Adderall vs. Vyvanse: Effects, Duration, and Which Works Best for ADHD
Both Adderall and Vyvanse are stimulant medications commonly used to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, chemicals that help with focus, attention, and impulse control.
1. How They’re Made
Adderall is a mix of two active forms of amphetamine: dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. It starts working soon after you take it and comes in both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) forms.
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prodrug, which means it’s inactive until your body converts it into dextroamphetamine. This conversion happens gradually, leading to a smoother and longer-lasting effect.
2. Onset and Duration
Because Vyvanse needs to be converted in the body, it has a slower onset but a longer duration of action — often lasting up to 12–14 hours. Adderall tends to kick in faster, especially the immediate-release version, but may also wear off more abruptly, sometimes leading to “ups and downs” during the day.
3. Abuse Potential
Vyvanse’s gradual conversion makes it less likely to be misused compared to immediate-release stimulants, since it can’t be activated by crushing or snorting.
4. Effectiveness
Both medications are effective for ADHD in children and adults. Studies suggest Vyvanse may have a slightly stronger effect size in adults, but there haven’t been enough direct head-to-head trials to say one is clearly better than the other.
5. Side Effects
Both can cause*:
Decreased appetite
Difficulty sleeping
Stomach upset or irritability
Mild weight loss
Vyvanse may be a bit more likely to affect sleep and appetite in some younger patients, but overall side-effect profiles are very similar.
*Note- the list above does not include all the possible side effects of stimulants
6. Choosing Between Them
Your choice often depends on:
How long you need coverage (Vyvanse tends to last longer)
Your response to each medication
Insurance coverage and cost
Side effect tolerability
Key Takeaway
Both Adderall and Vyvanse are effective ADHD treatments.
Vyvanse offers a smoother, longer effect with a lower risk of misuse, while Adderall can act faster and comes in multiple formulations.
