    2%
  • Increased heart rate
    2%
  • Tremor
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Desoxyn (methamphetamine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Serious or life-threatening cardiovascular events
    • History of heart problems
  • Abuse and dependence
    • History of drug abuse
  • Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    • History of psychotic episodes
    • History of Bipolar Disorder
  • Long-term growth suppression
    • Children
  • Seizures
    • History of seizures
  • Drug interactions
    • Taking MAO inhibitors and other serotonergic agents, as well as other medicines that can increase blood pressure
See more detailed risks and warnings