Vyvanse in United States: DEA Rules, Supply and Prescribing

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a DEA Schedule II controlled substance in the US. Supply is prescription-only, and reliable at major pharmacy chains.

Quick reference

Drug class: CNS stimulant
Controlled substance: Yes, DEA Schedule II controlled substance under the US Controlled Substances Act
Prescription required: Yes. Written prescription required; Schedule II rules prohibit verbal or fax refills in most states.
Available locally: Yes. Vyvanse is sold across the United States at major pharmacy chains. The sole sibling brand under the same active ingredient is Elvanse, which is not sold in the US.
Storage: Store at room temperature (15–30°C / 59–86°F). Keep in original child-resistant container.
Max supply to carry: DEA Schedule II rules limit each prescription to a 30-day supply. No automatic refills; a new written prescription is required each month.
Key document: Valid written prescription naming Vyvanse and lisdexamfetamine, issued by a licensed US prescriber. International prescriptions are not accepted at US pharmacies.
Emergency alternative: If Vyvanse is unavailable at your pharmacy, ask the pharmacist to check other nearby chains; a local US-licensed prescriber must write any new prescription.

Where to find Vyvanse in United States

CVS Pharmacy
Nationwide chain with over 9,000 locations; Vyvanse stock is generally consistent but call ahead during peak back-to-school periods (August–September).
$380–$420 (~€326–€360) for 30 capsules (brand, without insurance)
Reliable
Walgreens
Over 8,000 US locations; use the app or call ahead to confirm stock at your specific branch.
$380–$420 (~€326–€360) for 30 capsules (brand, without insurance)
Reliable
Rite Aid
Chain has been reducing store count since 2024; confirm your local branch is open and has stock before relying on it.
$375–$415 (~€322–€356) for 30 capsules (brand, without insurance)
Intermittent
Walmart Pharmacy
Available at most Walmart Supercenter locations; generic lisdexamfetamine is not yet available in the US, so brand pricing applies.
$370–$410 (~€317–€352) for 30 capsules (brand, without insurance)
Reliable
Costco Pharmacy
Often lowest cash price among major chains; membership not required to use the pharmacy.
$340–$380 (~€292–€326) for 30 capsules (brand, without insurance)
Reliable

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Vyvanse in the United States: what you need to know

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a DEA Schedule II controlled substance under the US Controlled Substances Act, available only with a written prescription from a licensed US provider. Elvanse, the sole sibling brand sharing the same active ingredient lisdexamfetamine, is not sold in the United States. That makes Vyvanse the only branded lisdexamfetamine product you can obtain here, though generic lisdexamfetamine is also not yet available in the US market.^[1]

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 the United States with Vyvanse

Because Vyvanse is a DEA Schedule II substance, US pharmacies cannot accept international prescriptions and cannot dispense a refill without a new written prescription from a US-licensed prescriber. Carry your full supply for the trip, keep it in original packaging, and bring a doctor's letter naming both the brand name Vyvanse and the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine alongside your dose.^[2]

Naming Vyvanse on your doctor's letter

The letter should list the brand name (Vyvanse) and the international nonproprietary name (lisdexamfetamine) together with your dose and the prescribing physician's registration number. US customs officers and pharmacy staff recognise Vyvanse, but naming both ensures clarity if you are crossing a border or presenting to an urgent care provider.

Questions to ask your prescriber before you travel

Raise these with your prescriber before departure, particularly if your trip extends beyond 30 days.

Can you issue a 30-day supply in advance of my trip, and what is the earliest date a new Schedule II prescription can be written?
Will your letter name both Vyvanse and lisdexamfetamine, plus your DEA number or equivalent registration, so US pharmacy staff can verify it?
If I need to see a US provider mid-trip to obtain a local prescription, what documentation from your practice should I bring to support that consultation?
If Vyvanse is temporarily out of stock at my pharmacy, what should I ask a local US prescriber about a clinically appropriate alternative, and what information do they need from my records?
How do I reach your practice from the United States if I need a medical letter urgently, and is telemedicine available for a follow-up?

How much Vyvanse to bring

Each Vyvanse prescription in the United States is limited to a 30-day supply under Schedule II rules. Bring exactly what you need for your trip. If your stay is longer than 30 days, arrange with your home prescriber to have a prescription ready to send to a US-licensed provider who can issue a local script. Building in a small buffer of a few days is sensible, as Schedule II prescriptions cannot be filled early.

At the airport and border

Customs and security with Vyvanse in the United States

The TSA permits travellers to carry prescription medications, including Schedule II controlled substances, in carry-on or checked baggage. TSA recommends keeping medication in original labelled containers to speed screening. CBP (Customs and Border Protection) may ask about controlled substances at the border; have your doctor's letter and prescription label accessible. Vyvanse capsules are solid oral dosage forms, so liquid medication rules do not apply.

Declare at the border if asked

CBP officers may ask whether you are carrying controlled substances. Declare Vyvanse honestly, present your prescription and doctor's letter, and you will clear without issue. Failing to declare a Schedule II substance can result in seizure and legal consequences.

While in country

Vyvanse availability in the United States

Vyvanse vs sibling brands in the United States

Brand	Indication	Formulation	Availability in United States
Vyvanse	ADHD; binge eating disorder	Oral capsule and chewable tablet (once daily)	Available, reliable supply at major pharmacy chains
Elvanse	ADHD	Oral capsule (once daily)	Not sold in the United States

Vyvanse is FDA-approved for ADHD and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder, making it the only lisdexamfetamine brand with both indications on its US label. Elvanse, the sibling brand sold in several European and other markets, has no US marketing authorisation. Supply of Vyvanse at US pharmacies has been generally stable in 2025, though occasional local shortages occurred during the broader ADHD stimulant supply disruptions of 2022 to 2024. Calling ahead to confirm stock remains a sensible step.^[3]

Without insurance, Vyvanse costs approximately $380–$420 (~€326–€360) for 30 capsules at major US pharmacy chains.^[4] Most US commercial insurance plans and many state Medicaid programmes cover Vyvanse, though prior authorisation is required by some plans. The manufacturer operates a savings card programme that may reduce out-of-pocket cost for commercially insured patients.

Pharmacy phrases for the United States

“¿Tiene Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamina) en existencia?”

Do you have Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) in stock?

“Tengo una receta. ¿Puedo surtirla aquí?”

I have a prescription. Can I fill it here?

“¿Hay una versión genérica de lisdexanfetamina disponible?”

Is there a generic version of lisdexamfetamine available?

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Switching to a different brand or generic in the United States

No FDA-approved generic lisdexamfetamine exists in the United States as of 2025, so there is no direct generic substitution pathway at the pharmacy counter. If Vyvanse is unavailable at one chain, it is worth checking others before considering a therapeutic switch.

Any switch to a different CNS stimulant requires a new prescription from a US-licensed prescriber and should be guided by a clinician familiar with your history. Raise the specific questions you would need answered about any switch with your prescriber before departure, using the checklist above.^[5]

For a broader view of prescribing rules in the United States, see our ADHD medication guide for the United States.

No Elvanse in the US

If you usually take Elvanse in another country, be aware that it is not sold in the United States. Vyvanse contains the same active ingredient lisdexamfetamine and is the brand you should ask for, but any transition requires a prescription from a US-licensed prescriber.

Emergencies

What to do if you lose Vyvanse in the United States

Because Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance, US pharmacies cannot replace lost or stolen medication without a new prescription. Call 911 if you are in a medical emergency. ^[6]

If your supply is lost or stolen, contact your home prescriber immediately. They may be able to issue documentation that supports a US-licensed urgent care or primary care provider writing you a new local prescription. Carry a copy of your prescription and doctor's letter separately from your medication at all times.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Vyvanse legal in the United States?

Vyvanse is legal in the United States with a valid written prescription from a licensed US provider. It is a DEA Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, which means it cannot be dispensed without that written prescription and cannot be refilled automatically.

Is Vyvanse available at US pharmacies?

Yes. Vyvanse is stocked at major US pharmacy chains including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Costco. Supply has been generally stable in 2025, though localised shortages can occur; calling ahead to confirm stock at a specific branch is advisable.

Do I need a prescription to buy Vyvanse in the United States?

Yes, a written prescription from a US-licensed prescriber is required. Schedule II rules mean US pharmacies cannot accept international prescriptions or provide refills without a new written script. If your stay is longer than 30 days, you will need to arrange a consultation with a US provider to obtain a local prescription.

What is the difference between Vyvanse and Elvanse in the United States?

Vyvanse and Elvanse share the same active ingredient, lisdexamfetamine, but Elvanse is not approved or sold in the United States. Vyvanse is the only lisdexamfetamine brand on the US market and holds FDA approval for both ADHD and binge eating disorder. If you normally take Elvanse in another country, Vyvanse is the equivalent brand to ask for in the US, but you will need a US prescription to obtain it.

Can I switch from Vyvanse to Elvanse in the United States if Vyvanse isn't available?

Elvanse is not sold in the United States, so this switch is not possible here. If Vyvanse is out of stock at one pharmacy, check other chains in your area before considering any alternative. Any therapeutic switch to a different CNS stimulant requires a new prescription from a US-licensed prescriber and should involve a clinical assessment.

How much does Vyvanse cost without insurance in the United States?

Without insurance, Vyvanse typically costs $380–$420 (~€326–€360) for a 30-capsule supply at major US pharmacies. Most US commercial insurance plans cover Vyvanse, often with a copayment that brings the out-of-pocket cost substantially lower. The manufacturer's savings card may further reduce cost for commercially insured patients.

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.