Vyvanse vs. Intuniv
See how Vyvanse and Intuniv compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Vyvanse is a stimulant approved for ADHD in ages 6 and up and for binge eating disorder in adults, while Intuniv is a non-stimulant approved only for ADHD in children and teens.
Intuniv can be added to a stimulant like Vyvanse to boost ADHD control, since the two drugs work through completely different mechanisms.
Vyvanse carries a boxed warning for abuse potential as a Schedule II controlled substance, while Intuniv has no abuse risk but can cause low blood pressure and drowsiness.
Vyvanse vs. Intuniv Drug Summary
Vyvanse
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a CNS stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain. It is FDA-approved for ADHD in people 6 and older and for moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. It comes as a once-daily capsule or chewable tablet taken in the morning.
Intuniv
Intuniv (guanfacine) is a non-stimulant that activates alpha2A-adrenergic receptors in the brain to improve attention and impulse control. It is FDA-approved for ADHD in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17, either alone or added to a stimulant. It is taken once daily as an extended-release tablet.
Vyvanse vs. Intuniv Side Effects
Vyvanse
Intuniv
Vyvanse vs. Intuniv Dosage
Vyvanse
Intuniv
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 30 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 70 mg once daily | Week 4 onward |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | Every week |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 4 mg once daily | Week 4 onward |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | Every week |
Vyvanse
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 30 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 70 mg once daily | Week 4 onward |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | Every week |
Intuniv
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 4 mg once daily | Week 4 onward |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | Every week |
Vyvanse vs. Intuniv Indications
Vyvanse
Vyvanse is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in patients 6 years and older and moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. It is not approved for weight loss or general obesity treatment. As a stimulant, it directly targets core ADHD symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity.
ADHD in children, teens, and adults
Moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults
Not approved for weight loss
Available as capsule or chewable tablet
Intuniv
Intuniv is FDA-approved for ADHD in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17, used either alone or alongside a stimulant medication. It is not FDA-approved for ADHD in adults, though doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for that use. Its non-stimulant mechanism makes it an option for kids who cannot tolerate stimulants.
ADHD monotherapy in ages 6 to 17
Add-on therapy with stimulants in ages 6 to 17
Off-label use in adults with ADHD
Not approved for weight-related conditions
Vyvanse vs. Intuniv Pros and Cons
Vyvanse
Vyvanse is a well-established stimulant with strong evidence for reducing core ADHD symptoms and is the only stimulant approved for binge eating disorder. Its Schedule II status brings extra prescribing rules and closer monitoring for misuse.
Pros
FDA-approved for ADHD in adults, not just children
Only stimulant approved for binge eating disorder
Available as both capsule and chewable tablet
Prodrug design linked to lower misuse potential when snorted or injected
Cons
Schedule II controlled substance with abuse potential
Boxed warning for serious cardiovascular risk
Can cause insomnia and appetite suppression
Requires monitoring for new or worsening psychiatric symptoms
Intuniv
Intuniv offers a non-stimulant option for ADHD, useful for children who cannot take stimulants or who need added symptom control alongside one. It requires gradual tapering to avoid rebound high blood pressure and can cause drowsiness that affects daily activities.
Pros
No abuse potential or controlled-substance status
Can be combined with a stimulant for added benefit
Lower risk of appetite suppression or insomnia
Once-daily dosing with morning or evening flexibility
Cons
Only approved for ages 6 to 17, not adults
Requires tapering to avoid rebound hypertension
Somnolence and fatigue are common side effects
Needs blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
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