Vyvanse Alternatives: Medications, Over the Counter, & Switching Your Prescription

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.

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}

*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.

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}

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.

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:

1. Is it safe to take ADHD medication with my other medications?
2. 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?
3. What ADHD medications should I consider for fewer side effects?
4. Will my ADHD symptoms get better without medication?
5. What kinds of ADHD medications are there?
6. How do I know which ADHD medication is right for me?
7. How can I naturally improve my symptoms while on medications?
8. How can I prevent side effects from occurring?
9. What should I do if I am experiencing side effects?
10. Will side effects go away over time?
11. Which side effects are most likely to occur?
12. How long does it take for ADHD medications to take effect?
13. Which ADHD medications does my insurance cover?
14. 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.

For Further Reading

• Treatment for Adult ADHD: Medication, Therapy, & Self-Help Strategies
• Does ADHD Go Away? Answers to Whether You Can Grow Out of ADHD
• ADHD Support Group Directory
• Data and Statistics About ADHD
• Strattera Side Effects: Common, Severe, & Long Term