Mental disorders are very common these days and they may disrupt the neurological function of the brain. If you are having difficulties in socializing and are not able to concentrate on your job or work. Then this indicates that you might have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to research, it is found that around 4.4% of people in the US are affected by ADHD. The number of males are more likely to be diagnosed with this disorder. Two drugs can be used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In this blog, you will know about these two medications which are Vyvanse and Ritalin. Let’s start the article ‘Vyvanse Vs Ritalin’ with an overview of Vyvanse, and Ritalin.
What is Vyvanse?
Lisdexamfetamine (generic drug) is an active ingredient of Vyvanse branded medication. It is a stimulant that acts on the Central Nervous System (CNS) in the brain. This medicine is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., located in Lexington, MA. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Vyvanse is used for treating ADHD and BED (binge eating disorder). Vyvanse is a CII (Federally Controlled Substance) because it can be abused by people.
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin is the branded medication for the generic drug named Methylphenidate. Along with this Methylphenidate is also an active ingredient of Ritalin. It is approved by the FDA. This medicine is a Central Nervous System stimulant to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and sleeping disorder (narcolepsy).
How do Vyvanse & Ritalin Drugs Work?
Both of these drugs are known as stimulants. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that transmit the signals. Through this process, information or signals transfer between nerve cells and targeted cells.
There are two chemicals such as norepinephrine and dopamine released in the brain. These help to regulate sleep, behavior, concentration, etc. Vyvanse and Ritalin help to increase the level of these chemicals in your brain. So, you can be more attentive and focused. Both drugs have their different half-life.
An inactive form of Vyvanse medication enters your body. It is converted into an active form by the body. The effectiveness of the drug may appear between 1 and 2 hours.
Ritalin enters into the body in active form and it shows its effect right away. It does not take as much time as Vyvanse. Its dosages may be taken more frequently than Vyvanse.
Similarities In Ritalin and Vyvanse Medications
There are some similarities between Vyvanse and Ritalin, these are given below:-
- Both medications are stimulants.
- They are used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Vyvanse and Ritalin are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
- The side effects of both medications are quite similar.
Differences Between Vyvanse and Ritalin Medicines
Below is the list that mentions a few differences between both Ritalin and Vyvanse drugs based on ingredients, doses, half-life, and dosage strengths.
Active Components
Lisdexamfetamine is a generic as well as active component of the branded medicine Vyvanse.
Ritalin is a branded drug and the active ingredient used in this medicine is Methylphenidate.
Dosages & Strengths
Vyvanse Forms and Its Dosage Strengths:
It comes in two forms, that is, oral tablet and capsule.
- Tablets:- 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg and 60 mg
- Capsules:- 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg and 70 mg
Ritalin Forms and Its Dosage Strengths:
It comes in two forms an Immediate-Release (IR) oral tablet and an Extended-Release (ER) oral capsule.
Doses of Vyvanse and Ritalin
Vyvanse can be taken once a day with or without food.
Ritalin can be taken multiple times (2 or 3 times) in a day without food.
Half-Life of Vyvanse and Ritalin
Vyvanse is a long-acting drug and its half-life is about 12 hours. It means the body takes about 2.5 days or 60 hours to eliminate its traces. It may vary from individual to individual.
Ritalin is a short-acting medicine with a half-life of 2-3 hours.
Side Effects of Using Vyvanse & Ritalin Drugs
Common side effects of Using Vyvanse
- Abdomen pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Less appetite
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Diarrhea
Severe Side Effects of Using Vyvanse
- Depression (sadness)
- Cardiovascular disease (heart-related illness, high blood pressure)
- Shortness of breath
- Serotonin syndrome (seizures, dilated pupil, etc.)
- Hallucination (hearing or seeing things that are not real)
- Raynaud’s Disease (blood circulation problem in toes and fingers)
- Loss of coordination
- Shaking or twitching (Tremors in any part of the body)
Common side effects of Using Ritalin
- Headache
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
Severe Side Effects of Using Ritalin
- Suicidal thoughts
- Fast heartbeat (Palpitations)
- Problem with blood circulation in toes or fingers (numbness, coldness, and pain)- Raynaud’s phenomenon
- Mood swings
- Possibility of drug abuse and its dependency
- Uncontrollable movements of muscles (twitching)
- Reaction of cardiovascular disease (heart attack or stroke)
Precautions Before Taking Ritalin and Vyvanse Medications
Vyvanse and Ritalin drugs may be used after consulting a healthcare professional. Here are some precautions that may be considered.
Drug interaction- If you have some health history, these drugs can interact with other drugs. You may tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines for any health issues before starting the medication. Such health issues are given below:-
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Allergic reactions
Risk of Addiction
These drugs are controlled substances due to which there is a risk of misuse and dependency.
Consumption of Alcohol
The use of alcohol while taking medicines is not safe. Both Vyvanse and Ritalin medicines can cloak the effects of alcohol present in your body. It will be difficult for the person to know the quantity of alcohol consumed after taking these drugs.