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Adderall vs Vyvanse: Key Differences, Effectiveness, and Cost Comparison

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 15, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

The primary difference between Adderall and Vyvanse lies in their composition: Adderall contains a mixture of four different amphetamine salts, while Vyvanse contains only one type of amphetamine salt called lisdexamfetamine.

Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a prodrug that converts into dexamphetamine once absorbed by the body. Adderall's four amphetamine salts include dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate.

Vyvanse may have lower abuse potential compared to Adderall, though no direct head-to-head studies have definitively compared their abuse risk. One small study (n=24, Dolder et al) comparing Vyvanse to d-amphetamine (an Adderall component) found similar pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, with lisdexamfetamine likely carrying similar oral abuse risk as d-amphetamine.

Since both medications contain amphetamines, their mechanisms of action are comparable, and they work in a similar way. Clinical studies demonstrate that Vyvanse is equally effective as Adderall for ADHD treatment, with similar side effect profiles.

The dependence risk (likelihood of becoming dependent or addicted) appears similar for both Adderall and Vyvanse.

See also: Drugs.com Compare Tool - Adderall vs Vyvanse

What's in Adderall and Vyvanse?

Adderall is a brand-name combination drug containing four different amphetamine types (dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate). These are commonly referred to as mixed amphetamine salts or MAS.

Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine. Once lisdexamfetamine enters the body, it converts into dextroamphetamine (its active form) upon contact with red blood cells.

Both Adderall and Vyvanse contain amphetamines and work similarly by blocking the reuptake of two neurotransmitters (chemical messengers between nerves). These neurotransmitters are norepinephrine and dopamine. By preventing their reuptake, levels of these chemicals increase between nerve connections, helping reduce inattention and hyperactivity symptoms in children and adults with ADHD.

Direct studies Comparing Adderall vs Vyvanse

Few studies have directly compared Adderall to Vyvanse. One study (Biederman et al) examined both drugs' effects on classroom behavior in children with ADHD, finding both equally effective at improving attention span, rule-following, and peer/adult interactions. Both were well-tolerated with no significant side effect differences.

Similar results appeared in an 18-adult ADHD trial (Martin et al). Adderall took approximately two hours to become effective versus three hours for Vyvanse, with both drugs' effects lasting roughly 16 hours.

Another study (Dolder et al) found similarities in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, but noted about an hour lag time for d-amphetamine (an Adderall component).

Numerous other studies have compared Adderall or Vyvanse to a placebo or other ADHD medications, confirming that both improve various ADHD symptoms. Researchers found no superior effectiveness between drug types, and side effects like decreased appetite, insomnia, and abdominal symptoms were common but similar across different formulations. However, most ADHD trials last under six months, are poorly documented, and fail to include important social outcomes like parental stress and quality of life measures.

Related questions

Which ADHD Medication Has Higher Abuse Potential?

Adderall has greater abuse potential, primarily because it contains free amphetamine salts. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse's active ingredient) requires red blood cell contact for activation into dextroamphetamine, suggesting built-in abuse-deterrent properties. Unfortunately, no head-to-head trials comparing Vyvanse to Adderall abuse potential exist.

Lisdexamfetamine remains classified as a controlled substance with high abuse potential, and patients prescribed either Vyvanse or Adderall should store medications safely to prevent unauthorized use, as amphetamine-type medicine misuse can cause sudden death, stroke, heart attack, seizures, and psychotic reactions.

Adderall vs Vyvanse Cost Comparison

Adderall typically costs less than Vyvanse, but pricing depends on your insurance plan and copay card availability. Some insurance plans and Medicare prescription coverage exclude brand-name drugs like Adderall, only covering significantly cheaper generic versions. Vyvanse has coverage from up to 80% of insurance plans but isn't commonly covered by Medicare Part D plans. Vyvanse copay costs vary widely.

Without insurance, full-cost pricing at most pharmacies runs approximately $11 per tablet for brand-name Adderall or $19 per tablet for brand-name Vyvanse. With pharmacy discount cards, costs may drop to around $20-$30 for 30 generic Adderall 20mg capsules, and roughly $80 for 30 generic Vyvanse 30mg capsules.

For more information, see Adderall Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance or Vyvanse Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance.

Is Adderall Better Because It's Available as Extended-Release?

No. While Adderall comes in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations, expert reviews found no effectiveness differences between immediate and extended-release dosage forms.

Interestingly, Vyvanse naturally "behaves" like an extended-release medication once inside the body - because red blood cell contact and dextroamphetamine conversion takes time.

References

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