Guide to Safely Switching from Adderall to Vyvanse for ADHD Treatment

Making the Change from Adderall to Vyvanse

Adderall and Vyvanse are both common prescription stimulants used to treat ADHD symptoms. As Adderall shortages make getting consistent monthly supplies difficult, many patients are opting to switch over to Vyvanse instead. Here’s what you need to know about making the transition between these two medications.

Comparing Adderall and Vyvanse

While Adderall and Vyvanse treat the same conditions, there are some key differences between these ADHD medications:

• Ingredients - Adderall contains amphetamine salts while Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, an amphetamine prodrug
• Duration - Vyvanse lasts 14+ hours, Adderall IR lasts 4-6 hours, Adderall XR lasts 8-10 hours
• Abuse Potential - Vyvanse has lower abuse potential than Adderall due to smoother onset of effects
• Dosage Forms - Adderall comes in multiple IR and XR strengths, Vyvanse only comes in one XR form
• Generics - Vyvanse currently does not have a generic version, generic Adderall is available

Benefits of Switching From Adderall to Vyvanse

There are several potential benefits associated with transitioning over to Vyvanse from Adderall:

• Fewer Supply Issues - Vyvanse is less prone to shortages and backorders than Adderall currently
• Once-Daily Dosing - Vyvanse only needs to be taken once a day, cutting down on drug administration
• Longer-Lasting - The effects of Vyvanse can last over 2 hours longer than even Adderall XR
• Lower Abuse Potential - Vyvanse is less likely to be misused than Adderall according to research
• Smoother Feel - Vyvanse tends to have a more subtle onset and offset minimizing rebound symptoms
• Fewer Side Effects - Studies show Vyvanse has a lower rate of adverse effects than Adderall for many patients

Downsides of Making the Switch

A small percentage of patients do not respond as well to lisdexamfetamine as they do to mixed amphetamine salts, making the following adjustment issues possible with Vyvanse:

• Shorter duration of benefit at lower total doses
• Dulling of emotions and personality
• Increase of symptoms like anxiety or irritability
• More activation and problem sleeping
• Gastrointestinal distress like stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea
• Feeling spacey and disconnected

These side effects may improve over time with continued use or dosage adjustments however. Discuss any issues thoroughly with your prescribing doctor.

How to Safely Transition from Adderall to Vyvanse

When converting between ADD/ADHD medications, it’s important to take things slowly under your doctor’s close supervision. Carefully tapering medication doses allows your body time to smoothly adjust.

Don’t Quit Adderall Cold Turkey

Stopping Adderall abruptly can bring on significant withdrawal side effects including:

• Extreme fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Brain fog and lethargy
• Irritability or anxiety
• Depression or difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Muscle aches and pains

Always adhere to your doctor’s Adderall discontinuation schedule to minimize negative impacts.

Start Vyvanse While Still Taking Adderall

Your doctor will have you start a low test dose of Vyvanse while slowly reducing frequency of Adderall doses to help your system get used to the new medication.

Give Your Body Time to Adjust

It can take several weeks to months for your body to adapt to a replacement ADHD medication. Be patient through temporary mood or appetite changes while giving Vyvanse an honest try.

Closely Track Symptoms and Side Effects

Keep a detailed log of all benefits and issues noted after each dose change to share with your doctor guiding the transition. This ensures proper adjustments to maximize Vyvanse effectiveness.

Modify Doses Gradually

Changing Vyvanse or remaining Adderall amounts too quickly can be risky and undermine transition success. Expect to go through a careful titration process finding your ideal strength.

Vyvanse vs. Adderall Dosage Conversion

Since Vyvanse stays active in the body significantly longer than Adderall, converted doses are not equivalent in terms of milligrams. Rough estimations based on clinical findings are:

• 10 mg Adderall = 30 mg Vyvanse
• 15 mg Adderall = 40 to 50 mg Vyvanse
• 20 to 30 mg Adderall = 50 to 70 mg Vyvanse

However your personal optimal Vyvanse dosage may differ from these averages. Work with your doctor and take notes on efficacy and side effects at each dose instead of going by conversion charts alone.

Start Low and Titrate Up Slowly

When first starting Vyvanse, your doctor will have you begin at 30 mg once daily even if your Adderall dose was higher. Should symptoms remain uncontrolled, your Vyvanse dose can be increased by 10 to 20 mg every week until reaching maximum benefits.

Max Out at 70 mg Per Day

The FDA advises Vyvanse doses for ADHD treatment should not exceed 70 mg in a 24 hour period. Only in extreme exceptions are 80 to 100 mg per day considered if under age 18 and lower doses prove insufficiently effective.

Higher amounts increase side effect risks without added benefits. Splitting the Vyvanse dose earlier in the day does not allow taking more than 70 mg total either due to how the drug is metabolized by your body.

Lifestyle Changes Supporting Successful Transition

Implementing certain lifestyle adjustments while switching from Adderall to Vyvanse can support maintaining ADHD symptom control:

Adjust Sleep Schedules

Aim for at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly while transitioning medications for maximum mental focus throughout daytime hours.

Improve Time Management

Use calendars, reminders, timers and create detailed schedules to stay organized completing key tasks and appointments during changes.

Prioritize Healthy Eating

Follow balanced diets high in whole grains, vegetables and proteins while limiting sugar and unhealthy fats to stabilize energy and mood.

Increase Exercise Time

Incorporate at least 30+ minutes of cardiovascular exercise four times a week to boost circulation and dopamine availability in the central nervous system.

Reduce Life Stresses

Finding healthy outlets to minimize life stresses while adjusting to new ADHD meds aids focus and symptom control.

Consider counseling, meditation apps, yoga, journaling or leisure hobbies helping you regularly relax.

The Takeaway

Transitioning onto Vyvanse from Adderall takes some patience finding your optimum dose plus learning how lisdexamfetamine specifically impacts your body and brain functioning compared to mixed amphetamine salts.

Following doctor directions for gradual cross tapering while implementing positive lifestyle changes gives this alternative ADHD medication the best chance of delivering all expected benefits with minimal side effects or withdrawal symptoms.

Recognize the process takes some months then determine with your prescriber if staying the course or considering additional options makes most sense long-term based on your documented symptom responses and overall wellbeing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.