Vyvanse vs. Adderall: Similarities and Differences

Adderall and Vyvanse can cause dependence when taken for prolonged periods. This occurs when the body becomes used to the presence of a medication and needs it to function. If you stop taking it suddenly, withdrawal occurs.

Physical dependence isn’t an addiction on its own, but it can be an indicator of a substance use disorder. If you’ve taken Adderall or Vyvanse for a long time or misused it and stopped, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like:[11]

• Depression
• Irritability
• Mood changes
• Sleep problems
• Unusual fatigue
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

Because of the potential for dependence and withdrawal, you mustn’t quit your stimulant medication cold turkey. These drugs must be tapered to reduce the dose or stop taking them safely, which should be done under the guidance of your doctor.

Amphetamine Abuse and Addiction

An addiction to Adderall or Vyvanse is a stimulant use disorder. The criteria for a stimulant use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) include:[12]

• Taking more of a stimulant than intended
• Experiencing cravings for a stimulant
• Continued use of a stimulant despite mental and physical problems
• Failing to fulfill responsibilities at work, home, or school because of stimulant use
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from stimulant use
• Taking stimulants in high-risk situations
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce stimulant use

Treating Stimulant Use Disorder

Stimulant use disorder can be difficult to overcome, especially if it begins from a legitimate prescription used to treat ADHD or another condition. Both the addiction and the underlying condition must be treated for success.

The first step in treating stimulant use disorder is often medical detox. This setting provides a medical team to monitor your health, reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and keep you as safe and comfortable as possible while the drug clears your system.

Detox can help with withdrawal, but it’s not an addiction treatment on its own. After detox, it’s important to enter an addiction treatment program to address the emotional and mental factors in addiction, including ADHD, narcolepsy, or other conditions that may require stimulant medications. Whether inpatient or outpatient, addiction treatment relies on a combination of therapies like talk therapy, group counseling, behavioral therapies, support groups, and other modalities.

Vyvanse vs. Adderall: Which Is Right for You?

Vyvanse and Adderall are similar drugs with similar mechanisms of action, but some key differences may make one a better choice than the other. Discuss your options with your doctor, including your medical history, any substance abuse history, other medications or substances you use, and your treatment goals.