Ritalin vs Vyvanse: How These ADHD Medications Compare

How Ritalin and Vyvanse Work to Treat ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health conditions. It makes it difficult to focus, control impulsive behaviors, and be still. Medications can help relieve these symptoms. Two of the most well-known ADHD medications are Ritalin and Vyvanse.

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin contains the active drug methylphenidate. It is a central nervous system stimulant. Stimulants like Ritalin can help increase the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control in people with ADHD.

Ritalin comes in short-acting and long-acting forms. The effects usually start within an hour when taking the short-acting tablet. Long-acting Ritalin capsules begin working in about 1-2 hours.

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse contains the active drug lisdexamfetamine. After swallowing the capsule, it takes about an hour for the body to convert it into dextroamphetamine. This activates the release of brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine.

Vyvanse is only available as an extended-release capsule. This means the effects come on slower but last longer. Vyvanse typically starts working within 2 hours.

Comparing the Benefits of Ritalin vs. Vyvanse

Improved Focus and Concentration

Both Ritalin and Vyvanse are stimulants that can significantly improve focus and concentration. Studies show they help increase time spent on-task and reduce distractibility.

In a classroom setting, children with ADHD scored higher on tests of concentration after taking Ritalin or Vyvanse. The medications also improved their ability to complete assignments.

Better Behavioral Control

Impulsiveness and hyperactivity are common ADHD symptoms. Ritalin and Vyvanse calm restlessness while enhancing self-control.

Parents and teachers typically rate children with ADHD as less disruptive and better behaved while they are on stimulant medication. Tantrums, emotional reactivity, and aggression tend to improve as well.

Increased Motivation and Task Initiation

Those with untreated ADHD often procrastinate, lose track of time, and struggle to get started on tasks. Both Ritalin and Vyvanse can lessen these issues by improving motivation and drive.

In studies, children are more goal-directed and persistent in completing assignments when taking stimulant medication. Adults also report improved time management and organizational skills.

Comparing the Side Effects of Ritalin vs. Vyvanse

Decreased Appetite

The most common side effect of both Ritalin and Vyvanse is decreased appetite. Up to 40% of children complain of stomachaches and nausea after taking these stimulants.

Be sure to monitor growth charts closely, especially for younger kids. Make an extra effort to offer nutritious, high-calorie snacks and meals to prevent excessive weight loss.

Sleep Disturbances

While stimulants aim to improve daytime alertness and concentration, this can come at the expense of quality sleep at night. Some people report difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, or odd dreams when taking Ritalin or Vyvanse.

Take medication as early as possible, well before bedtime. Also limit caffeine intake in the late afternoon. Relaxing activities like yoga, music, or reading before bed can help as well.

Other Possible Side Effects

Both medications may also cause minor side effects like dry mouth, headache, stomach pain, dizziness, and mood swings. Vyvanse tends to cause slightly fewer issues overall compared to Ritalin.

Stimulant medication can increase blood pressure and heart rate for some people. Discuss any pre-existing heart conditions with your prescribing doctor.

Is Ritalin or Vyvanse More Effective?

Overall, clinical studies find Vyvanse and Ritalin similarly effective for ADHD symptom relief. Because they are both stimulants, they share comparable benefits in terms of focus, impulse control, and motivation.

However, Vyvanse tends to cause slightly fewer side effects. It also offers smoother symptom relief due to its extended-release mechanism.

Keep in mind that no two people will respond exactly the same way to ADHD medication. Work closely with your doctor to determine which option best fits your situation.

Tips for Starting ADHD Medication

When beginning Ritalin, Vyvanse, or any new ADHD med, closely monitor how the medication makes you think, act, and feel. Pay attention to benefits as well changes in appetite, sleep, heart rate, mood, etc.

Keep your doctor informed about your experience, especially during the first few weeks. Dosage adjustments or switching medications may be necessary to manage side effects.

Allow the medication 6-8 weeks to take full effect as your body adjusts. Symptom tracking sheets can help determine if ADHD improvement is consistent or sporadic while on the medication.

Have realistic expectations about what ADHD meds can achieve. They serve to enhance focus, not as a replacement for skills training, counseling, or lifestyle changes which are key for ongoing success.

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.