amphetamine/dextroamphetamine vs lisdexamfetamine
PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.
Side-by-side comparison of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Adderall, Adderall XR
Vyvanse
Adderall XR is a stimulant medicine. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a stimulant medicine. It can help improve focus and reduce impulsive behavior.
Adderall XR treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older. ADHD can make it hard to focus, pay attention, and control impulsive behavior. This medicine can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity.
This medicine treats Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older. It also treats moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. This medicine is not for weight loss.
Adderall XR works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. These substances affect attention and behavior. It helps to improve focus and reduce impulsive actions.
Lisdexamfetamine affects chemicals in your brain. These chemicals help control hyperactivity and impulses. It can also help reduce binge eating.
- • Loss of appetite
- • Trouble sleeping
- • Stomach pain
- • Feeling emotional
- • Throwing up
- • Anorexia
- • Anxiety
- • Decreased appetite
- • Weight loss
- • Diarrhea
- Harm from different substances 2,100
- Misuse of medicine 1,661
- Death by suicide 796
- Taking too much medicine 437
- Heart stops 387
- Intentional Overdose 1,068
- Intentional Self-Injury 1,009
- Product Availability Issue 487
- Fatigue 402
- Headache 377
Adderall XR has a high risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Misusing it can lead to overdose and death. Your doctor will check your risk before and during treatment. Store this medicine safely and do not give it to anyone else.
This medicine has a high risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Misusing it can lead to overdose and death. Your doctor will check your risk before and during treatment. Store this medicine safely and do not share it with anyone.
Adderall XR may harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Adderall XR.
This medicine may harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine.
Also Compare, Nearby Drugs
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How to Read This amphetamine/dextroamphetamine vs lisdexamfetamine Comparison
amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is classified in the CNS Stimulant drug class, while lisdexamfetamine sits within the CNS Stimulant class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory, but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine has 5,381 submissions while lisdexamfetamine has 3,343. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine or lisdexamfetamine.
Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.