Adderall vs Vyvanse: two ADHD stimulants compared
Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are amphetamine-based ADHD medicines. Vyvanse is a prodrug the body converts slowly, giving a smooth, long effect from one capsule; Adderall comes as immediate-release and extended-release forms. Both are Schedule II, which shapes how they are filled.
Updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
- How it works
- Adderall
- Amphetamine, active as soon as it is absorbed
- Vyvanse
- An inactive prodrug converted to amphetamine in the blood
- Duration
- Adderall
- About four to six hours immediate-release; longer for XR
- Vyvanse
- Long, typically through the school or work day
- Approved for
- Adderall
- ADHD; immediate-release also narcolepsy
- Vyvanse
- ADHD, and moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults
- Federal schedule
- Adderall
- Schedule II
- Vyvanse
- Schedule II
- Generic available
- Adderall
- Yes
- Vyvanse
- Yes, since 2023
Adderall mixed amphetamine salts, immediate-release and XR | Vyvanse lisdexamfetamine | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Amphetamine, active as soon as it is absorbed | An inactive prodrug converted to amphetamine in the blood |
| Duration | About four to six hours immediate-release; longer for XR | Long, typically through the school or work day |
| Approved for | ADHD; immediate-release also narcolepsy | ADHD, and moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults |
| Federal schedule | Schedule II | Schedule II |
| Generic available | Yes | Yes, since 2023 |
How they feel different
Because lisdexamfetamine has to be converted in the blood, its effect comes on gradually and wears off smoothly, and crushing or snorting it does not speed it up, which lowers its misuse potential. Immediate-release Adderall works quickly and allows flexible timing, but can wear off abruptly; Adderall XR extends it to most of a day. Side effects are similar: reduced appetite, trouble sleeping, raised heart rate and blood pressure, and irritability as a dose wears off.
Filling a Schedule II prescription
Schedule II prescriptions have no refills: each fill needs a prescription, although a prescriber can issue several dated prescriptions covering up to ninety days. An unfilled electronic prescription can be transferred to another pharmacy only once. Confirming that a pharmacy has your exact strength and form before the prescription is sent can save time, since moving it afterwards uses up that one transfer.
Cost
Both are available as generics, and each pharmacy sets its own cash price for each form, so ask for a quote on your exact form and strength. Pharmacies may dispense generics from different manufacturers, so if you notice a difference after a change of maker, tell your prescriber and pharmacist.
Questions for your prescriber
- What should I do if a pharmacy does not have my dose in stock?
- Which form fits my day: immediate-release, extended-release or lisdexamfetamine?
- How will we monitor my heart rate, blood pressure and sleep?
- Can the prescription be sent once the pharmacy confirms it has my strength in stock?
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Sources
- DEA, controlled substance schedules
- DailyMed, FDA-approved prescribing information
- MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine)
- FDA Orange Book (approved generics and therapeutic equivalence)
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for you or your pet; your prescriber decides which medicine is right.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.