Compare Vyvanse vs. Kapvay
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 hyperactivity disorder.
Kapvay (clonidine) is one of the few medicines for ADHD that isn't a stimulant and not addictive, but it can lower your blood pressure.
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.
- Can be used alone or together with a stimulant-type medicine to treat ADHD.
- Also treats blood pressure and some nervous system and psychiatric conditions.
- Kapvay (clonidine) is available in generic.
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.
- Kapvay (clonidine) is not a first choice medicine to treat ADHD.
- Kapvay (clonidine) can make you feel very dizzy or cause low blood pressure.
- Stopping Kapvay (clonidine) suddenly can cause your blood pressure to jump and your heart to beat very fast.
- It can take up to two weeks of taking Kapvay (clonidine) to notice any changes in behavior.
- Kapvay (clonidine) has to be swallowed whole, which can be hard for some children to do.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$309.20
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$76.90
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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)?
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Side 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%
12possible side effects
- Sleepiness19%
- Fatigue14%
- Headache7%
- Upper abdominal pain7%
- Decreased appetite6%
- Dizziness5%
- Insomnia4%
- Aggression2%
- Mood changes2%
- Emotional disorders2%
- Irritability2%
- Stuffy nose2%
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
- Low blood pressure and low heart rate
- Sleepiness
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- High blood pressure
- Stopping Kapvay (clonidine) suddenly