How Long Does Vyvanse Stay in Your System?

If you take Vyvanse for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may wonder how long the medication continues working and how long traces of it remain in your body. These are different questions, since the noticeable effects of a medication can wear off before the drug and its metabolites are completely eliminated.

So, how long does Vyvanse stay in your system? Vyvanse itself is cleared relatively quickly, but the body converts it into dextroamphetamine, its active form. In healthy adults, dextroamphetamine has an average half-life of about 10 to 11.3 hours. Based on that half-life, most of the active drug would be expected to leave the body over roughly two to three days, although individual timing varies.

How Long Do the Effects of Vyvanse Last?

Vyvanse, or lisdexamfetamine, is a prescription stimulant approved for ADHD in adults and children age 6 and older. It is also approved for moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. After it is taken, lisdexamfetamine is converted mainly in the blood into dextroamphetamine.

The medication's therapeutic effects can last much of the day. In one clinical study involving adults with ADHD, improvements in attention were measured through 14 hours after a dose. That does not mean every person will feel the effects for exactly 14 hours. Dose, individual response, health conditions, and other medications can affect the experience.

How Long Can Vyvanse Be Detected on a Drug Test?

Drug tests generally detect amphetamine rather than unchanged Vyvanse because lisdexamfetamine is converted into dextroamphetamine.

Approximate detection windows include:

• Urine: Amphetamine is generally detectable for about two to three days. Mayo Clinic Laboratories lists an approximate detection time of up to three days.

• Oral fluid or saliva: SAMHSA guidance states that amphetamine is generally detectable for about one day.

These are estimates, not guarantees. Test sensitivity, laboratory cutoff levels, dose, how frequently the medication is taken, and individual metabolism can all change the detection window.

If you take Vyvanse as prescribed and are undergoing a medical or workplace drug test, follow the testing program's instructions for reporting prescription medications.

What Affects How Long Vyvanse Stays in Your Body?

Several factors can influence how quickly dextroamphetamine is eliminated. Kidney function is one consideration because reduced kidney clearance can increase exposure to the active drug. Urine acidity also affects amphetamine elimination. SAMHSA notes that amphetamine may remain in the body longer when urine is more alkaline.

Other factors may include the prescribed dose, frequency of use, age, individual metabolism, and medicines or substances that affect amphetamine levels.

Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance and carries a boxed warning for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Take it only as prescribed, store it securely, and do not share it with another person.

If you are comparing ADHD treatment options, your healthcare provider can explain the differences between stimulant and nonstimulant medications. Canada Pharmacy also provides information about Intuniv (guanfacine HCl), a prescription nonstimulant ADHD medication.

The amount of time Vyvanse remains in your system is not the same for everyone. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can answer questions about your medication schedule, side effects, interactions, or drug testing. Do not stop or change a prescribed medication without speaking with your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does one dose of Vyvanse stay in your system?

The active metabolite, dextroamphetamine, has a half-life of approximately 10 to 11.3 hours in healthy adults. Most would be expected to leave the body over roughly two to three days, although individual elimination times vary.

Does Vyvanse show up as amphetamine on a drug test?

It can. Vyvanse is converted into dextroamphetamine, so a person taking it as prescribed may test positive for amphetamine.

How long is Vyvanse detectable in urine?

Amphetamine is commonly detectable in urine for about two to three days after use, although the exact period depends on the test, dose, frequency of use, metabolism, and urine characteristics.

Is the duration of Vyvanse's effects the same as its detection time?

No. The therapeutic effects may last much of the day, while amphetamine can remain detectable after the noticeable medication effects have worn off. An adult ADHD study assessed benefits through 14 hours after dosing.