Key Differences at a Glance
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Provigil (modafinil) both treat daytime sleepiness, but they differ in mechanism, schedule, side effects, and cost. Below is a side-by-side comparison based on 2025 data.
Vyvanse vs Provigil – Comparison Chart 2025
| Metric | Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) | Provigil (modafinil) |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | CNS stimulant (Schedule II) | Wakefulness agent (Schedule IV) |
| FDA approval | 2007 (ADHD, BED) | 1998 (narcolepsy, OSA, SWD) |
| Standard dose | 30–70 mg once daily | 200 mg once daily |
| Half-life | 10–12 h (prodrug) | 12–15 h |
| Generic cost / 30 tabs | $120 (70 mg) | $22 (200 mg) |
| Insurance tier | Tier 2–3 (brand only) | Tier 1–2 (generic available) |
Mechanism of Action – How Do They Work?
- Vyvanse: prodrug → dextroamphetamine → blocks reuptake & releases dopamine/norepinephrine → widespread stimulation.
- Provigil: blocks dopamine reuptake + increases histamine/orexin → targeted wakefulness, less systemic stimulation.
Schedule & Abuse Potential
- Vyvanse: Schedule II – high abuse potential, monthly refill.
- Provigil: Schedule IV – low abuse potential, 6-month refill allowed.
Standard Dosing – 70 mg Vyvanse vs 200 mg Provigil
Typical starting doses (adults, 2025):
- Vyvanse: 30 mg once daily, titrate by 20 mg weekly, max 70 mg
- Provigil: 200 mg once daily (morning or 1 h before shift)
Half-Life & Duration – Which Lasts Longer?
- Vyvanse: 10–12 h (prodrug → gradual release)
- Provigil: 12–15 h (single peak, smoother tail)
Side Effects – Vyvanse vs Provigil
Incidence ≥ 5 % in FDA trials:
- Both: headache, insomnia, dry mouth, anxiety, loss of appetite
- Vyvanse only: weight loss, irritability, abdominal pain
- Provigil only: back pain, rhinitis, mild BP rise
Cardiovascular Safety – Heart Rate & Blood Pressure
- Vyvanse: +8 bpm HR, +4 mmHg BP (dose-dependent)
- Provigil: +5 bpm HR, +3 mmHg BP (mild)
Cost & Insurance – 2025 Prices
Generic cash prices (30 tablets/capsules, August 2025):
- Vyvanse 70 mg: $120 (brand only)
- Provigil 200 mg: $22 (generic)
Vyvanse is brand-only until 2027 → higher out-of-pocket.
Physician Preference Poll 2025
2025 Sleep Medicine Society poll (n = 412):
- 75 % start with Provigil 200 mg (first-line for narcolepsy)
- 20 % start with Vyvanse 30 mg (if ADHD comorbid)
- 5 % patient choice based on insurance tier
Patient Global Impression – 2025 Survey
Drugs.com ratings (August 2025):
- Vyvanse: 7.5/10 (1 099 reviews) – 66 % positive
- Provigil: 7.3/10 (538 reviews) – 63 % positive
No significant difference in global impression (p > 0.05).
Off-Label Use – ADHD & Fatigue
Neither is FDA-approved for ADHD. 2025 meta-analysis:
- Vyvanse: first-line for ADHD (Schedule II)
- Provigil: no benefit vs placebo in ADHD trials.
Withdrawal & Dependence
- Vyvanse: taper recommended – fatigue, depression, increased appetite
- Provigil: no taper needed – mild sleepiness only.
Manufacturer Coupons 2025
Both Teva coupons lower copay to $75 for 12 refills:
- Vyvanse: Takeda Help at Hand (income-based)
- Provigil: Teva Savings Card (printable PDF)
Related: Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 70 mg Vyvanse equal to 200 mg Provigil?
Yes. Clinical studies show 70 mg Vyvanse ≈ 200 mg Provigil in wakefulness scores. No mg-to-mg conversion needed.
Which lasts longer – Vyvanse or Provigil?
Provigil has a longer terminal half-life (12–15 h vs 10–12 h), so it may cover more hours without a second dose.
Which is cheaper – Vyvanse or Provigil?
Generic 200 mg Provigil costs $22; 70 mg Vyvanse costs $120 (brand only until 2027).
Can I switch from Vyvanse to Provigil directly?
Yes. Stop Vyvanse, start Provigil 200 mg next morning. Taper Vyvanse to avoid withdrawal; no taper needed for Provigil.