*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
Vyvanse and Ritalin treat attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in children and adults.1 Ritalin has a shorter duration throughout the day while Vyvanse is favored for longer-term coverage. Ritalin comes in different extended formulations, while Vyvanse also comes in a chewable form. They take effect in about the same amount of time and have different abuse potentials, depending on your age.2,3
If you’re considering Vyvanse or Ritalin, or want to discuss your current prescription with a provider, you will be limited in your options. Talkiatry is an online psychiatry platform that can and will prescribe stimulant medications, which are controlled substances. This platform can connect you with a provider quickly and offer assessments and prescription consultation.
Boxed Warning: Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) – Risk of medication misuse or abuse
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, the active ingredient in Vyvanse, has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate has a risk of misuse (abuse) which can lead to dependence on the medication.
Vyvanse is a controlled substance, which means that it’s more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
Boxed Warning: Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Ritalin LA) – Risk of medication misuse or abuse
Methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Ritalin and Ritalin LA, has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate has a risk of misuse (abuse) which can lead to dependence on the medication.
Ritalin is a controlled substance, which means that it’s more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment at Talkiatry
Talkiatry can match you with a psychiatrist who takes your insurance. Their clinicians can evaluate you for ADHD and prescribe medication. This can include controlled substances if they’re right for you and allowed by your state. Get started with a short online assessment.
What Is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat ADHD in children 6-12 years, adolescents 12-17 years old, and adults up to 65 years old. 2 It also treats binge eating disorder in adults. Vyvanse acts by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine as a stimulant. The result is reduced symptoms of these disorders. The generic (lisdexamfetamine) is not currently available.
What Is Ritalin?
Ritalin is a brand name for methylphenidate, which is also a stimulant. It is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in people ages 6-65 and narcolepsy in adults.3 It acts similarly by blocking dopamine and norepinephrine transporters in nerve endings to increase dopamine and norepinephrine. Ritalin results in improved attention span and decreased distractability for people who have ADHD.
Key Differences Between Vyvanse & Ritalin
Vyvanse and Ritalin are both medications for ADHD but are not interchangeable. They treat different conditions, come in different forms, and have different strengths. Vyvanse and Ritalin each have unique side effects, drug interactions, and warnings. Also, they take different amounts of time to work and have different abuse potentials.
The key differences between Vyvanse and Ritalin are:
Conditions Treated
Vyvanse and Ritalin are both FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD.2,3 Vyvanse is also approved for moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder and Ritalin also treats narcolepsy. An FDA-approved drug has been proven in randomized controlled clinical trials to be safe and effective for a certain use. Vyvanse and Ritalin also differ in off-label uses. Off-label means a drug has not been approved by the FDA for a certain use, but a physician may choose to use the medication based on their professional judgment.
Vyvanse and Ritalin each have unique off-label uses. Vyvanse has off-label uses for depression, executive dysfunction, and excessive daytime sleepiness. 4,5 Ritalin has off-label uses for lack of interest or concern in Alzheimer’s disease, fatigue in patients with cancer, depression in geriatrics, and cognitive performance or memory.6,7,8,9
Standard Dosages & Forms
Vyvanse comes in 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60, and 70 mg as tablets, chewable tablets, or capsules that can be opened and mixed with yogurt, water, or orange juice.3 Vyvanse is taken once daily in the morning. It is an immediate-release tablet, meaning the entire Vyvanse dose is absorbed at once.
Ritalin comes in immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release tablets.3,10 The immediate and sustained-release forms come in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg and the extended-release capsules come in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg and can also be taken with or without food. Immediate-release tablets are taken twice daily and sustained-release tablets and extended-release capsules are taken once daily.
Side Effects
Side effects of Vyvanse include teeth-grinding, tics, muscle spasms, decreased libido, and change in taste perception.2 Psychiatric side effects of Vyvanse include compulsive picking at skin, paranoia, talkativeness, feeling jittery, irritability, mood swings, aggression, and anger. Serious side effects of Vyvanse include heart enlargement, intestinal death, anorexia, Steven Johnson syndrome, swelling, nose bleeds, and seizures.
Ritalin can cause blurred vision, double vision, ear swelling, drowsiness, fatigue, disorientation, muscle twitching, joint pain, swelling, and chest swelling.3 Respiratory side effects include cough, nasopharyngitis, and larynx and pharynx pain. Ritalin can also cause dangerous skin reactions, including itching, excessive sweating, skin blistering, extreme skin shedding, cold hands and feet, and skin reddening.
Serious side effects of Ritalin include hallucinations, and delusions.3 Side effects of the heart include decreased heart rate, irregular heart rate, sudden heart death, and heart attack. Other serious side effects from Ritalin include abnormal liver function, skin eruptions, blood in urine, anemia, low platelet count, low white blood cell count, and ruptured blood vessels in the head.
Strength
The starting dose for Vyvanse is typically 30 mg and your doctor may increase your dose weekly in increments of 10 mg or 20 mg.2 The maximum dose of Vyvanse prescribed is 70 mg.
The immediate-release tablets of Ritalin are started in children at 5 mg twice daily, given with breakfast and lunch.3 The starting Ritalin dosage for adults is 20 mg to 30 mg twice or three times daily, preferably before meals. Your doctor may increase your dose in increments of 5 mg or 10 mg each week up to 60 mg. Extended-release tablets are started at 20 mg and increased by 10 mg weekly up to 60 mg.10
How Long It Takes to Work
Vyvanse will start to take effect 30 minutes to an hour after taking it and the effects of Vyvanse lasts about 14 hours.3,11 Sustained-release Ritalin tablets last about 8 hours. Ritalin tablets and sustained-release tablets work faster and better when given with food. In contrast, the extended-release capsules may be delayed by food and are preferably taken before meals.
You will notice an effect with Vyvanse about 1-3.5 hours after taking it.2 In children, the time it takes to reach Ritalin’s biggest effect is about 2 hours for the immediate-release tablets and a little less than 5 hours for the sustained-release tablets.3 Extended-release capsules peak at about 1-3 hours and again at 6-7 hours.11
Potential for Addiction
Vyvanse’s half-life is approximately 9 hours in children and about 12 hours in adults.2 Ritalin’s half-life in children on average is 2.5 hours and 3.5 hours in adults.3 The time a drug stays in the body depends on its half-life. Half-life is the time it takes for half of the drug’s concentration to be reduced.
The table below summarizes the key differences between Vyvanse versus Ritalin:2,3,10
| Key Components | Vyvanse | Ritalin |
|---|---|---|
| What is the generic name? | Lisdexamfetamine | Methylphenidate |
| What forms does it come in? | Capsules, tablets, and chewable tablets | Tablets and sustained-release tablets |
| What are the typical dosages? | 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60, and 70 mg | Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg Sustained-release tablets: 20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg Extended-release capsules: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg |
| Who is approved to take it? | Children and adolescents 6-17 years old and adults up to 65 years old | Children and adolescents 6-17 years old and adults up to 65 years old |
| How long will they last? | About 14 hours | Sustained-release tablets: 8 hours |
ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment at Talkiatry
Talkiatry can match you with a psychiatrist who takes your insurance. Their clinicians can evaluate you for ADHD and prescribe medication. This can include controlled substances if they’re right for you and allowed by your state. Get started with a short online assessment.
How Are Vyvanse & Ritalin Similar?
Vyvanse and Ritalin are both stimulants.2,3 They are both treatments for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Also, they come as oral drugs and have similar side effects, warnings, and drug interactions. Vyvanse and Ritalin can both be prescribed by primary care doctors, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners.
Both drugs are intended for patients ages 6-65 years old.2,3 Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine for increased attention span and interest in tasks like studying. They both have warnings for psychiatric conditions and long-term growth suppression. Also, they interact with drugs that increase serotonin and decrease blood pressure.
Side effects they have in common include addiction, dizziness, dry mouth, pupil dilation, muscle pain or weakness, involuntary muscle control, headache, insomnia, and difficulty breathing.2,3 Heart side effects include serious heart and blood vessel events, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, palpitations, and chest pain.
Psychiatric side effects include mania, depression, anxiety, restlessness, and agitation. They can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, libido changes, weight loss, abdominal pain, erectile dysfunction, impaired growth in children, and anaphylactic reaction.
Similarities between Vyvanse & Ritalin include that they are both:
- Are both stimulant medications
- Have multiple uses as FDA-approved and off-label (non-FDA-approved) treatments
- Have similar warnings
- Have similar drug interactions
- Have similar side effects
What Are Vyvanse & Ritalin Used to Treat?
Vyvanse and Ritalin are FDA-approved to treat ADHD.1 Vyvanse is also approved to treat binge eating disorder and Ritalin also treats narcolepsy.2,3 An FDA-approved drug has been proven in randomized controlled clinical trials to be safe and effective for a certain use. Vyvanse and Ritalin also have off-label uses. Off-label means a drug has not been approved by the FDA for a certain use, but a physician may choose to use the medication based on their professional judgment.
Vyvanse has off-label uses for executive dysfunction, and excessive daytime sleepiness.4,5 Ritalin has off-label uses for lack of interest or concern in Alzheimer’s disease, fatigue in patients with cancer, depression in geriatrics, and cognitive performance or memory.6,7,8,9
The table below compares the medical and mental health conditions Vyvanse and Ritalin are used to treat: 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
| Complicating Interactions | Vyvanse | Ritalin |
|---|---|---|
| Tricyclic antidepressants | X | X |
| MAOIs | X | X |
| SSRIs | X | X |
| SNRIs | X | X |
| Other serotonin drugs, e.g., triptans, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, St. John’s Wort | X | X |
| Quinidine and ritonavir | X | |
| Hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and acetazolamide | X | |
| Ammonium chloride, sodium acid phosphate, and methenamine salts | X | |
| Other blood pressure medications | X | |
| Halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane | X | |
| Risperidone | X |
Which Is Right for You: Vyvanse or Ritalin?
Depending on the dosage form you need, the side effects you want to avoid, and your medical history, your doctor may favor one drug over the other. The medication best for your needs can depend on many factors, so you may need to consider online psychiatry services if seeing a doctor in person isn’t feasible.
Your doctor can help you consider the benefits and risks of each medication. In general, Ritalin has a generic and may be cheaper. They have different dosage forms, and depending on your age, one may have less potential for addiction. Also, they have different side effects and drug interactions.
How to Get a Prescription for Vyvanse & Ritalin
Like other ADHD medications, Concerta and Vyvanse are only available by prescription. You can get them from your doctor, nurse practitioner, or psychiatrist. They can help you consider ADHD medications as a treatment by educating you on who the medications are for, what their side effects are, and how they are intended to be used.
Online Psychiatry Covered by Insurance
Work with a psychiatrist online. Insurance accepted, and new patients welcome. Get personalized mental care including medication. If allowed in your state and right for you, this can include controlled substances. Start with a short online assessment.
Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Vyvanse & Ritalin
It is important to have open communication with your doctor so can accurately decide which medication is best for you. Also, you should go to your appointment prepared with any questions or concerns. It is also important to be open about your lifestyle habits because these medications can be very dangerous.
Questions to ask your prescriber about Vyvanse and Ritalin include:
- Is it safe to take Vyvanse or Ritalin with my other medications?
- Will Vyvanse or Ritalin be covered by my insurance?
- Which one has the best results as a treatment for ADHD?
- Does my medical history increase my risk of side effects for either?
- How long can I expect side effects to last?
- How often should I see you for checkups while taking Vyvanse or Ritalin?
- What should I do if I am unsure whether ADHD medications are right for me?
- When should I expect to start feeling better?
- What should I do if I experience side effects?
- Which side effects are severe?
- What options are there besides stimulant medications for ADHD?
In My Experience
In my experience, patients have success and few side effects with both drugs, with lack of appetite being most common. Side effects tend to be mild and some can go away over time. If you want to get prescribed ADHD medication, your doctor will want to know what symptoms you are having and then decide with you if a stimulant is best. Also, a really helpful alternative approach to treating ADHD can be pursuing your hobbies regularly.
ChoosingTherapy.com 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.
-
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.
-
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
-
Daily Med. (2022, October). LABEL: RITALIN- methylphenidate hydrochloride tablet. National Institute of Health National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
-
Madhoo, M., Keefe, R. S., Roth, R. M., Sambunaris, A., Wu, J., Trivedi, M. H., Anderson, C. S., & Lasser, R. (2014). Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate augmentation in adults with persistent executive dysfunction after partial or full remission of major depressive disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology : Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 39(6), 1388–1398. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2013.334
-
Gasior, M., Freeman, J., Zammit, G., Donnelly, P., Gao, J., Ferreira-Cornwell, M. C., & Roth, T. (2014). Maintenance of wakefulness with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, compared with placebo and armodafinil in healthy adult males undergoing acute sleep loss. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 34(6), 690–696. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0000000000000202
-
Rosenberg, P. B., Lanctôt, K. L., Drye, L. T., Herrmann, N., Scherer, R. W., Bachman, D. L., Mintzer, J. E., & ADMET Investigators (2013). Safety and efficacy of methylphenidate for apathy in Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(8), 810–816. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.12m08099
-
Escalante, C. P., Meyers, C., Reuben, J. M., Wang, X., Qiao, W., Manzullo, E., Alvarez, R. H., Morrow, P. K., Gonzalez-Angulo, A. M., Wang, X. S., Mendoza, T., Liu, W., Holmes, H., Hwang, J., Pisters, K., Overman, M., & Cleeland, C. (2014). A randomized, double-blind, 2-period, placebo-controlled crossover trial of a sustained-release methylphenidate in the treatment of fatigue in cancer patients. Cancer Journal (Sudbury, Mass.), 20(1), 8–14. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000018
-
Lavretsky, H., Reinlieb, M., St Cyr, N., Siddarth, P., Ercoli, L. M., & Senturk, D. (2015). Citalopram, methylphenidate, or their combination in geriatric depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 172(6), 561–569. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.14070889
-
Verster, J. C., Bekker, E. M., Kooij, J. J., Buitelaar, J. K., Verbaten, M. N., Volkerts, E. R., & Olivier, B. (2010). Methylphenidate significantly improves declarative memory functioning of adults with ADHD. Psychopharmacology, 212(2), 277–281. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-010-1952-2
-
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
-
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (2022). How Long Does Vyvanse Last? Clinical Study Results. Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. Retrieved from https://www.vyvanse.com/adhd-adult-medication
-
Joseph, A., Ayyagari, R., Xie, M., Cai, S., Xie, J., Huss, M., & Sikirica, V. (2017). Comparative efficacy and safety of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder pharmacotherapies, including guanfacine extended release: a mixed treatment comparison. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 26(8), 875–897. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-017-0962-6
Your Voice Matters
Can't find what you're looking for?
Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. Our licensed therapists are just waiting to cover new topics you care about!
Leave your feedback for our editors.
Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.
Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, ChoosingTherapy.com has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. ChoosingTherapy.com is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment at Talkiatry
Talkiatry – can match you with a psychiatrist who takes your insurance. Their clinicians can evaluate you for ADHD and prescribe medication. This can include controlled substances if they’re right for you and allowed by your state. Get started with a short online assessment.
Online Psychiatry
Circle Medical – ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment. Affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment, including possible controlled substances medication if clinically appropriate. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same & next day appointments available. Visit Circle Medical
ADHD Medication Management + Therapy
Brightside Health – Different people experience ADHD in different ways. That’s why Brightside Health develops personalized plans that are unique to you and offers 1-on-1 support from start to finish. Brightside Health accepts United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna. No controlled substances. Appointments in as little as 24 hours. Start your free assessment.
ADHD Management Tools
Inflow App – Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial
Do you think you have ADHD?
Answer an evidence-based questionnaire for Circles Medical to learn more. Takes 45 seconds.
Best Online Psychiatry Services
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.
