Vyvanse in Canada: Schedule I Status, Supply and Prescribing

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a Schedule I controlled substance in Canada, available by prescription only. Supply is generally reliable at pharmacies.

Quick reference

Drug class: CNS stimulant
Controlled substance: Yes. Lisdexamfetamine is listed under Schedule I of Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
Prescription required: Yes. A valid Canadian or foreign prescription is required. Specialist (psychiatrist) initiation is standard for new patients.
Available locally: Yes. Vyvanse is sold at major Canadian pharmacy chains including Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and Pharmasave. Supply is generally reliable. The sibling brand Elvanse is not sold in Canada.
Storage: Store at room temperature (15-30°C), away from moisture and direct light. Keep in original packaging.
Max supply to carry: Canada's CDSA limits personal import of Schedule I controlled substances to a 30-day supply for personal use when accompanied by a valid prescription.
Key document: A doctor's letter naming 'Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)' plus dose and daily quantity. Keep original prescription and pharmacy label on the original packaging.
Emergency alternative: If Vyvanse is unavailable, consult a local physician about whether a generic lisdexamfetamine or an alternative stimulant is appropriate for your situation.

Where to find Vyvanse in Canada

Shoppers Drug Mart
The largest pharmacy chain in Canada with over 1,300 locations nationwide; stocks Vyvanse consistently at most urban and suburban branches.
CAD $150-$200 (~$110-$148 / ~€102-€137) for a 30-day supply (30 mg capsules); varies by dose and provincial drug plan coverage.
Reliable
Rexall
Around 400 locations across Canada; Vyvanse is routinely stocked at most branches.
CAD $150-$200 (~$110-$148 / ~€102-€137) for a 30-day supply; price comparable to Shoppers Drug Mart.
Reliable
Pharmasave
Independently owned banner stores across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario; Vyvanse availability is consistent at most locations.
CAD $150-$200 (~$110-$148 / ~€102-€137) for a 30-day supply.
Reliable
Costco Pharmacy
Available at Costco pharmacy counters in major cities; membership required to access the pharmacy at most locations.
CAD $130-$170 (~$96-$126 / ~€89-€117) for a 30-day supply; typically lower than chain pharmacy pricing.
Reliable
London Drugs
Operates primarily in British Columbia and Alberta; Vyvanse is stocked reliably at most branches.
CAD $150-$200 (~$110-$148 / ~€102-€137) for a 30-day supply.
Reliable

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Vyvanse in Canada: what changes when you travel

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is listed under Schedule I of Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act^[1], meaning it is a prescription-only medication subject to strict dispensing controls. Supply across major Canadian pharmacy chains is generally reliable, which distinguishes Canada from some jurisdictions where Vyvanse remains unavailable or faces persistent shortages.

The sibling brand Elvanse (also lisdexamfetamine) is not sold in Canada, so Vyvanse is the sole branded lisdexamfetamine product available here. For full customs and import paperwork detail, see our ADHD travel guide for Canada.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing doctor before travelling with medication, particularly regarding supply quantities, storage requirements, and import documentation.

Before you travel

Documentation for travelling to Canada with Vyvanse

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requires that controlled substances are accompanied by a valid prescription^[2] and kept in original pharmacy packaging. Your doctor's letter must name 'Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)' specifically, not just the drug class or active ingredient. Bring a maximum 30-day personal supply.

Naming Vyvanse on your doctor's letter

The letter should list the brand name 'Vyvanse' and the international generic name 'lisdexamfetamine' alongside the dose and daily quantity. CBSA officers may search either name in their system, so naming both ensures recognition at the border.

Questions to ask your prescriber before you travel

Raise these with your doctor before departure to avoid gaps in care while in Canada.

If Vyvanse is temporarily out of stock at a local pharmacy, can you write a backup prescription naming lisdexamfetamine generically so a Canadian pharmacist can assist?
Can your letter explicitly list 'Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)', the dose, and the daily quantity to satisfy CBSA documentation requirements?
If my trip extends beyond 30 days, what is the pathway for obtaining a Canadian prescription or extension?
Are there any clinical considerations specific to my current dose that a Canadian physician would need to know if I require interim care?
What is the best way to reach you from Canada in an emergency related to my medication?

How much Vyvanse to bring

Because Elvanse is not sold in Canada and generic lisdexamfetamine products are not yet widely available, Vyvanse is the only lisdexamfetamine option at Canadian pharmacies. Supply is generally reliable, but pharmacies in smaller towns and rural areas may carry limited stock. Bring your full supply for the trip rather than relying on a local refill, and keep an extra few days' worth as a buffer for travel delays.

At the airport and border

Customs and security with Vyvanse in Canada

Declare Vyvanse at CBSA on arrival if you are carrying it in your hand luggage or checked baggage. CBSA officers may ask to inspect the packaging^[2] and verify that the prescription label matches the traveller's name. Keep Vyvanse capsules in the original pharmacy-labelled blister pack or bottle, not decanted into an unlabelled container. Canadian airport security (CATSA) follows standard rules for oral solid medications, so no liquid restrictions apply to capsules.

While in country

Vyvanse availability in Canada

Vyvanse vs sibling brands in Canada

Brand	Indication	Formulation	Availability in Canada
Vyvanse	ADHD; binge eating disorder	Oral capsule (extended-release prodrug)	Reliable. Sold at all major chains nationwide.
Elvanse	ADHD	Oral capsule (extended-release prodrug)	Not sold in Canada. Marketed in the UK, Germany, and other EU countries.

Vyvanse received Health Canada approval for ADHD and binge eating disorder^[3] and has been on the Canadian market since 2009. It is dispensed at pharmacies nationwide against a valid prescription. A Canadian pharmacist cannot dispense a Schedule I controlled substance against a foreign prescription in all provinces without additional steps, so confirm with your intended pharmacy before relying on a local refill.

A 30-day supply of Vyvanse (30 mg capsules) costs approximately CAD $150-$200 (~$110-$148 / ~€102-€137) at retail without drug plan coverage. Provincial drug benefit programmes (such as Ontario's ODB or British Columbia's PharmaCare) cover Vyvanse for eligible residents^[4], but travellers without provincial health coverage will pay out of pocket. Private travel insurance with prescription medication cover may partially reimburse costs; check your policy before departure.

Pharmacy phrases for Canada

“Avez-vous du Vyvanse en stock?”

Do you have Vyvanse in stock?

“Y a-t-il une version générique de la lisdexamfétamine disponible?”

Is there a generic version of lisdexamfetamine available?

“J'ai une ordonnance pour du Vyvanse de mon médecin à l'étranger. Pouvez-vous m'aider?”

I have a prescription for Vyvanse from my doctor abroad. Can you help me?

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Switching to a different brand or generic in Canada

Elvanse, the sibling brand of Vyvanse in other markets, is not available in Canada. Generic lisdexamfetamine products are not yet widely dispensed in Canada, so Vyvanse is effectively the only branded lisdexamfetamine product you will encounter. If Vyvanse is temporarily out of stock at a particular pharmacy, ask the pharmacist to check neighbouring branches rather than substituting a different controlled substance class. Any switch to a structurally different stimulant requires a new prescription from a Canadian physician and should not be initiated without medical supervision.

Emergencies

What to do if you lose Vyvanse in Canada

If your Vyvanse supply is lost or stolen, report the loss to the local police first and obtain a report number. Canadian pharmacies cannot dispense a replacement supply of a Schedule I controlled substance^[5] without a valid Canadian prescription, so you will need to see a physician.

Walk-in clinics are available in all major Canadian cities and can issue a new prescription after assessing your situation. Bring any remaining documentation (letter, pharmacy label, police report) to the appointment. The non-emergency police line in Canada is 911 for emergencies; for non-emergency situations, dial the local municipal police number.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Vyvanse legal in Canada?

Yes, Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is legal in Canada with a valid prescription, as it is a Schedule I controlled substance under Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Travellers may bring in up to a 30-day personal supply, provided they carry a valid prescription and a doctor's letter naming the medication, dose, and daily quantity, kept with the original packaging.

Is Vyvanse available at Canadian pharmacies?

Yes. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is licensed by Health Canada and stocked at major pharmacy chains including Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Pharmasave, and London Drugs. Supply is generally reliable at urban and suburban locations. Smaller rural pharmacies may carry limited stock, so call ahead if travelling outside major cities.

What is the difference between Vyvanse and Elvanse in Canada?

Vyvanse and Elvanse contain the same active ingredient, lisdexamfetamine, but they are marketed in different regions. Vyvanse is the brand name used in Canada and the United States; Elvanse is the brand name used in the United Kingdom, Germany, and several other European markets. Elvanse is not sold in Canada, so travellers who normally take Elvanse will need to bring their full supply or obtain a Canadian prescription for Vyvanse specifically.

Can I switch from Vyvanse to Elvanse in Canada if needed?

Elvanse is not available in Canada, so this switch cannot happen within Canada. If you normally take Elvanse and run out, a Canadian physician could potentially prescribe Vyvanse as the locally available equivalent containing the same active ingredient. That decision requires a medical consultation; do not attempt to substitute without speaking to a physician first.

How much does Vyvanse cost in Canada without insurance?

A 30-day supply of Vyvanse (30 mg capsules) costs approximately CAD $150-$200 (~$110-$148 / ~€102-€137) at retail without provincial drug plan coverage. Higher doses cost proportionally more. Travellers without Canadian provincial health coverage pay the full retail price; some private travel insurance policies with prescription medication benefits may cover part of the cost.

Do I need a Canadian prescription to buy Vyvanse at a pharmacy in Canada?

Yes. As a Schedule I controlled substance under Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Vyvanse can only be dispensed against a valid prescription. Provincial pharmacy regulations vary on whether a foreign prescription is accepted directly; in practice, many pharmacists require a Canadian prescription for controlled substances. If you need a local prescription, visit a walk-in clinic or urgent care centre with your existing documentation.

Related practical guide

10 Things You Must Do Before Travelling Abroad with ADHD Medication

ADHD stimulants are banned outright in some countries and tightly controlled in many others. Here is the practical checklist every traveller needs before setting off.