Vyvanse and Adderall are stimulants used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This article will review the similarities and differences between Vyvanse and Adderall.

Mechanism Of Action Of Vyvanse And Adderall

How stimulants reduce symptoms of ADHD is not completely understood. 

Stimulant drugs stimulate the central nervous system (CNS) by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They improve attention, memory, reasoning, problem solving, and increase alertness.

Vyvanse and Adderall are amphetamines, which are CNS stimulants. Both drugs increase the concentration of neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine) in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to communicate with each other.

Adderall was approved by the FDA in 2001 and Vyvanse was approved in 2007.

Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, a prodrug that is first converted to dextroamphetamine in the body before it is active. Dextroamphetamine is a CNS stimulant chemically related to amphetamine. 

Adderall contains a mixture of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.

Approved Uses For Adderall and Vyvanse

Vyvanse and Adderall are used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Vyvanse and Adderall XR are indicated for ages 6 years and older, whereas Adderall (immediate-release) can be used for ages 3 years and older. Vyvanse is also approved to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder, whereas Adderall is also approved for treating narcolepsy.

Next: Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy of Adderall vs Vyvanse