Vyvanse alternatives: What can I take instead of Vyvanse?

Vyvanse side effects | Reasons to switch your medication | Compare Vyvanse alternatives | Adderall XR | Concerta | Intuniv | Ritalin | Strattera | Natural Alternatives | How to switch meds

Vyvanse is a brand-name central nervous system stimulant drug that contains the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance because it has the potential for abuse and dependence. People who are interested in changing to a different medication for the treatment of ADHD may consider a medication such as Adderall XR, Concerta, Intuniv, Ritalin, or Strattera.

Side effects of Vyvanse

Some individuals may be interested in a Vyvanse alternative because they may not be able to tolerate its side effects. Common side effects of Vyvanse include:

• Anxiety
• Appetite loss and weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Irritability
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Trouble sleeping

Serious side effects may also occur, which include heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, seizures, circulation problems, severe or life-threatening allergic or skin reactions, or others. 

Other reasons an alternative to Vyvanse may be required

In some cases, an individual may be looking for an alternative treatment for ADHD to Vyvanse. Some people may not have the desired results and want to try a different medication to see if it works better. 

Some people cannot take Vyvanse at all. Vyvanse has a boxed warning, the strongest warning required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the prescribing information, CNS stimulants, including Vyvanse (and other drugs containing or related to amphetamine or methylphenidate), have a high potential for abuse, misuse, and dependence. People who have a history of substance use disorder may not be appropriate candidates for this drug.

In some cases, the price of Vyvanse or its generic may be too high due to insurance copays, or it may not be covered. Whatever the reason, there are alternative ADHD medications to Vyvanse that you can discuss with your healthcare provider.

What can I take in place of Vyvanse?

There are other types of medications available to treat symptoms of ADHD that do not improve with Vyvanse or when Vyvanse cannot be tolerated. The table below compares Vyvanse with common alternatives. All of the drugs listed are prescription medications that are approved by the FDA. This article will focus on Vyvanse alternatives for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as Vyvanse is the only drug FDA-approved for binge eating disorder.

Other alternatives to Vyvanse for ADHD

• Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine extended-release) orally disintegrating tablets
• Aptensio XR (methylphenidate extended-release) capsules
• Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate) capsules
• Cotempla XR-ODT (methylphenidate extended-release) orally disintegrating tablets
• Daytrana (methylphenidate) transdermal patches
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine extended-release) capsules
• Dyanavel XR (amphetamine extended-release) tablets and oral suspension
• Evekeo (amphetamine) tablets
• Evekeo ODT (amphetamine) orally disintegrating tablets
• Jornay PM (methylphenidate) extended-release capsules
• Metadate CD (methylphenidate extended-release) capsules
• Methylin (methylphenidate) oral solution 
• Methylin ER (methylphenidate extended-release) tablets
• Mydayis (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine extended-release) capsules
• ProCentra (dextroamphetamine) oral solution 
• Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release) capsules 
• Quillichew ER (methylphenidate extended-release) chewable tablets
• Relexxii (methylphenidate extended-release) tablets
• Ritalin LA (methylphenidate delayed-release) capsules
• Wellbutrin SR, XL (bupropion; used off-label for ADHD)
• Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) transdermal patches
• Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine) tablets

RELATED: Mydayis vs. Vyvanse

Top 5 Vyvanse alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Vyvanse.

1. Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, also called mixed amphetamine salts)

Adderall XR contains dextroamphetamine and amphetamine and is an extended-release (long-acting) formulation. It is generally dosed once daily in the morning. Adderall XR is a CNS stimulant, like Vyvanse. Adderall XR is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. Like Vyvanse, Adderall XR is a Schedule II controlled substance and has the same black box warning. 

Common side effects include dry mouth, appetite and weight loss, trouble sleeping, headache, anxiety, mood swings, agitation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, weakness, and fast heart rate. 

2. Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release)

Concerta contains the active ingredient methylphenidate (extended-release) and is approved to treat adults and children ages 6 years through 65 years old with ADHD. Concerta is generally dosed once daily in the morning. It is a CNS stimulant and Schedule II controlled substance and has the same black box warning as Vyvanse and Adderall XR. 

Common side effects include stomach pain, appetite and weight loss, headache, dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, trouble sleeping, irritability, and excessive sweating. 

3. Intuniv (guanfacine extended-release)

Intuniv contains extended-release guanfacine. It is one of the nonstimulant medications used for ADHD. It is not a controlled substance and does not contain a black box warning. Intuniv is classified as a central alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist. This non-stimulant drug is generally dosed once daily. Intuniv is approved for use in children and adolescents ages 6 years to 17 years old with ADHD. It can be used alone or in combination with stimulant medication. 

Side effects may depend on the patient’s age and if the patient is taking it alone or with other medications. Some common side effects are sleepiness, headache, stomach pain, low blood pressure, irritability, dizziness, and nausea. 

4. Ritalin (methylphenidate)

Ritalin contains methylphenidate and is a CNS stimulant and Schedule II controlled substance. It has the same black box warning as Vyvanse, Adderall XR, and Concerta. Ritalin can be used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years or older or narcolepsy in adults. It is usually dosed 2 or 3 times daily. 

Common side effects of Ritalin include fast heart rate, palpitations, headache, trouble sleeping (insomnia), anxiety, excess sweating, appetite and weight loss, dry mouth, nausea, and stomach pain. 

5. Strattera (atomoxetine)

Strattera is a nonstimulant drug that contains the ingredient atomoxetine. It is classified as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and is generally dosed once or twice daily. Strattera is approved for ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. It is not a controlled substance or a stimulant. It has a black box warning different from the other warnings mentioned above. The black box warning states that Strattera can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in children or adolescents with ADHD. Patients of any age who take Strattera should be closely monitored (by the family and caregivers) for suicidal thoughts and behavior and changes in mood and behavior. 

Natural alternatives to Vyvanse

ADHD is generally treated as a comprehensive approach. Although medication is an important part of the treatment plan, other parts of a treatment plan may include therapy and educational or work interventions. Some people find other measures, such as a healthy diet, exercise, meditation, avoiding caffeine, and getting enough sleep, to help as well. However, these are not a substitute for medication but rather a complement to the medication. Talk to your healthcare professional about various natural methods you can try in combination with your medications. 

It may be tempting to turn to the vitamin and supplement aisle to see what options there are to help treat ADHD symptoms. One thing to remember is that these products are not regulated by the FDA the same way that prescription drugs are, and these vitamins or supplements cannot make certain claims (for example, a supplement cannot claim to treat ADHD but may state on the label that it supports brain health). 

A 2014 study noted that there is not much evidence to support treating ADHD with vitamins or supplements. However, some patients with ADHD may have low levels of vitamin D, zinc, iron, or magnesium. It is important to note that although these levels may be low, there is no evidence to say that these low levels cause ADHD. However, it may be worth asking the healthcare provider to test vitamin D, zinc, iron, and magnesium levels. If there is a deficiency, the healthcare provider may recommend a supplement—in combination with all other treatments, including therapy and prescription medication. 

Some patients inquire about a supplement called ashwagandha. A 2020 study done in Europe concluded that ashwagandha may help various brain conditions, but more research is needed. When considering a supplement such as ashwagandha, you should always check with your healthcare provider for medical advice before using it, as some supplements may have drug interactions or dangerous adverse effects. For example, ashwagandha may cause miscarriage in pregnant women, may increase symptoms of autoimmune disease, and may affect thyroid hormone levels. There have also been reports of liver toxicity from ashwagandha.

How to switch to a Vyvanse alternative

If you are interested in switching to a Vyvanse alternative, you can:

• Contact your insurance provider if price is a concern or if Vyvanse or its generic is not covered. Inquire about which Vyvanse alternatives are covered in your formulary and the copay for each medication. Also, if you have a deductible, ask if your deductible has been met or if you are still paying toward your deductible. 
• Reach out to your healthcare provider for medical advice on treatment options. You may be required to make an appointment to discuss potential changes to your medication regimen. Tell your healthcare provider about your medical conditions and medical history, as well as all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. At this appointment, you can talk about alternative medications—as well as the potential side effects and drug interactions—with your healthcare provider. If your provider prescribes a Vyvanse alternative, they can send the prescription to your pharmacy. Notify the pharmacist that you are switching from Vyvanse to the new medication so that they can update your file with accurate information.
• Search the SingleCare website or mobile app for free coupons. SingleCare customers save up to 80% on prescription prices.