Deciding between ADHD medications can be confusing and frustrating, especially when they\u2019re as similar as Vyvanse and Ritalin. These medications are two of the most widely prescribed stimulant medications to treat ADHD<\/a>. Which one is better for you depends on things like coinciding health issues, other medications you\u2019re taking, and how old you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This article will discuss how these medications are similar and different and indicate the risk factors. This information can help you decide which one might be more effective for treating your ADHD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are considering stimulants like Vyvanse or Ritalin to treat your ADHD, a psychiatric professional will help you determine which, if any, medication is best for you. Klarity can match you with a licensed healthcare provider in your state within 48 hours for convenient and affordable virtual ADHD treatment<\/a>. Schedule an appointment<\/a> on Klarity today.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
| <\/th> | Vyvanse<\/th> | Ritalin<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>| Schedule II stimulant<\/td> | Schedule II stimulant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> | Brand name (no generic)<\/td> | Brand name for methylphenidate | \n \n<\/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> Immediate-release tablets; Extended-release capsules | \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> Standard tablet dosages: | \n\u2022 5mg \n\u2022 10mg \n\u2022 20mg \n\u2022 40mg \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\u2022 Narcolepsy<\/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 (methylphenidate): | \n\u2022 $50 for a one-month supply<\/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 Loss of appetite \n\u2022 Anxiety \n\u2022 Trouble sleeping \n\u2022 Elevated heart rate \n\u2022 Increased blood pressure \n \nSerious side effects: \n\u2022 Blurred or changed vision \n\u2022 Uncontrollable outbursts or tics \n\u2022 Chest pain \n\u2022 Fever \n\u2022 Joint pain \n\u2022 Allergic reaction \n\u2022 Hives \n\u2022 Swollen face or hands \n\u2022 Trouble breathing<\/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> Contraindicated conditions: | \n\u2022 Heart condition \n\u2022 History of drug abuse \n \nAdverse drug interactions: \n\u2022 Blood thinners \n\u2022 Blood pressure medication \n\u2022 Seizure medication \n\u2022 Antidepressants \n\u2022 Decongestants \n \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n What is Vyvanse?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nVyvanse (active ingredient: lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a once-daily time-released stimulant used to primarily treat ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Vyvanse is not considered a narcotic, but it is a schedule II controlled substance with the potential for abuse and addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vyvanse helps people with ADHD improve focus while decreasing impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has been FDA-approved for use since 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forms and Dosages<\/h3>\n\n\n\nVyvanse is a prodrug, meaning that it has to be digested, absorbed within the body, and metabolized by the liver before it turns into the active form of the medication. To aid this process, Vyvanse is prescribed orally as a capsule or chewable tablet. Doses begin at 5 mg and are available in stronger doses at 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and the max dosage of 70 mg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vyvanse is taken once a day, first thing in the morning, with or without food. Do not take Vyvanse after 12 PM as it may disturb your quality of sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Conditions Treated<\/h3>\n\n\n\nVyvanse is FDA-approved to combat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and treat binge eating disorder (BED). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\nVyvanse is currently not available in generic form, so it is one of the costlier ADHD medications. The average retail cost of a one-month supply of Vyvanse without health insurance is approximately $400-$450. Speak with your health insurance provider to see if they cover this ADHD medication, or visit the manufacturer online to receive a one-time coupon for use in any pharmacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For accurate information on pricing under your current health insurance plan, contact your provider\u2019s pharmacy department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\nBecause it is time-released and has a controlled output into your bloodstream, Vyvanse has a much more subtle effect on the body and mind than some other ADHD stimulants. Side effects from Vyvanse include but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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