Vyvanse and adderall are two of the most common medications used to treat ADHD. Both drugs are amphetamine compounds and serve as central nervous system stimulants to improve concentration, reduce hyperactivity, and decrease impulsiveness in individuals suffering from the disorder.
However, while they have similar effects, each drug has its own unique characteristics. Therefore, those who take one drug but prefer the effects of the other may have trouble switching medications.
However, if you have a physician that’s willing to help you make the switch, it is possible to do so successfully and with minimal side effects. Keep reading to learn more about how to switch from adderall to vyvanse as well as downsides of switching between each drug.
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What’s the Difference Between Adderall and Vyvanse?
Adderall and Vyvanse are both amphetamine-based medications used to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved Adderall for children 4 years old and up, adults, and pregnant women.
Vyvanse, on the other hand, has a broader age range of patients it’s used for, including individuals 2 years old and up.
In terms of efficacy, most studies show that both drugs produce similar results in terms of reducing hyperactivity, improving concentration, and decreasing impulsive behaviors in patients.
However, there are slight differences between the two drugs in terms of their chemical makeup, onset times, and durations that may cause certain individuals to respond better to one drug over another.
A person taking Vyvanse may experience an earlier onset time of about 1 hour as opposed to the 2- to 4-hour onset time of Adderall.
How to Switch from Adderall to Vyvanse?
If you are currently taking Adderall and want to switch to Vyvanse, it’s important to do so under the supervision of a doctor. When you talk with your physician about switching, be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of each drug so you can make an informed decision.
If you decide to make the switch, there are a few factors to keep in mind. It’s important to note that Adderall and Vyvanse have slightly different dosing requirements, so it’s likely that you’ll need to take a different dosage of Vyvanse than you’re currently taking.
It’s also recommended that you allow at least 7 days before switching to help reduce the risk of side effects and make the transition easier.
Downsides of Switching from Adderall to Vyvanse?
While Adderall and Vyvanse are both effective drugs for treating ADHD, switching from one to the other doesn’t come without risks and drawbacks.
- You may not respond as well to Vyvanse as you did with Adderall. If this is the case, it may be that Vyvanse doesn’t suit your needs and symptoms as well as Adderall did, and you’re better off staying with the Adderall.
- If you are currently taking a low dose of Adderall and switch to Vyvanse, you risk experiencing more side effects. In this case, you may want to consider staying with the lower dosage of Adderall or taking a smaller dose of Vyvanse to help manage the side effects while they subside.
How to Switch from Vyvanse to Adderall?
If you’re currently taking Vyvanse but want to switch to Adderall, you’ll want to follow the same protocol as if you’re switching from Adderall to Vyvanse:
People who make the switch to Adderall from Vyvanse may find that Adderall causes more side effects than Vyvanse did. If you experience more side effects from Adderall than you did with Vyvanse, you may want to stay with Vyvanse and monitor your dosage to find a balance.
Final Words
Switching from one ADHD medication to another is not an easy process. Whether you’re switching from Adderall to Vyvanse or vice versa, you’ll need to be patient, give the drug time to take effect, and pay attention to side effects.
Having a good relationship with your doctor and communicating with them honestly is key when switching between medications. Your doctor knows what’s best for you, and they’re there to help you make the switch as smoothly as possible.
