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
Jornay PM
Vyvanse vs. Jornay PM Dosage
Vyvanse
Jornay PM
| 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 | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
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 |
Jornay PM
| 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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