Why Compare Vyvanse and Ritalin?

Vyvanse and Ritalin are two stimulant medications used to treat ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. When comparing Vyvanse vs Ritalin to treat ADHD symptoms, there are a lot of similarities. However, there are key differences to consider. 

Vyvanse vs Ritalin are two commonly prescribed medications that differ in chemical makeup, duration, and how they affect mood and focus.

If you are considering Vyvanse or Ritalin, or if you are currently taking one and thinking about switching to the other, this drug comparison guide is for you. We're going to help you compare these two medications across essential areas so you can make an informed decision with your medical provider. Let's compare Vyvanse vs Ritalin.

Vyvanse vs. Ritalin: What Are They?

Vyvanse and Ritalin are prescription CNS stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. Let's go over their chemical compositions and how they work.

Vyvanse

Vyvanse is the brand name for the drug Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug that converts to dextroamphetamine after absorption into the body. Vyvanse is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 and older. It is also prescribed to treat binge-eating disorder.

This type of long-acting stimulant medication is not active until it's metabolized in the body, which means it takes longer to start working, but it tends to have lasting effects of 10-14 hours. Because of the slower drug conversion process, Vyvanse has a lower abuse potential and may offer a smoother effect for some individuals.

Once converted to dextroamphetamine, Vyvanse helps to facilitate the use of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These two neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating attention, focus, and hyperactivity issues common with people with ADHD. Many users report that Vyvanse provides a smoother, gradual experience that lasts all day, compared to other fast-acting stimulants.

Ritalin

Ritalin is a methylphenidate-based stimulant drug classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages six and older. It is also FDA-approved to treat narcolepsy.

Ritalin is available in both short-acting (IR) and extended-release (LA, SR, ER) forms.

Ritalin IR can begin working in 30 minutes and last around 4 hours. The extended-release ER and LA version can last up to 8 hours. Ritalin has a faster onset than Vyvanse and a shorter duration. It can be taken multiple times a day for symptom relief, depending on the individual's treatment plan.

Ritalin is often used with children with ADHD, but can be prescribed to adults, too. It can be crushed, or an alternative liquid may be available for people who find it difficult to swallow pills.

Key Differences Between Vyvanse and Ritalin

Vyvanse vs Ritalin are both stimulant medications used to treat symptoms of ADHD and are classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the DEA. Though similar, they differ in several ways.

Chemical Class

Vyvanse and Ritalin are both CNS stimulant medications, but in two different chemical classes. Vyvanse is classified as an amphetamine, and Ritalin is Methylphenidate.

Onset

Vyvanse and Ritalin have very different onsets. Ritalin is fast-acting and can begin working in as little as 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the formula (IR, ER, or LA).  Vyvanse takes 1 to 2 hours to work.

Duration

Ritalin vs Vyvanse differ in the duration of effects. Ritalin has a shorter duration: IR lasts 3–4 hours and LA lasts 6–8 hours. However, Vyvanse provides all-day symptom relief lasting from 10 to 14 hours.

Form

Ritalin and Vyvanse differ in their forms and the formulations available. Vyvanse is only offered as a long-acting prodrug. Vyvanse comes in oral capsules and chewable tablets. Ritalin is offered in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules. A liquid and transdermal patch of Methylphenidate is also available as an alternative to pills.

Abuse Risk

Both Vyvanse and Ritalin are Schedule II controlled substances and, according to the DEA, have an increased potential for abuse and physical dependence. Vyvanse is considered to have a lower potential for abuse due to the prolonged effects of its prodrug mechanism, which makes it less appealing for misuse.

Cost (Generic)

When comparing the cost of brand-name Ritalin vs Vyvanse, Ritalin is generally cheaper. There is currently no true generic option for Vyvanse, but Ritalin generics are widely available at pharmacies across the US.

Key insight: Ritalin offers more scheduling flexibility, while Vyvanse is preferred for all-day symptom relief.

Vyvanse vs. Ritalin Dosage Chart

Dosing Basics 

Vyvanse

Vyvanse is taken once a day and is available in the following strengths:

Capsules:

• 10 mg
• 30 mg
• 40 mg
• 50 mg
• 60 mg
• 70 mg
• 20 mg

Chewable tablets:

• 10 mg
• 20 mg
• 30 mg
• 40 mg
• 50 mg
• 60 mg

Ritalin IR starts working right away and is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day. The following tablet strengths are available:

• 5 mg
• 10 mg
• 20 mg

Ritalin LA is available in the following capsule strengths:

• 10 mg
• 20 mg
• 30 mg
• 40 mg
• 60 mg

Vyvanse vs Ritalin Dosing Conversion Chart

What about switching from one medication to the other? Let’s look at a dosage chart.

Conversions are not exact, but 5 mg of Ritalin taken twice a day is equivalent to about 20 mg of Vyvanse. 10 mg twice a day of Ritalin is around 30-40 mg of Vyvanse. 20 mg of Ritalin taken twice daily is around 50-60 mg of Vyvanse. Again, these are not exact, and you'll need to work with a clinician to determine the correct dosage if you are transitioning from one medication to the other.

Ask Your Healthcare Provider to Help You Switch ADHD Meds 

Differences in absorption rates, metabolism, and the duration of effects vary among individuals and will require careful titration under medical supervision. You should never adjust your dosage on your own; instead, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.

 At ADHD Advisor, our providers will work safely with patients to transition to different treatments or trial new medications. Take our quiz today to connect with a clinician via telehealth.

Vyvanse vs. Ritalin Side Effects

Let's go over the physical and emotional/mood side effects of Ritalin vs Vyvanse.

Common Physical Side Effects

Vyvanse and Ritalin have very similar side effect profiles, as they are both CNS stimulant medications. However, there are a few distinctions due to the way the drug is metabolized in the body. 

For example, Ritalin may cause side effects that vary throughout the day, while Vyvanse, as a long-acting medication, may cause side effects that persist throughout the day. Everyone is different, and it's important to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider. Let's take a look at some of the common physical side effects of each ADHD medication.

Vyvanse

Some of the common reported physical side effects from taking Vyvanse include:

• Headache
• Appetite loss
• Dry Mouth
• Insomnia
• Stomach upset
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Ritalin

Some of the common side effects reported from taking Ritalin include:

• Headache
• Appetite loss
• Dry Mouth
• Insomnia
• Stomach upset
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations

Mood & Emotional Effects

Both Ritalin and Vyvanse can cause emotional or mood effects. The key differences between the two are related to how they release the drug into the body. Vyvanse tends to provide a smoother onset and a lower rebound crash than Ritalin. So, for individuals with emotional sensitivity, they may prefer Vyvanse to Ritalin.

Anxiety and Mood

Vyvanse can cause a mild increase in anxiety or jittery symptoms, whereas Ritalin can produce anxiety, especially with the IR version. Vyvanse typically causes fewer mood swings compared to Ritalin, which is known to induce mood swings.

Rebound Irritability

Rebound irritability is more common with short-acting stimulants like Ritalin, but less likely with Vyvanse. Rebound irritability is when the medication starts to wear off, and you can get cranky.

Emotional Blunting

Emotional blunting is also rare among Vyvanse users but is occasionally reported among Ritalin users. Emotional blunting is when you feel like your emotions are flatlined, and you don't experience positive or negative emotions as much as you normally would.

Vyvanse vs. Ritalin for Weight Loss

When comparing Ritalin vs Vyvanse for weight loss, both can cause appetite suppression, especially in the early weeks of starting the medication as your body adjusts. Vyvanse is actually FDA-approved to treat binge-eating disorder, so it may be stronger than Ritalin for weight loss. However, it really depends on each individual's body.

Ritalin IR can also cause an appetite crash at first, but then lead to rebound eating later in the day.  Some studies do show a potential for weight loss with Methylphenidate. Ritalin is not FDA-approved for weight loss but has been prescribed off-label. However, due to its rebound eating effects, using Ritalin for weight loss may not be as efficient as other medications.

If weight loss is a concern. ADHD Advisor can help to tailor your medication to support nutritional and emotional health

How Long Do They Last? Onset, Peak, and Duration

Let's compare the onset, peak, and duration of effects for Vyvanse and Ritalin.

Vyvanse

Vyvanse is long-acting and has an average onset of 1 to 2 hours, depending on its rate of metabolism. Peak effects occur around 4 to 5 hours, and the total duration of action lasts between 10 and 14 hours.  Vyvanse is ideal for those seeking all-day symptom relief and stability.

Ritalin IR

Ritalin immediate-release has a fast onset, usually around 20–30 minutes. The effects tend to peak at around 1–3 hours, with a total duration of 3–4 hours. Because Ritalin IR has such a short duration of symptom relief, it's often prescribed two or three times a day for all-day relief. Ritalin may be a good choice for those with short-term needs.

Ritalin LA

Ritalin LA is a long-acting form of Methylphenidate and has a quick onset, usually within an hour. It features two peaks at around 2 to 4 hours, with a total duration of about 6 to 8 hours. This formulation of Ritalin is designed to deliver half of the dose right away and the other half through a delayed-release mechanism, producing effects similar to taking two Ritalin IR doses.

Of course, these are just general guidelines, and you may see different effects. Taking medication on an empty stomach vs after having a full meal, metabolic rate, and dosages can all play a role in the onset and duration of effects.

Which Medication Is More Effective?

Clinical studies have shown similar efficacy overall for both Ritalin and Vyvanse, it really comes down to each individual's brain chemistry and daily routines as to which is best. You and your healthcare provider may also want to consider the side effect profiles of each.

You may have to work with your provider to start with one medication and then see how it makes you feel and how it works with your unique body and brain chemistry. Then you may need to try the other medication for a few months to see how you respond to it before you find the correct medication and dose for your life.

To provide a strong starting point, let's examine each ADHD medication to determine which ones might be more effective for specific groups of people.

For example, Vyvanse may prove to be more beneficial for:

• Adults with busy schedules
• People with emotional sensitivities
• Individuals with a history of drug or alcohol misuse

Ritalin may be a better choice for:

• Children and teens
• Individuals needing a short burst of focus
• Cost-conscious patients (due to generic availability)

It may take a bit of trial and error to find the best medication for you, and you may try one that works right away. So it's important to work with your healthcare provider to find out which ADHD medication is best for you.

ADHD Advisor: Your Partner in Finding the Right Medication

There are so many different ADHD medications out there that it can feel overwhelming. Working with a licensed provider can assist you with medication titration and monitoring, helping you find the most effective medication and dosage for your needs. If you are considering Vyvanse vs Ritalin, ADHD Advisor can be your answer to finding the right medication for you.  ADHD Advisors can support you by offering:

• Online ADHD evaluations and diagnosis via telehealth
• Licensed prescribers who can help compare medications and adjust dosages
• Online prescription refills
• Ongoing support to monitor any potential side effects or impacts on your mood
• Guidance for safely switching between different medications like Ritalin and Vyvanse

FAQs About Vyvanse and Ritalin

Is Vyvanse stronger than Ritalin?

No, Vyvanse is not necessarily stronger than Ritalin. It really depends on your body and how it metabolizes stimulant medication as to which one works best for you.

Can I switch from Ritalin to Vyvanse?

Yes, you can switch from Ritalin to Vyvanse under medical supervision with a proper dosage plan.

Which one causes fewer side effects?

Vyvanse tends to be smoother on side effects, but Ritalin is more customizable. Medication side effects can differ significantly from one person to another, as they are highly individual.

Does Vyvanse last longer than Ritalin?

Yes, Vyvanse typically lasts 10 to 14 hours, whereas Ritalin lasts 3 to 8 hours.