Overview
Dexedrine and Vyvanse are stimulants commonly prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. These meds help people stay focused, manage impulsivity, and calm down if they’re overly restless or distracted [1, 2].
Dexedrine, or dextroamphetamine, is a straightforward amphetamine. It balances brain chemicals linked to hyperactivity and impulse control [1].
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), on the other hand, is like a slow-release version. Once it’s in your body, it converts into dexamphetamine—the same active ingredient in Dexedrine [3, 4].
Both drugs are typically part of a bigger plan, including therapy, education, and social support. You’ll need either prescription—they’re not over-the-counter [1, 4].
Uses
Uses of Dextroamphetamine:
Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant medication mainly prescribed for two conditions: ADHD and narcolepsy.
For people with ADHD, it helps boost focus and reduce restlessness—great for anyone who struggles with staying on task or managing impulsivity [5, 6, 7, 8].
It’s also used to treat narcolepsy, which causes extreme tiredness during the day and sudden sleep attacks [9]. Like most treatments, it works best when combined with therapy, education, or other supportive measures [5, 6, 7, 8].
But there’s more to dextroamphetamine than just these primary uses. College students have been known to take it off-label for things like cramming, test prep, or even pulling all-nighters [10]. Research hints it might also help with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, drug dependence, and even obesity [11, 12].
Uses of Vyvanse:
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is another ADHD medication in the same family. It’s effective for kids and adults and is part of a larger treatment plan [9]. Beyond ADHD, Vyvanse has shown promise for treating drug withdrawal and is also approved for binge eating disorder [12, 13].
Side effects
Dextroamphetamine and Vyvanse are both stimulants, so it’s no surprise they come with similar side effects.
The common ones? Think appetite loss, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, anxiety, and even weight loss [14, 15]. Headaches, stomach pain, and mood swings might also pop up [10].
But there are more serious risks to watch for. Some people experience heart-related symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or faintness. Others report psychosis-like symptoms, including paranoia, hallucinations, and sudden aggression [6].
Circulation issues can also happen—numb fingers or toes, changes in skin colour, or even unexplained sores. Seizures, vision changes, or muscle twitches? Those are on the list too [6].
In rare cases, these meds might increase the risk of heart problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or worse [15].
This isn’t the full list of possible side effects, so if you’re concerned, check in with your doctor.
Choosing between Dexedrine and Vyvanse?
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In the end, choosing between Dexedrine and Vyvanse comes down to personal factors—your symptoms, how you respond to the meds, the risk of misuse, and even cost. The best approach? Talk it through with your doctor to find the treatment that fits you best.