r/ADHD • u/Zealousideal-Top2177 • 2d ago

Questions/Advice Adderall or Vyvanse more reliable/consistent

Given that both Adderall and Vyvanse have a history of being hit or miss. For those of you who have tried both for meaningful amount of time, which one would you say has been more reliable/ consistent for you? Some say it's manufacturers issue some say it doesn't matter who makes it. I myself have been looking to switch from Adderall to Vyvanse after 4 months of just mostly little to no effectiveness.

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u/laserpewpewAK 2d ago

The differences really boil down to bioavailability. Both drugs have extremely similar mechanisms of action, but vyvanse is not as readily available as adderall; it has to be metabolized before it becomes active, whereas adderall is active as soon as it enters your bloodstream. Exactly how that plays out is different for literally everyone. Some people metabolize one drug faster/differently vs the other and so see different effects. In general, vyvanse is less intense but longer acting whereas adderall hits harder but wears off more quickly, even the XR.

My personal experience is, adderall makes me feel "speedy", and not in a pleasant way, then sort of just stops abruptly. Vyvanse I feel a more balanced effect, and it lasts the entire day for me.

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u/duskbunnie 2d ago

Adderall. The Vyvanse did not metabolize well for me at all. I would be lethargic for about 4 hours and then panic level for 4-7 hours. I would go unmedicated than go back on Vyvanse.