We know that finding pharmacies with Vyvanse in stock is a challenge millions of Americans struggle with every month, but fortunately, there are lots of alternative medications available for individuals with ADHD. Always be sure to consult your doctor to evaluate a medication change. With the disclaimer out of the way, let's dive into Vyvanse! 

Pro tip - If you can’t find Vyvanse in stock near you, you can use Medfinder’s online medication locator tool to find a pharmacy with your medications in stock!

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is a Schedule II Controlled Substance and part of the Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant class of medications. It’s commonly prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

How does Vyvanse work?

Vyvanse is made up of Lisdexamfetamine, which is a "prodrug", meaning that it remains inactive until it is metabolized in the body. Once ingested, it is converted into dextroamphetamine, the active compound that provides the therapeutic effects. This conversion process results in a slower onset and extended duration of action compared to other stimulants. Vyvanse works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, two neurotransmitters that play a key role in attention, focus, and impulse control. The steady release of these chemicals throughout the day can help reduce the likelihood of spikes and crashes in symptom control, which some patients experience with shorter-acting stimulants. 

What is the difference between Vyvanse and Adderall XR?

Adderall XR or “Extended Release” uses a two-phase delivery system where half the dose is released immediately, and the other half is released gradually later in the day. For many individuals with ADHD, this option is more preferable as they don't have to remember to take another dose of their medication as they go through their day. Due to this preference, Adderall XR tends to be more difficult to find in stock than Adderall IR.

Vyvanse, on the other hand, is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until metabolized by the body. This allows for a smoother and more consistent delivery of the medication throughout the day, with less potential for peaks and crashes. Because of its unique mechanism, Vyvanse has a lower potential for misuse and tends to provide a longer duration of symptom control with once-daily dosing. However, individual responses may vary, and some people may respond better to one medication over the other.

Alternative medications to Vyvanse

If you've tried everything and still can't manage to find Vyvanse in stock, it may make sense to talk to your doctor about other options. Many medications have similar effects to Vyvanse, and there are often other medication options that can get you through shortages. Some other medications that are similar to Vyvanse are:

• Adderall XR (amphetamine mixed salts) 
  
  • Adderall XR is a similar stimulant to Vyvanse in how it works, but with some key differences. Unlike Vyvanse, Adderall XR is not a prodrug—it contains a mix of immediate-release and delayed-release amphetamine salts. This formulation is designed to provide two separate doses over time, helping to extend the medication’s effects throughout the day. While it can start working more quickly than Vyvanse, some individuals may experience more noticeable peaks and dips in symptom control. 
• Concerta or Ritalin (methylphenidate)
  
  • Methylphenidate (commonly known as Ritalin or Concerta) is a different type of stimulant than Adderall or Vyvanse, though it still impacts the neurotransmitters Norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Methylphenidate is designed to solely block the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, while Adderall increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine and inhibits their reuptake. 
• Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)
  
  • Dexmethylphenidate is quite similar to Methylphenidate, but is considered more potent than Methylphenidate on a milligram-to-milligram basis. Generally, it is prescribed at roughly half the dosage of Methylphenidate. Both are available in immediate and extended release formulations, but some studies show that Dexmethylphenidate may last a bit longer. 

Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication routine.

Final Thoughts

We know how challenging it can be when a regular medication you are taking suddenly is nowhere to be found. Thankfully, there are a number of alternative medications to Vyvanse, like:

1. Adderall (amphetamine mixed salts) 
2. Concerta or Ritalin (methylphenidate)
3. Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)

If you don’t want to change your medication, be sure to check out our guide on how to find Vyvanse in stock for tips and tricks on how to find a pharmacy that can fill your prescription.