Vyvanse vs. Jornay PM

See how Vyvanse and Jornay PM compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Vyvanse and Jornay PM are both stimulants for ADHD, but Vyvanse is also FDA-approved for binge eating disorder while Jornay PM is not.

  • Vyvanse is taken once in the morning, while Jornay PM is taken in the evening so it starts working when the patient wakes up the next day.

  • Jornay PM causes insomnia in up to 41% of patients, notably higher than the up to 16% seen with Vyvanse.

Vyvanse vs. Jornay PM Drug Summary

Vyvanse

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a CNS stimulant that treats ADHD in patients 6 and older and is also FDA-approved for moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. It comes as a once-daily oral capsule or chewable tablet taken in the morning, and it is a prodrug that converts to active medication in the body.

Jornay PM

Jornay PM (methylphenidate) is a CNS stimulant approved to treat ADHD in patients 6 and older. It is a once-daily extended-release capsule taken in the evening, using delayed-release technology so it starts working when the patient wakes the next morning.

Vyvanse vs. Jornay PM Side Effects

Vyvanse

Most common
decreased appetite (up to 27%)
insomnia (up to 16%)
dry mouth (up to 23%)
anxiety (up to 8%)

Jornay PM

Most common
decreased appetite (up to 27%)
insomnia (up to 41%)
affect lability (up to 22%)
headache (up to 19%)

Vyvanse vs. Jornay PM Dosage

Vyvanse

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Jornay PM

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 20 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 100 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 4 increases As tolerated

Vyvanse vs. Jornay PM Indications

Vyvanse

Vyvanse treats ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults, and it is the first stimulant approved specifically for binge eating disorder in adults. It is not approved for weight loss, even though it can suppress appetite.

  • ADHD in patients age 6 and older

  • Moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults

  • Not approved for weight loss or obesity

  • Available as capsule or chewable tablet

Jornay PM

Jornay PM treats ADHD in patients age 6 and older. It is taken each evening so its delayed-release formula controls symptoms starting the moment the patient wakes and through the day, but it has no other FDA-approved use.

  • ADHD in patients age 6 and older

  • Evening dosing for next-morning symptom control

  • Not approved for children under 6

  • Not approved for narcolepsy

Vyvanse vs. Jornay PM Pros and Cons

Vyvanse

Vyvanse has a long safety record dating back to 2007 and is the only stimulant approved for binge eating disorder as well as ADHD. As a prodrug, it is thought to carry a lower risk of misuse when crushed or taken by non-oral routes.

Pros

  • FDA-approved for binge eating disorder, not just ADHD

  • Available as a chewable tablet for patients who dislike capsules

  • Prodrug design may lower misuse risk via non-oral routes

  • Long-established track record since its 2007 approval

Cons

  • No evening-release option, so effects may fade by evening

  • Morning dosing means it can't be adjusted later in the day

  • Higher rate of dry mouth than Jornay PM

  • Not designed to address next-morning ADHD symptoms on waking

Jornay PM

Jornay PM is the only methylphenidate designed specifically for evening dosing, using delayed-release beads so it takes effect after waking rather than requiring a morning dose. It has no FDA approval outside ADHD and is not interchangeable milligram-for-milligram with other methylphenidate products.

Pros

  • Only methylphenidate designed for evening, next-morning dosing

  • May help patients who struggle with morning routines or dosing

  • No need to take medication at school or work

  • Delayed-release technology can cover symptoms into the evening

Cons

  • Not approved for binge eating disorder or any use beyond ADHD

  • Higher reported rate of insomnia than Vyvanse

  • No generic version currently available

  • Not interchangeable mg-for-mg with other methylphenidate products

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