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Prescription stimulant drugs are often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder.[1] They work by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Since they pose a risk of abuse and addiction, they are considered Schedule II controlled substances.
Two common types of central nervous system stimulants include Vyvanse and Ritalin. Both can cause symptoms like high blood pressure, increased heart rate, decreased appetite, and weight loss. While they have many similarities, there are also a few key differences to be aware of.
One of the main differences between Ritalin and Vyvanse is their active ingredients. Ritalin contains methylphenidate hydrochloride. In contrast, Vyvanse contains an amphetamine called lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is Ritalin
- What is Vyvanse
- Similarities between Ritalin and Vyvanse
- What are the differences between Vyvanse and Ritalin
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin is a prescription medication that acts as a stimulant. Doctors prescribe it to treat mental health conditions like ADHD and binge eating disorder. It contains methylphenidate hydrochloride, which causes an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
The side effects of Ritalin include:[2]
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Irritability and mood changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Tremors or shaking
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle aches and back pain
While it is helpful for specific mental disorders, it can cause a range of issues among individuals without ADHD. For example, if you have bipolar disorder, taking Ritalin can cause a manic episode. Additionally, people who abuse Ritalin might develop heart problems or experience a life-threatening overdose.
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What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a prescription CNS stimulant that contains lisdexamfetamine. Unlike Ritalin, it is considered an amphetamine drug. Doctors prescribe it to treat ADHD and binge eating disorder.
The side effects of Vyvanse may include:[3]
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Fast heart rate or feeling jittery
- Anxiety or irritability
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
While Vyvanse helps manage specific mental health conditions, it is a schedule II controlled substance that can cause a wide range of risks, including addiction.[3] If you are addicted to Vyvanse, you will experience cravings to use the drug, develop a tolerance, and deal with withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it.
If you or a loved one abuse Vyvanse, the Mandala Healing Center is here to offer the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety.
How are Ritalin and Vyvanse Similar?
Vyvanse and Ritalin are both stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. Children and adults might take either drug to improve their symptoms. They work by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to reduce symptoms of impulsivity and improve focus or attention.
Both medications are taken orally and cause similar side effects. Taking Ritalin or Vyvanse without having ADHD could lead to a mind-altering effect. You might experience increased energy, euphoria, and a fast heart rate.
Ritalin and Vyvanse can lead to the same risks, including addiction. Stimulant addiction can be dangerous, putting you at risk of experiencing heart complications and overdoses. If you are addicted to either drug, you will require medical detox and long-term addiction treatment to achieve sobriety.
Ritalin and Vyvanse can both lead to serotonin syndrome if mixed with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This is a dangerous condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin in your brain. You could experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, and even seizures.[4]
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Ritalin vs Vyvanse: Understanding the Differences
Ritalin and Vyvanse have many similarities. They are both stimulants that can lead to abuse and addiction. That said, there are tons of differences to be aware of.
The main differences between Vyvanse and Ritalin include:
Type of Drug
Ritalin and Vyvanse are both considered central nervous system stimulants. However, Vyvanse is an amphetamine while Ritalin is not. This just means that Ritalin’s mind-altering effects are less potent than Vyvanse.
Age of Use
Both Vyvanse and Ritalin can be used by children and adolescents. However, Ritalin can be used by children aged 4 and up, while Vyvanse is indicated for children older than 6.
Length of Effects
The immediate-release version of Ritalin only lasts 4 to 6 hours. If you are taking the extended version of the drug, it can last anywhere from 10 to 14 hours.
On the other hand, Vyvanse lasts 13 hours in children and 14 hours in adults.[3]
Forms
Vyvanse is available in chewable tablets, tablets, or capsules. It is only available as an extended-release medication.
Ritalin is available in either immediate release or extended release (Ritalin LA). It comes in chewable tablets, tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets.
Dosaging
The initial starting dosage for Vyvanse is 30mg. Your doctor might adjust your dose until your symptoms subside, with the maximum daily dosage being 70 mg.
The immediate-release version of Ritalin starts at a dose of 5 to 20mg and is taken twice daily. Extended-release Ritalin starts at 10mg once daily. The maximum dose is between 40 to 60 mg once per day.
Side Effects
While Vyvanse and Ritalin share some side effects, there are different risks to each drug. First, Vyvanse can lead to teeth grinding, tics, and psychiatric symptoms like mood swings. On the other hand, Ritalin is known to cause vision issues, fatigue, and heart problems like increased heart rate or arrhythmias.
Find Help for Vyvanse or Ritalin Abuse
While Vyvanse and Ritalin have some differences, they are both habit-forming and addictive. If you take them without having ADHD, you could experience a high similar to cocaine or methamphetamine. Additionally, consuming large doses of either drug can lead to a life-threatening overdose.
Because of the risks associated with abusing Ritalin and Vyvanse, you should always seek professional addiction treatment. Drug rehab centers like the Mandala Healing Center offer the tools and support you need to achieve long-term recovery. For example, we offer medical detox, evidence-based therapies, and relapse prevention planning.
Why Choose The Mandala Healing Center? Clients are taken on a journey of healing through complete immersion into evidence-based clinical modalities, multifaceted alternative therapies, and expert medical management, allowing them to fully detox and recover from drug and alcohol addictions. Through a program of care designed to encourage change, a foundation is created that allows clients to find their higher purpose and reclaim their lives.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you overcome Ritalin and Vyvanse addiction.
References:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Prescription Stimulants
- Medline Plus: Methylphenidate
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate (Vyvanse), A Prodrug Stimulant for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Merck Manuals: Serotonin Syndrome
Learn more about stimulant addiction treatment.
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Mandala Clinical Team
This page was prepared by Mandala Healing Center and reviewed by our clinical team, the licensed medical and behavioral health professionals who provide detox and treatment at our West Palm Beach facility. We review it regularly so it reflects current clinical guidance.
Last reviewed: November 26, 2024
About Us →Content on this page is written and reviewed according to our editorial policy. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have questions about your medication, talk to your prescriber before making any changes.