Is Vyvanse generic available?
Key highlights
- There is currently no generic version of Vyvanse available in the United States.
- The drug patents for Vyvanse are expected to expire in August of 2023 which is the earliest date a generic may become available.
- There are several alternatives to Vyvanse for the treatment of ADHD.
Vyvanse is an expensive ADHD medication that is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. It was initially approved by the FDA in 2007. As of January 2023, there is currently no generic version of Vyvanse available.
It is not yet definitively known when the first generic version of Vyvanse will become available. Learn more about the earliest potential release date for generic Vyvanse and options to save money on this medication.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is an extended-release central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older
- Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults
Vyvanse is not an approved weight loss drug. The use of other stimulant medications for weight loss has been associated with heart problems and other serious side effects. The safety and effectiveness of Vyvanse for the treatment of obesity have not been established.
The active ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine. Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug, which is metabolized into L-lysine and dextroamphetamine once it is in the body. It is thought to work by stimulating the release of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
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Are there cheaper alternatives to Vyvanse?
There are other prescription medication alternatives to Vyvanse available for the treatment of ADHD. These medications have different strengths, dosages, and indications.
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What is the closest drug to Vyvanse?
Is there a generic Lisdexamfetamine?
There is currently no generic version of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) available.
How much will Vyvanse generic cost once it’s available?
As there are no generic alternatives currently on the market, it is impossible to estimate the price of generic Vyvanse. However, generic drugs are typically much less expensive than brand-name medications, so you should expect to save money on Vyvanse once the generic alternative is available for sale.
When will generic Vyvanse become available?
There is no estimated timeframe for when the generic of Vyvanse will be released. However, the drug patents for Vyvanse are expected to expire in August of 2023, which is the earliest a Vyvanse generic could become available for sale. The manufacturer may obtain authorization to extend the patent which commonly occurs, so it’s not possible to definitively estimate the release date for the first generic.
How do you take Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)?
Vyvanse is a capsule or chewable tablet that is typically taken once a day in the morning with or without food. If you cannot swallow the capsule, open it and mix the contents with yogurt, water, or orange juice. You should swallow the entire mixture right away without chewing.
Before taking this medication, you should tell your healthcare provider of all medical conditions you or your child have, including:
- Heart problems, heart defects, or high blood pressure
- Personal or family history of psychosis, mania, bipolar disorder, depression, or suicide
- Circulation problems in fingers and toes (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
You should avoid Vyvanse if you have an allergy to other amphetamine products, lisdexamfetamine, or any of the inactive ingredients in its formulation. You should also not take this medication if you are being treated with linezolid or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days.
Vyvanse side effects
The most common side effects of Vyvanse include:
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
Vyvanse can sometimes cause serious adverse reactions such as:
- Severe hypersensitivity reactions
- Serious heart problems, including stroke, heart attack, and sudden death
- Mental health problems such as hallucinations and mania
- Decreased circulation in your fingers and toes
- Serotonin syndrome, especially if taken with antidepressants such as SSRIs (fluoxetine and sertraline) or SNRIs (duloxetine and atomoxetine)
Speak with your prescribing doctor about the possible drug interactions with any other prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. These are not all of the possible side effects of Vyvanse. You should always seek medical advice for any questions or concerns relating to your medical condition or treatment. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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How much does Vyvanse cost?
The estimated cost for #30 Vyvanse 30mg capsules without insurance is around $425.
Why is Vyvanse so expensive?
Vyvanse is so expensive because it is a brand-name medication with no generic alternative available. Brand-name drugs are always more expensive than generic drugs. In contrast, the FDA-approved generic version of Vyvanse will be much cheaper once it becomes available.
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Medically reviewed
A medical professional has reviewed this article.
Jamie Winn, PharmD
Jamie Winn, PharmD
Dr. Jamie Winn received his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2002 from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC. Jamie is a medical reviewer for NiceRx.
