{"id":3482,"date":"2022-09-23T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-23T18:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=3482"},"modified":"2023-12-06T10:39:20","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T18:39:20","slug":"vyvanse-vs-strattera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/vyvanse-vs-strattera\/","title":{"rendered":"Vyvanse vs. Strattera"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When choosing between stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medication, it can be hard to determine which kind will have the most effect with the fewest side effects. For instance, Vyvanse and Strattera are prescription medications used to manage the symptoms of ADHD. Both drugs make it easier to concentrate, listen to others during conversations, finish tasks, and enjoy better sleeping and eating cycles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Vyvanse is a stimulant medication, while Strattera is a non-stimulant medication. Vyvanse works by stimulating the central nervous system to produce more dopamine and norepinephrine, while Strattera simply prevents norepinephrine from being reabsorbed. Some individuals react better to one kind of medication over the other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is a comprehensive comparison guide for these medications to help you understand the differences between them and choose what works best for you. 
At Klarity, our streamlined process ensures that you can connect with a knowledgeable professional within 48 hours, allowing you to get the answers and guidance you need to find the right medication. Schedule an appointment<\/a> with a licensed medical professional today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/th>Vyvanse<\/th>Strattera<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>Schedule II stimulant<\/td>Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td>Brand name (no generic)<\/td>Brand name for atomoxetine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Extended-release capsules*
\n\u2022 Extended-release chewable tablets
\n
\n
\n*Capsules should not be crushed or chewed
\n<\/td>		Capsules
\n
\nCapsules should not be crushed or chewed
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td>5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg capsules OR chewable tablets
\n<\/td>		Capsules
\n\u2022 10mg to 100mg
\n
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>FDA-approved for:
\n\u2022 ADHD,
\n\u2022 Binge-eating disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 N narcolepsy,
\n\u2022 bBinge-eating disorde
\n<\/td>		FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 ADHD
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Depression
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/td>Brand-name:
\n\u2022 $400 to $450 for 30 days of 30mg capsules or chewable tablets
\n<\/td>		Generic form (atomoxetine):
\n\u2022 $44 for 7 10mg capsules
\n\u2022 $1,501 for 90 100mg capsules*
\n
\n*Insurance may significantly lower the price
\n
\nBrand-name:
\n\u2022 $420 to $448 for a 30-day supply
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Diarrhea
\n\u2022 Dizziness
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Irritability
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Trouble sleeping
\n\u2022 Vomiting
\n\u2022 Weight loss
\n\u2022 Upper stomach pain
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Blurred vision
\n\u2022 Irregular or fast heartbeat
\n\u2022 Muscle twitching
\n\u2022 Uncontrolled movements
\n\u2022 Blood flow problems in the fingers and toes
\n\u2022 Swelling in the ankles and feet
\n\u2022 Rapid and unexplained weight loss
\n\u2022 Mood changes, including aggression and depression
\n<\/td>		Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Upset stomach
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Vomiting
\n\u2022 Constipation
\n\u2022 Loss of appetite
\n\u2022 Weight loss
\n\u2022 Tiredness
\n\u2022 Trouble sleeping
\n\u2022 Decrease in sexual desire
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Irregular heartbeat
\n\u2022 Fainting
\n\u2022 Numbness
\n\u2022 Difficulty urinating
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td>Contraindicated for:
\n\u2022 History of substance abuse
\n\u2022 Heart abnormalities
\n\u2022 Circulation issues
\n\u2022 Mental health issues
\n<\/td>		Warnings:
\n\u2022 Potentially addictive
\n\u2022 Overuse may cause serotonin syndrome
\n
\nDrug interactions:
\n\u2022 MOA inhibitors
\n\u2022 Some blood pressure medications
\n\u2022 Some antidepressants
\n\u2022 Albuterol
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

What is Vyvanse?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vyvanse (active ingredient: lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It does so by targeting the neurotransmitters in the brain that control behaviors like focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Vyvanse was approved for use by the FDA in 2007 and is a federally scheduled controlled substance, although it is not considered a narcotic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forms and Dosages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vyvanse is known as a prodrug, i.e., a medication that does not become activated in the body until it is processed by the liver. Because it takes longer to be processed in the body and because it does not become activated until it filters first through the liver, Vyvanse has a lower risk of abuse and addiction especially compared to similar medications like Ritalin and Adderall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vyvanse comes in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and the max dosage of 70 mg. It also comes in chewable tablets in the same dosages. Vyvanse is taken after eating breakfast since it is an appetite suppressant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not take Vyvanse anytime after 12 PM as it can interfere with normal sleeping patterns. Do not crush or chew Vyvanse capsules. Doing so can result in a dangerous condition known as \u201cserotonin syndrome.\u201d Serotonin syndrome occurs when the brain is flooded with serotonin and can result in seizures, heart attacks, and even death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conditions Treated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vyvanse is FDA-approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and binge eating disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vyvanse is not in generic form yet and remains one of the costlier ADHD medications on the market. For a one-month supply of Vyvanse outside of a health insurance plan, you may be spending upwards of $400 to $450 for a prescription of 30 mg capsules. For accurate information on what this medication costs under your current health insurance plan, contact your provider\u2019s pharmacy department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For most people taking Vyvanse, side effects are a non-factor. Vyvanse has more of a subtle effect than many ADHD medications because of its unique delivery mechanism. Some of the common side effects of Vyvanse include (but are not limited to):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dry mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Irritability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Trouble sleeping<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Upper stomach pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Less common but more severe side effects of Vyvanse include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Blurred vision<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Irregular or fast heartbeat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Muscle twitching<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Uncontrolled movements<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Blood flow problems in the fingers and toes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Swelling in the ankles and feet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Rapid and unexplained weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Mood changes, including aggression and depression<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Warnings and Drug Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Dependency warning:<\/strong> Although not deemed a narcotic, Vyvanse is a Schedule II stimulant, which is a federally controlled substance, and has the significant potential for addiction and abuse. Those with a history of substance abuse should disclose this information to their healthcare provider before taking this medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Vyvanse should only be used with a valid prescription and under careful supervision from a healthcare professional. Misusing the medication, such as taking higher doses than prescribed or taking it more frequently than recommended, can lead to severe health complications. These may include physical dependence, heart-related issues, psychological disorders, and, in extreme cases, death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To ensure effective and safe treatment, it is essential to adhere strictly to the prescribed usage guidelines for Vyvanse and maintain regular communication with your healthcare provider regarding any side effects or concerns that arise during the course of treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you are experiencing or have experienced any of the following conditions, speak with your ADHD healthcare provider before taking Vyvanse:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Heart abnormalities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Circulation issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Mental health issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • History of substance abuse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t\t
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