Compare Vyvanse vs. Dexedrine
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
Treats attention deficit disorder.
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) is an effective medicine for treatment of ADHD, but often abused for recreational purposes.
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4.3/ 5 average rating with 28 reviewsforDexedrine
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.
- Recommended as a first-choice treatment of ADHD.
- Available as generic version.
- For more flexible dosing schedule, Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) is available in short and long formulations.
- If you have difficulty swallowing pills, Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) is available as a liquid.
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.
- Taking Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) can decrease your appetite.
- If taken late in the day, Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) can cause insomnia.
- People who take high doses of Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) are more likely to have anxiety, restlessness, or irritability.
- Requires a new prescription from your doctor every month.
- Not a good option if you have a history of seizures.
- Can be habit-forming so make sure you use it only as prescribed.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Extended release
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$341.15
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$447.17
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Reviews
491 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)?
Leave a review28 reviews so far
89%
saidit'sworth it
79%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
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%
The Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) 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
- Abuse and dependence
- History of drug abuse
- Serious or life-threatening heart problems
- History of heart problems
- Aggressive behavior and psychosis
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of bipolar disorder
- Long-term growth suppression
- Children
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Serotonin Syndrome (rare, life-threatening)
- Using other medicines that increase serotonin levels in the brain