What Are Affordable Alternatives to Vyvanse?
As of 2022, there is no lower-cost generic Vyvanse alternative available on the market. Vyvanse is a stimulant drug that can treat ADHD and binge eating disorders. At roughly $16 a pill without insurance for a 70mg dose, many Vyvanse patients seek more affordable alternatives. Alternatives to Vyvanse include Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, and many more brand and generic options.
About Vyvanse Alternatives
In addition to seeking a more affordable alternative, you may be seeking a Vyvanse alternative because of the adverse side effects of the drug. Common side effects of Vyvanse include
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Cardiovascular issues
- Psychiatric issues
Some alternatives may have similar symptoms, while others may have less severe symptoms. Patients may even need to pursue a non-stimulant ADHD medication if they have a history of drug abuse or are experiencing severe side effects of stimulants. Stimulants and non-stimulants carry out the same end goal with different mechanisms. Stimulants stimulate the production of neurotransmitters that ADHD patients often lack, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, while non-stimulants prevent the degradation of these neurotransmitters. If Vyvanse side effects become life-altering, it is important to contact your primary care physician to discuss alternatives to the medication.
Medical Vyvanse alternatives
Many brand-name and generic medications are more affordable than Vyvanse. Brand name medications are made and sold by drug companies with a specific name and patented. Once the brand-name medication is created, generic prescriptions can be made with the same active ingredients as the brand-name medication. Generic drugs have the same effectiveness as brand-name drugs, but they are generally 80-85 percent cheaper than brand-name drugs. The table below showcases some of the brand name and generic alternatives to Vyvanse.
| Stimulant or Non-stimulant? | Brand Name | Price/mg | Standard dose | Price | Generic | Price/mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stimulant | Vyvanse | $0.23 | 30, 70 mg capsules | $46 | Not available | N/A |
| Stimulant | Adderall | $0.47 | 60, 20 mg capsules | $117 | dextroamphetamine/amphetamine | $0.07 |
| Stimulant | Focalin | $0.20 | 60, 10 mg capsules | $90 | dexmethylphenidate | $0.16 |
| Stimulant | Ritalin | $0.16 | 60, 10 mg capsules | $65 | methylphenidate | $0.13 |
| Non-stimulant | Strattera | $0.45 | 30, 40 mg capsules | $535 | atomoxetine | $0.11 |
Source: Single Care
What are the common side effects of medical alternatives?
Although a medical alternative to Vyvanse may be a better option for you, these medications also have their own set of common side effects.
| Medication | Common side effects |
|---|---|
| Adderall | Loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, fever, nervousness, and trouble sleeping. |
| Focalin | Trouble sleeping, nervousness, nausea, stomach pain, headache, weight loss, loss of appetite, dizziness |
| Ritalin | Loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, fever, nervousness, and trouble sleeping, irritability |
| Strattera | Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, dry mouth, headache, lethargy, decreased libido |
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Natural Vyvanse alternatives
Patients who are afraid of the risk of developing a drug dependency on these stimulant medications may turn to natural ways to treat ADHD. These natural remedies may also be complementary to prescription drugs. It is important to note that these natural remedies do not have as much scientific research behind them as prescription medications, and many of the benefits are anecdotal. Before implementing any of these remedies in your routine, please consult a doctor first
- Saffron: This spice in capsule form may make ADHD symptoms in kids better
- Caffeine: Caffeine may help with concentration in adults, but too much caffeine can have the opposite effect. Additionally, mixing caffeine with some ADHD drugs can cause an out-of-control feeling
- Fish oil supplements: Fish oil supplements have a plethora of health benefits, including boosting your heart health. Some research says fish oil supplements can help a small amount with ADHD symptoms
- Minerals: It is possible that if you are zinc, iron, or magnesium deficient, taking mineral supplements may improve your ADHD symptoms. If you are not deficient, you won’t see any improvement
- CBD oil: CBD oil is made from the marijuana plant without THC, so it does not make you high. You can buy CBD in many forms: oil, vape, lotion, gummies, and other edibles. Some studies have shown a slight improvement in ADHD symptoms, but the results were not significant enough to questionably prove their efficacy
Lifestyle habits that help manage ADHD
In addition to natural remedies, ADHD patients can follow certain lifestyle habits to manage ADHD. ADHD is a neurobiological disorder, so any habits that improve overall brain health will help manage symptoms.
- Get enough sleep. Most people require around eight hours of sleep, but people with ADHD may have trouble falling asleep due to hyperactivity. Creating a bedtime routine and turning off all electronics an hour before bedtime can help.
- Get proper nutrients. A diet rich in protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will improve your focus and executive function. Additionally, eating starches like rice, pasta, and potatoes can help you relax and fall asleep. Furthermore, proteins increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter ADHD patients are deficient in.
- Exercise. Exercises increase neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Vyvanse (FAQS)
Below are frequently asked questions about Vyvanse.
How long are people typically on medication for ADHD?
ADHD is a persistent neuropsychiatric disorder. After patients start responding to the medication, doctors may prescribe medications for months to years. If patients wish to come off of the medication, they should follow directions given by their doctor to wean off the medication.
Is Vyvanse used to treat other disorders?
In addition to treating ADHD, Vyvanse is the first product to be FDA approved to treat binge-eating disorder. People with binge-eating disorder frequently consume unusually large amounts of food and cannot control their eating. This is often accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame. Vyvanse acts as an effective appetite suppressant in these extreme cases. Vyvanse is not FDA-approved as a weight loss pill.
Treating binge-eating disorder is not about self-discipline. Outside intervention is often necessary for moderate to severe cases. In addition to Vyvanse, you can pursue cognitive behavior therapy. This can help you change your perspective on eating and understand what triggers your binges.
Therapy can also help spot the source of your binge-eating disorder. Stress at home, depression, and anxiety may onset the urge to binge. A doctor may prescribe an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication.
Bottom Line
In addition to seeking an affordable alternative, patients may have numerous reasons for looking for a Vyvanse alternative. ADHD and binge-eating disorder patients may not be responding to the medication or are experiencing adverse side effects. For ADHD patients, there are many brand-name and generic prescriptions available at a lower cost. For binge-eating disorder patients, pursuing psychiatric help may be a more cost-effective alternative in the long term.
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Shandra is a junior at Yale University, where she is studying biomedical engineering. Before joining Mira, Shandra wrote in the science and technology column of a local newspaper. Additionally, she has experience writing healthcare policy, covering topics such as the American Rescue Plan Act, abortion rights, and expansion of Medicare eligibility.
