Vyvanse is a prescription medication containing the salt or the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. It is commonly used for treating ADHD in adults and children and binge eating disorder in adults. This FDA-approved stimulant medication is not used for treating obesity; however, like other stimulants, it is commonly misused. Some people starting Vyvanse treatment wonder how long Vyvanse stays in their system. To find out more about Vyvanse medication, keep reading this blog.
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What is Vyvanse Typically Prescribed For?
Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant drug approved by the FDA for ADHD treatment. It is similar to Ritalin, Qelbree, Focalin, and Adderall. Vyvanse is a controlled drug and is classified as a Schedule 2 drug. Vyvanse is available in different potencies, ranging from 10 to 70 mg.
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental health disorder that decreases attention and concentration in people while increasing their impulsive behavior. People with ADHD often suffer from other cognitive issues like anxiety.
Many people use caffeine to manage their symptoms. You can also find over-the-counter nootropics for ADHD management. If not, then ABA therapy, along with medications, always works. ADHD is one of the most common medical conditions and needs proper treatment.
ADHD can be managed with drugs and therapy. Different stimulants or non-stimulants are used. One such example is Dexedrine for ADHD. Most often, people with ADHD can have ADHD paralysis.
At times, when the symptoms are not in control, ADHD leads to mood swings. Some of the best and most effective alternatives might be used.
How Fast Does Vyvanse Work for ADHD?
Vyvanse, also known as pro-drug, must be administered orally, and it only gets metabolized once it becomes active. So, expect Vyvanse to kick in in around 2 hours, while the side effects last around 14 hours.
Like other ADHD medications, such as Qelbree, Focalin, and Adderall, Vyvanse increases the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate the chemical imbalance and thus improve focus and concentration and reduce impulsivity.
How Long Does Vyvanse Stay in the System?
Initially, Vyvanse was believed to have a low potential for abuse compared to Ritlain. But that still makes it an abusive drug.
How long Vyvanse stay in your system depends on the following;
- The half-life of Vyvanse, which is 12 hours
- Vyvanse can test +ve for amphetamine during drug screenings
- On average, it takes around 2.5 days for Vyvanse to leave the system
- According to the manufacturer, the Lisdexamfetamine that is unconverted is not measurable after 8-hours
How Long Does Vyvanse Stay in Urine Tests?
The drug Vyvanse Is not traced in urine; however, the byproduct, amphetamine, remains even five days after you take your last dose.
How Long Does Vyvanse Stay in Hair?
According to studies, a 1.5-inch hair sample shows traces of Vyvanse for up to 90 days.
How Long Does Vyvanse Stay in Saliva?
Saliva has smaller detection windows than other means. However, different drug screenings can detect Vyvanse or its byproduct for up to 2-days
How Long Does Vyvanse Stay in Blood Tests?
Vyvanse has a short half-life, so it can only be detected in blood for 8 hours. However, the breakdown product, dextroamphetamine, has a 12-hour half-life and can be traced into the blood for 60 hours.
Factors That Influence How Long Vyvanse Stays in Your System
Different factors determine the time the drug stays in the system. Some of them are mentioned below;
- People eliminate drugs differently. Some people may expel it faster than others.
- The dosage the person is on also determines the time. For instance, a larger dose needs more time to release
- People with kidney or liver problems excrete drugs more slowly.
- Older people have difficulty expelling drugs and food
- Other drug interactions, heart problems
There is no one-in-all time for how long Vyvanse stays in the system, but the above points give an idea.
Half-Life of Vyvanse
By drug’s half-life, we mean the time taken for the active drug to reduce to half. As a rule of thumb, it takes five half-lives for the majority of the drugs to leave the system altogether. So, if you are thinking how long Vyvanse stays in the system, think about five half-lives of Vyvanse. The half-life of Vyvanse is <1 hour, so expect around 5 to 8 hours for the drug to leave the system.
The active substance in Vyvanse is Lisdexamfetamine, which is metabolized into dextroamphetamine, another stimulant. One thing to notice here is that Lisdexamfetamine is detectable only for a few hours, but the latter is dextroamphetamine, has a half-life of about 12 hours, and is detectable for a few hours.
Various factors determine how long Vyvanse stays in the system, including the drug’s metabolism, the individual’s weight and gender, and the drug dosage. When the correct dosage is not administered, you can look for signs if the Vyvanse dose is high.
How to Use Vyvanse?
- Always use Vyvanse as directed by the mental healthcare provider.
- Take Vyvanse once a day in the morning; avoid using it in the afternoon, as it interferes with sleep.
- Vyvanse can be administered without food as well.
- Most often, your doctor will prescribe a low dosage initially and then increase it based on your response.
- Vyvanse is available in chewable tablets and capsules. (If you have difficulty swallowing, mix the contents with yogurt or any other liquid.
Your doctor will check closely to see how Vyvanse is working for you. They will closely monitor for benefits and any side effects. Do not keep any medical condition from your healthcare professional. As Vyvanse is a controlled drug, if you have any substance abuse disorder history, tell your doctor. Make sure you know how long Vyvanse stays in your system to avoid overdose.
Off-Label Uses of Vyvanse
At times, Vyvanse is used off-label for different conditions. Doctors do prescribe Vyvanse, but it is not FDA-approved to treat that disorder. Some off-label uses are;
- Treating hypoactive delirium
- Alleviating fatigue
- Improving concentration and focus
Note- due to its different metabolic processing, Vyvanse may not be a common choice for these off-label use as compared to other stimulant drugs.
Stay Away from Vyvanse if..
- Do not take Vyvanse if you are on antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs. Stop taking MAOIs 2 weeks before Vyvanse treatment.
- If you are sensitive to Vyvanse ingredients or have reacted to similar prescription stimulants
Vyvanse- Is a False Positive Possible?
We just discussed how long Vyvanse stays in the system. Next, we will examine whether a false positive is possible with it.
Yes, false positives are familiar with stimulants as they are similar to many drugs like;
- Ciprofloxacin
- Aripiprazole an antipsychotic
- Prozac
- Trazodone and doxepin, sleeping aids
- Metformin
- And Gingko
Risks and Effects of Vyvanse
Vyvanse is a stimulating drug. With the correct drug administration, Vyvanse improves focus and concentration. It can also cause a euphoric feeling, weight loss, extra energy, and appetite suppression.
Regardless of how long Vyvanse stays in your system, the side effects last longer. Some common side effects, especially when abused, are;
- High heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Depression (similar to Adderall)
- Irritable nature
- Sleep issues
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain and
- Nausea
Although, as compared to other stimulants, Vyvanse has a low potential for abuse, it is still a risky drug. It does not cause headaches like Adderall. It comes with a black box warning that raises awareness about its potential for dependency and misuse.
People generally use it for appetite suppression and for feeling high, primarily young adults, and with time, they get addicted.
People who are at risk of Vyvanse addiction include;
- Those using it without a prescription
- Those people who are using higher doses
- People use it for a euphoric effect
- Those having a history of substance abuse disorder
- Those using Vyvanse with other drugs.
Signs of Vyvanse Addiction
Look out for the following signs of addiction;
- Always thinking about ways to use Vyvanse
- Unable to stop using it
- Looking for ways to get a new prescription
- Experiencing severe cravings for the drug
- Developing drug tolerance and requiring more dosage.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Vyvanse
If you stop Vyvanse just like that, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Notice the following in people using Vyvanse;
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Dysphoric mood
- Unpleasant dreams
- Depression
- Slow emotional and physical response
- Increase in appetite
- Agitation and restlessness
- Sleeping more than usual
People trying to come off Vyvanse experience a Vyvanse crash. This shows signs like agitation, low mood, and loss of motivation. It’s not the same as withdrawal. It can also happen after one dose. Individuals who are dependent on Vyvanse show withdrawal symptoms immediately after the crash symptoms. This often occurs two days after you took your last dose.
You are likely to be depressed and crave Vyvanse and feel tired with mood swings. Although, some stimulants also cause mood swings like Adderall. For more information on coming off Vyvanse, visit a professional.
Final Thoughts
Vyvanse is a prescription drug used for treating ADHD in adults and children and BED in adults. It enhances the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, improving function and reducing impulsive behavior. As for how long Vyvanse stays in your system, it takes about 90 minutes for the drug to show its effect. However, different factors, like what time the drug was administered and if it was taken with or without food, determine when it’s out of the person’s system. If taken with food, the medicine will work in about an hour.
Vyvanse starts working faster in children than in adults. Taking the correct dosage is essential, too, for the right effect. Signs that your Vyvanse is not working aren’t apparent at first. With time, you will notice changes in focus and behavior. If you have been taking Vyvanse for some time now and not feeling better, please talk to your healthcare provider. There are other treatment options for ADHD.
Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
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FAQs
1. How long does it take for Vyvanse to wear off?
Vyvanse’s half-life in plasma is less than an hour, which means the drug is out of your system in about five hours and is undetectable in eight hours.
2. Does Vyvanse last 14 hours? What about Adderall?
Yes, Vyvanse lasts, on average, about 14 hours, while Adderall only lasts about 6 to 8 hours and 12 hours, with time release.
3. What happens to your body when you stop taking Vyvanse?
Do not stop taking Vyvanse abruptly. You will suffer from a Vyvanse crash even if someone stops taking Vyvanse even after a single dose. Look out for many crash symptoms that start within a few hours: irritability, low mood, and loss of motivation.
4. How long does Vyvanse stay in your system?
Generally, it takes about 12 hours for half of Vyvanse to leave the body.
Additional Resources
How Does Vyvanse Cause Weight Loss?
Is Vyvanse a Controlled Substance
