Two medicines, side by side
Dextroamphetamine vs lisdexamfetamine
Dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of dextroamphetamine since 1976 and of lisdexamfetamine since 2007. Pharmacies paid $0.373 per dextroamphetamine 10 mg tablet and $2.44 per lisdexamfetamine 20 mg capsule (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the dextroamphetamine FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 26, 2025); the lisdexamfetamine FDA label on DailyMed (effective April 30, 2026).
Highlights of the dextroamphetamine record
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) · label of November 26, 2025
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Dextroamphetamine sulfate has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including dextroamphetamine sulfate, can result in overdose and death (see OVERDOSAGE ), and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.
Used for
From the label: indicationsZenzedi ® (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablets, USP) is indicated for: Narcolepsy. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- August 2, 1976
- Generic labelers
- 14 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.373 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 24
Highlights of the lisdexamfetamine record
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) · label of April 30, 2026
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION VYVANSE has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including VYVANSE, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10) ], and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing VYVANSE, assess each patient's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Used for
From the label: indicationsVYVANSE ® is indicated for the treatment of: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- February 23, 2007
- Generic labelers
- 19 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $2.44 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- In shortage
- Recalls
- 11
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Dextroamphetamine label of November 26, 2025, Lisdexamfetamine label of April 30, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class central nervous system stimulants.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: dextroamphetamine since 1975; lisdexamfetamine since 2023 (Drugs@FDA).
| Dextroamphetamine | Lisdexamfetamine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | ADHD | ADHD, Binge eating disorder |
| Pharmacologic class | Central Nervous System Stimulant | Central Nervous System Stimulant |
| How it works (label) | n/a | Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine. Amphetamines are non-catecholamine sympathomimetic amines with CNS stimulant activity. The exact mode of therapeutic action in ADHD and BED is not known. |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | The plasma elimination half-life of dextroamphetamine was approximately 8.6 to 9.5 hours in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years and 10 to 11.3 hours in healthy adults. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | August 2, 1976 | February 23, 2007 |
| First generic approved | May 29, 1975 | August 25, 2023 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 14 labelers | 19 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.373 per tablet (Dextroamphetamine 10 mg tablet) | $2.44 per capsule (Lisdexamfetamine 20 mg capsule) |
| 12-month price change | -33% | -32% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
| Recalls recorded | 24 | 11 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 7,605 | 34,602 |
| DEA schedule | CII | CII |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
Do their labels mention each other?
Lisdexamfetamine label, drug interactionsClinical Impact; The concomitant use of VYVANSE and CYP2D6 inhibitors may increase the exposure of dextroamphetamine, the active metabolite of VYVANSE compared to the use of the drug alone and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Lisdexamfetamine label, drug interactionsMechanism and Clinical Effect (s); The concomitant use of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate and CYP2D6 inhibitors may increase the exposure of dextroamphetamine, the active metabolite of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate compared to the use of the drug alone and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Dextroamphetamine label, warningsIf concomitant use of dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets with other serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors is clinically warranted, initiate dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets with lower doses, monitor patients for the emergence of serotonin syndrome during drug initiation or titration, and inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome.
Lisdexamfetamine label, warnings and precautionsIf concomitant use of VYVANSE with other serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors is clinically warranted, initiate VYVANSE with lower doses, monitor patients for the emergence of serotonin syndrome during drug initiation or titration, and inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to dextroamphetamine
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions