Alternatives to Vyvanse include over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, therapy, and a healthy diet. Other options include exercising, getting enough sleep, and avoiding using other substances like alcohol or nicotine. You may also consider other prescription ADHD medications, such as stimulants and non-stimulants. Ask your doctor about other options and how to switch your prescription if you think you are having side effects or your medication isn’t working.
What Is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse contains the active ingredient lisdexamphetamine. It is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in children 6-12 years, adolescents 12-17 years old, and adults up to 65 years old.1 It also treats binge eating disorder in adults.2 Vyvanse acts as a stimulant by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. The results are feelings of pleasure and reward, which help improve energy and attention span.
Is There a Generic for Vyvanse?
There is no generic for Vyvanse (lisdexamphetamine) currently available. However, other stimulant ADHD medications do have generics available. Stimulants with a generic include Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (extended-release methylphenidate), and Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine).
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Why Consider a Vyvanse Alternative?
You may consider an alternative to Vyvanse if your insurance does not cover it or you would like something cheaper or less expensive. Other reasons for alternatives may include inadequate symptom relief, side effects, or you would like to try natural therapies. Alternative medications are only available for the treatment of ADHD. Vyvanse is the only FDA-approved medication for binge eating disorder.
What ADHD Medications are Alternatives to Vyvanse?
Medications for ADHD are divided into two categories, with some being stimulants and others being non-stimulants. You may consider one category over the other because everyone responds differently and factors should be considered, such as drug warnings, your health history, and previous experience with side effects. Your doctor will help to decide which medication is correct for you.
Stimulant ADHD Medications
Stimulant ADHD medications are the most similar to Vyvanse and may be considered the “best” alternatives. They include Vyvanse, Concerta, Ritalin, and Adderall. They work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to increase mood, energy, and attention.3,4,5 They can also help you stay focused, organized, and can help memory and problem-solving skills.
Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications
Non-stimulant ADHD medications include Strattera and Qelbree. These work on norepinephrine in the brain and can take 4 weeks to work.6,7 Other non-stimulant medications for ADHD include clonidine and guanfacine, which work by acting on alpha 2 in the brain, but have opposite effects.8,9 They promote relaxation and help reduce anxiety.
Alternatives to Adderall Available Online
Learn which ADHD medications can help you. There are many effective medications for ADHD including Strattera and Clonidine, which a Plushcare doctor can prescribe. In as little as 15 minutes, you can speak with a board-certified doctor from PlushCare to receive ADHD treatment.
Plushcare DOES NOT prescribe controlled substances, including Adderall.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Medical Alternatives?
Common side effects of ADHD medications include nausea, decreased appetite and weight, anorexia, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, and heart effects. Some adverse effects may occur early as the body adjusts and may go away after a few weeks, but medication side effects typically last for as long as the person takes the medication.
The table below compares ADHD medication alternatives to Vyvanse and common side effects of each:*2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Stimulant or Non-stimulant? | Brand | Generic | Common side effects |
---|---|---|---|
Stimulant | Concerta | Methylphenidate ER | abdominal pain, decreased appetite, decreased weight, headache, dry mouth, nausea, trouble sleeping, anxiety, dizziness, irritability, and excessive sweating |
Stimulant | Ritalin | Methylphenidate | headache, insomnia, upper abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and anorexia |
Stimulant | Adderall | Amphetamine- dextroamphetamine | abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and nervousness |
Stimulant | Vyvanse | Lisdexamphetamine | trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, dizziness, dry mouth, heart enlargement, and muscle overactivity |
Non-stimulant | Strattera | Atomoxetine | nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain |
Non-stimulant | Qelbree | Viloxazine | decreased appetite, extreme tiredness, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, and irritability |
Non-stimulant | Kapvay | Clonidine | extreme tiredness, irritability, trouble sleeping, nightmares, constipation, and dry mouth |
Non-stimulant | Intuniv | Guanfacine | extreme tiredness, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and abdominal pain |
*All medications, including stimulant and non-stimulant medications, can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
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Plushcare There are many effective medications for ADHD, including Strattera, which a Plushcare doctor can prescribe. In as little as 15 minutes, you can speak with a board-certified doctor from PlushCare to receive ADHD treatment. Plushcare DOES NOT prescribe controlled substances. Visit Plushcare
Are There Affordable Alternatives to Vyvanse?
There are many factors that go into choosing affordable ADHD medications other than Vyvanse. Variables that can affect the cost include your location, pharmacy, insurance, and coupons. You may be able to get a manufacturer coupon from the drug’s website for a few months, but these coupons can be hard to find and may only be available if you don’t have insurance or have government insurance like Medicare.
The table below compares the costs of ADHD medication alternatives to Vyvanse:10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24
Brand | Average Cost Without Insurance | Generic | Average Cost With Insurance |
---|---|---|---|
Concerta | $432, 30 27mg tablets | Methylphenidate ER | $50, 30 27mg tablets |
Ritalin | $103, 60 20mg tablets | Methylphenidate | $24, 60 20mg tablets |
Adderall XR | $228, 30 30mg capsules | Amphetamine- Dextroamphetamine extended-release | $37, 30 30mg capsules |
Vyvanse | $386, 30 30mg capsules | Lisdexamphetamine | Currently not available |
Strattera | $452, 30 40mg capsules | Atomoxetine | $28, 30 40mg capsules |
Qelbree | $356, 30 150mg capsules | Viloxazine Hydrochloride | Currently not available |
Kapvay ER | $282, 30 0.1mg tablets | Clonidine extended-release | $23, 30 0.1mg tablets |
Intuniv | $309, 30 1 mg tablets | Guanfacine extended-release | $20, 30 1 mg tablets |
Natural Alternatives to Vyvanse
You may decide you don’t want to take medication for ADHD or would like to enhance its effects. Options include natural remedies for ADHD, OTC supplements, and non-medication options as alternatives to Vyvanse for ADHD symptoms. Vyvanse is the only medication FDA-approved for binge eating disorder at this time, which some of these alternatives may help with as well.
Natural and non-medication alternatives to Vyvanse for ADHD symptoms include:
- L-Tyrosine: L-tyrosine is a molecule that makes up dopamine. Research has shown some promise using L-tyrosine for ADHD symptoms in some people.25
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): You may find CBT for ADHD beneficial for managing symptoms. The therapy can help you find solutions to your symptoms or allows someone to empathize with you.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy: Another type of therapy that can help manage symptoms is DBT. The therapy can help you improve your attention skills and regulate your emotions.
- Vitamin D and Magnesium: In children, 50,000 IU per week of Vitamin D and 6 mg per kilogram per day of magnesium were shown to help improve the emotional and social symptoms of ADHD.26
- Phosphatidylserine: Phosphatidylserine has helped improve short-term auditory memory, attention, and impulsivity.27
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Attention and other ADHD symptoms have improved with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.29
- Nootropics: Nootropics are supplements that enhance thought function. They can help with attention, muscle speed, attention, and impulsivity.29
It’s important to talk with your doctor and pharmacist before you start taking any natural medications. They can have dangerous interactions with other medications you take.
Lifestyle Habits That Help Manage ADHD
You can also use self-care strategies to help minimize or prevent symptoms. Using negative coping strategies will only make you feel better in the short term and will not help solve the problem in the long run. Challenges you might face implementing coping strategies include lack of motivation, wanting to use negative coping strategies, and not having the right support.
Lifestyle habits that may help with ADHD symptoms include:
- Getting enough sleep: The impact of sleep on mental health can be really helpful for your mood and may help with ADHD symptoms.
- Healthy eating: Eating well is also great for your mental health. It can make you feel satisfied, accomplished, give you energy, and may be beneficial for ADHD symptoms.
- Exercising: The mental health benefits of exercise can also be really impactful. Regular activity may be helpful with ADHD symptoms by enhancing your mood and giving you energy.
- Avoiding other stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine: Stimulants can increase the amount of time it takes for your body to adjust without Vyvanse since Vyvanse is also a stimulant.
- Avoiding depressants such as alcohol: Depressants also affect your brain’s chemistry and can make it harder for you to adjust.
- Speaking with a therapist: A therapist can help your mental health and help you think of ways to enhance your mood and thoughts while experiencing symptoms. They can also provide encouragement and keep you accountable.
- Attending online support groups: Support groups are another great way to receive encouragement and you don’t have to attend a group specific for ADHD.
When to Seek Professional Help
You should seek professional help for ADHD symptoms if your symptoms are impairing your daily activities, relationships, or function. It is important to know how to find a therapist that fits your needs because there are many different types of therapists. Also, finding an online psychiatry service may be helpful, especially if going to in-person appointments is challenging.
Meet with an online doctor today about ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Prescriptions as appropriate.
All prescriptions are based on necessity determined by a medical professional. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same-day appointments.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team About Vyvanse Alternatives
You might want to consider alternatives to Vyvanse if you are having side effects or your doctor has tried increasing your dose and it is not working. If this happens, ask your doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist what other options are available.
Questions to ask your care team about Vyvanse alternatives include:
- Is it safe to take ADHD medication with my other medications?
- Am I at risk for side effects from ADHD medications or supplements if I am already taking other medications, such as antidepressants or anxiety medications?
- What ADHD medications should I consider for fewer side effects?
- Will my ADHD symptoms get better without medication?
- What kinds of ADHD medications are there?
- How do I know which ADHD medication is right for me?
- How can I naturally improve my symptoms while on medications?
- How can I prevent side effects from occurring?
- What should I do if I am experiencing side effects?
- Will side effects go away over time?
- Which side effects are most likely to occur?
- How long does it take for ADHD medications to take effect?
- Which ADHD medications does my insurance cover?
- How do I know when I should seek professional help for my symptoms?
In My Experience
In my experience, patients tolerate ADHD medications fairly well. Common side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, trouble sleeping, and dry mouth. If you are having side effects or your medication isn’t working, you can try a different stimulant or try a non-stimulant. It’s important to talk to your doctor about this topic and follow their guidance because stimulants can have dangerous side effects.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.
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Daily Med. (2022, March). LABEL: VYVANSE- lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsule VYVANSE- lisdexamfetamine dimesylate tablet, chewable. National Institute of Health National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Daily Med. (2023, May). LABEL: CONCERTA- methylphenidate hydrochloride tablet, extended release. National Institute of Health National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm
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Daily Med. (2022, October). LABEL: RITALIN LA- methylphenidate hydrochloride capsule, extended release. National Institute of Health National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Daily Med. LABEL: ADDERALL- dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate tablet. (2022, February) National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Daily Med. LABEL: STRATTERA- atomoxetine hydrochloride capsule. (2014, February). National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Daily Med. LABEL: QELBREE- viloxazine hydrochloride capsule, extended release. (2022, October). National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Daily Med. LABEL: KAPVAY- clonidine hydrochloride tablet, extended release. (2022, November). National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Daily Med. LABEL: INTUNIV- guanfacine tablet, extended release. (2013, August). National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Concerta. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/concerta
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Ritalin. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/ritalin
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Adderall XR. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/adderall-xr
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Vyvanse. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/vyvanse
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Strattera. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/strattera
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Qelbree. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/qelbree
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Kapvay. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/kapvay
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Intuniv. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/intuniv
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Methylphenidate ER. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/methylphenidate-er
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Methylphenidate. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/methylphenidate
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine Extended-Release. https://www.goodrx.com/amphetamine-salt-combo-xr
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Atomoxetine. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/atomoxetine
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Viloxazine-Hydrocholoride. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/viloxazine-hydrochloride
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Clonidine ER. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/clonidine-er
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GoodRx. (n.d.) Guanfacine ER. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/guanfacine-er
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Colzato, Lorenza & Steenbergen, Laura & Sellaro, Roberta & Stock, Ann-Kathrin & Arning, Larissa & Beste, Christian. (2016). Effects of L-Tyrosine on working memory and inhibitory control are determined by DRD2 genotypes: A randomized controlled trial. Cortex. 82. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27403851/
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Hemamy, M., Pahlavani, N., Amanollahi, A., Islam, S. M. S., McVicar, J., Askari, G., & Malekahmadi, M. (2021). The effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on the mental health status of attention-deficit hyperactive children: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pediatrics, 21(1), 178. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02631-1
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Hirayama, S., Terasawa, K., Rabeler, R., Hirayama, T., Inoue, T., Tatsumi, Y., Purpura, M., & Jäger, R. (2014). The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics : The Official Journal of the British Dietetic Association, 27 Suppl 2, 284–291. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12090
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Bos, D. J., Oranje, B., Veerhoek, E. S., Van Diepen, R. M., Weusten, J. M., Demmelmair, H., Koletzko, B., de Sain-van der Velden, M. G., Eilander, A., Hoeksma, M., & Durston, S. (2015). Reduced Symptoms of Inattention after Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Boys with and without Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology, 40(10), 2298–2306. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2015.73
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McGlade, E., Agoston, A. M., DiMuzio, J., Kizaki, M., Nakazaki, E., Kamiya, T., & Yurgelun-Todd, D. (2019). The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males. Journal of Attention Disorders, 23(2), 121–134. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054715593633
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