Adderall vs Vyvanse

A Bit About Adderall and Vyvanse: An Overview

By now, you have probably heard of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, and it is not unlikely that you know someone who is dealing with the disorder, diagnosed or not.  You have likely heard of a few medications that are used to treat ADHD.  If you or someone you love might need a prescription for such uses, it is always good to find out as much as you can, as well as to consult with a medical professional.  If your doctor has prescribed either of these medications for you, be sure to check out HelpRX for discounts on both Vyvanse and Adderall.

Both Adderall and Vyvanse are central nervous system stimulants; they are both used to treat ADHD by affecting certain chemicals in the brain or nerves which affect impulse control. The balance of chemicals in our brains can affect our ability to focus or make us hyperactive, so stimulating certain chemicals can change that balance and help increase calm and focus.

While both medications are used to treat ADHD, they also each have other uses.  Adderall, for example, can be prescribed to treat narcolepsy (a sleep disorder).  In some cases, Vyvanse is used to combat mild binge eating disorders.  It is always important to consult with your doctor about any medication, and to take your medications exactly as prescribed.  Adderall and Vyvanse are both Schedule 2 narcotics under the Controlled Substance Act as their potential for abuse is high.  Many doctors now prefer prescribing Vyvanse over Adderall, because the addictive tendencies are less in Vyvanse.

What Else Will I Experience? Side-effects

With any medication, there are chances that the changes to brain chemistry will cause side-effects.  Adderall and Vyvanse are no different, so be sure to talk to your doctor about potential adverse effects.  Sometimes, supplemental medications can be prescribed to mitigate the side-effects, but make sure to have a conversation with your doctor, because some medications have unwanted results when combined with Adderall and Vyvanse.

Some people who have used Adderall have experienced increased pain, including bladder pain and lower back pain.  The drug can also affect urination, making it painful; it is possible that your urine could become cloudy or even bloody.  Some patients complain of higher frequency of urination or the need to urinate.

Insomnia and irritability are two of the more common side-effects of Vyvanse.  In addition, some patients have reported unexpected weight loss, as well as dizziness.  Decreased appetite, headaches, nausea and vomiting can also occur and a reduction in saliva can cause the feeling of a dry mouth.

These are some of the more common side-effects.  Both drugs have a range of other, more minor, less common side-effects, and if you experience them, make sure to consult your physician.

How Do I Use These Drugs Safely? Interactions and Precautions

Adderall and Vyvanse both come in capsule form which should be taken orally.  Vyvanse also has a chewable tablet form, if swallowing is difficult for you.  Either of the capsule forms of these medications can be opened and sprinkled into food or drink.  It is best to take Vyvanse in the morning, and avoid taking it in the evening, as it may give you trouble sleeping.  Similarly, if your doctor prescribes taking Adderall twice per day, avoid late evening doses for the same reason.

It is always important to make sure you are taking your medications safely and correctly and, of course, the best resource to do so is your primary care physician. However, we can provide some pretty basic information on how to use Adderall or Vyvanse properly here!

First, both Adderall and Vyvanse can have dangerous reactions with a type of drug called Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).  MAOIs are often used as antidepressants, so make sure to check with your doctor if you are using or have recently used an antidepressant and you are considering starting Adderall or Vyvanse.

Second, both Adderall and Vyvanse are considered habit forming drugs, and therefore can be abused.  If you have a history of alcoholism or any other substance abuse, it is probably best to avoid these drugs.  Also, make sure to keep close track of the amount of medicine you receive with each prescription; if someone else is using these drugs that were prescribed for you, it can be very dangerous.

Third, both Adderall and Vyvanse are both stimulants, and stimulants have been known to have ill effects in people with high blood pressure or heart disease.  Stroke, heart attack, or even sudden death could occur.  Again, be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning to take these or any drugs.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, there are important considerations before starting Adderall of Vyvanse.  Both drugs increase the risk of premature birth.  There is also an increased risk of a lower birth rate if the mother is taking one of these medications.  Neither drug is recommended during breastfeeding; studies have shown that the drug can be excreted into a mother’s milk and could be dangerous for the child to ingest.

Time for Change? Switching or Stopping

It is always important to take any medication exactly as prescribed, and that includes when it is time to stop or switch medications.  Because of the psychostimulant nature of both Adderall and Vyvanse, it is possible that when you stop or change the dosage, you will experience some withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches or depression.  Consult your physician about tapering off of these drugs, perhaps lowering the dosage, or taking them less frequently.  It can be very difficult and sometimes dangerous to stop these medications immediately, so make sure to stick with whatever plan you and your doctor decide.