How Long Does Vyvanse® Stay In Your System?

Written By

Amanda Stevens B.S.

If you have ADHD, you may have been prescribed Vyvanse® . This medication contains lisdexamfetamine, an active ingredient that helps improve focus and reduce hyperactive behavior.

However, Vyvanse® can affect people differently depending on their metabolism and usage. To ensure safe and effective treatment, it’s essential to understand how long the drug stays in your system and its potential side effects.

What Is Vyvanse® ?

Vyvanse® is a medication used to treat ADHD[1] and binge eating disorders. Its active ingredient is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) which increases levels of chemicals in the brain that help regulate mood, focus, and energy.

Vyvanse® is an effective solution, available in pill or chewable tablet form, for those looking to improve their concentration and manage their eating habits.

LDX is considered to have less abuse potential compared to other stimulants like methylphenidate because it takes effect more slowly and has a longer-lasting result. This makes Vyvanse® an effective medication for those needing symptom relief for extended periods.

How Long Does Vyvanse® Stay In Your System?

Vyvanse® can remain in your system for up to three days. Most of the time it can still be detected in your urine for 72 hours after the last dose[2]. Blood tests have a shorter detection window, detecting Vyvanse® for up to 24 hours post-last dosage. For hair tests, Vyvanse® detection can go up to three months.

What Impacts How Long Vyvanse® Stays In Your Body?

Vyvanse® is a long-acting medication that increases the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help regulate behavior and attention. Because it is a controlled substance, it is crucial to understand how long Vyvanse® stays in your system after you take it.

Below are some different factors that impact how long Vyvanse® stays in your body:

Dosage and Frequency

Vyvanse® stays in your system longer if you take a higher dose or more frequently. This is because your liver metabolizes Vyvanse® , and the more you take, the harder your liver has to work to eliminate it from your body. Many people only need to take Vyvanse® once daily, but some may require more frequent doses.

Body Composition

Your body composition plays a role in the length of time Vyvanse® stays in your system. For example, higher body fat percentages tend to result in slower elimination of medications like Vyvanse® than lower body fat percentages.

Genetics

Your genes can affect how long Vyvanse® remains in your system. In addition, genetic variations might impact drug metabolism, which means some people’s bodies can eliminate Vyvanse® faster or slower.

For example, people with specific variants of the CYP2D6 enzyme can experience slower elimination of Vyvanse® . This enzyme is responsible for breaking down drugs in the liver, and not everyone has the same version of the enzyme, which can impact the speed of Vyvanse® metabolism.

Other Medications

The medications you take with Vyvanse® can affect how long it stays in your body.[3] Some drugs can slow Vyvanse® ‘s metabolism, while others can speed it up.

To ensure the proper dosage, it’s essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Then, your doctor can make necessary adjustments and monitor your progress.

Kidney and Liver Function

The health of your kidneys and liver affects how long Vyvanse® remains in your body. If you have kidney or liver issues, your body may take longer to process and eliminate Vyvanse® .

The kidneys and liver are responsible for removing medications from your bloodstream and expelling them from your system. If they aren’t functioning correctly, it can slow down the elimination of Vyvanse® .

How to Detect Vyvanse® In Your System

There are a few different ways to detect Vyvanse® in your system. These include urine, blood, and hair tests.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are the most common method to detect Vyvanse® and its metabolites. Typically, this test can detect the drug up to four days after ingestion. However, it’s important to note that it varies from person to person based on several factors, such as the amount of Vyvanse® consumed, the frequency of use, and the individual’s metabolism rate.

If you have a slow metabolism rate, it may take longer for Vyvanse® to clear from your system. To optimize your chances of not getting a false-positive result, it’s recommended that you drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine or alcohol.

Blood Tests

While blood tests are occasionally used to confirm Vyvanse® overdose or abuse suspicions, they are not typically relied on for detection. Vyvanse® can remain detectable in the bloodstream for up to 24 hours after use, but this timeline can vary based on several factors, including dosage and individual metabolism.

For this reason, blood tests are generally considered unreliable for estimating Vyvanse® ‘s detection window and are not commonly used for basic testing.

Hair Follicle Tests

Hair follicle tests are not frequently used to detect Vyvanse® in your system. However, the drug and its metabolites can be seen up to 90 days after ingestion via this type of test. It’s important to note that hair tests can only reveal if someone has taken Vyvanse® within the past three months.

Hair tests are not typically used to detect Vyvanse® use due to their slow turnaround time, which means they aren’t helpful for immediate drug screenings but can be relied on for long-term, broader detection.

Get More Information About Prescription Drugs, Their Side Effects, and How They Are Metabolized By The Body

To learn more about the side effects of prescription drugs and how long they stay in your system, have a look at these other helpful resources.

What is Vyvanse® used for?

Vyvanse®  is a medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in individuals aged six and up. It also effectively treats moderate to severe Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in adults.

How does Vyvanse® work?

Vyvanse®  boosts certain brain chemicals to control hyperactivity and impulsivity. It ramps up the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine levels to regulate mood, focus, and behavior.

When should I take Vyvanse® ?

Take Vyvanse®  in the morning as your doctor directs, whether with or without food. However, to prevent potential sleep disturbances, avoiding taking it in the afternoon or evening is best.

What are some common side effects of Vyvanse® ?

Vyvanse®  may cause common side effects such as loss of appetite and irritability, headache and insomnia, dry mouth and weight loss, or nausea and abdominal pain. However, severe effects like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or hallucinations need immediate medical attention. 

 

Take special care and consult your doctor if you notice any unusual reactions to this medication.

Can Vyvanse® be addictive?

Vyvanse®  is a highly potent substance that should be taken with caution. High doses or long-term use can lead to addiction and dependence. Following your doctor’s prescription instructions is crucial, and not sharing Vyvanse®  with others.

 

If you have a history of substance abuse, it is vital to communicate this to your doctor before starting Vyvanse® .

Sources


[1] Goodman, D. W. (2010, May). Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse® ), a prodrug stimulant for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2873712/ on May 1, 2023

[2] How long does Vyvanse®  stay in your system? Drugs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-Vyvanse® -stay-system-3542662/ on May 1, 2023

[3] Vyvanse® TM (Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) C- II RX only amphetamines have … FDA registration – Accessdata.fda.gov. (n.d.). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021977lbl.pdf

Amanda Stevens B.S.

Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.

Collaborating with esteemed organizations like Epiphany Wellness and Ocean Recovery, Amanda has produced valuable and enlightening content that empowers individuals on their path to recovery. Her work with these organizations exemplifies her exceptional expertise and unwavering commitment to providing accurate and reliable information to those seeking assistance.

Amanda's personal journey of recovery from disordered eating fuels her dedication to her profession. Through her own experiences, she has gained firsthand insight into the challenges faced by individuals seeking healing and transformation. Amanda continuously seeks to deepen her understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health and addiction, undertaking specialized courses on Stress & Human Health and Substance Abuse and Health through Purdue University. This ongoing pursuit of knowledge underscores Amanda's commitment to maintaining the highest level of expertise in her field.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Amanda finds immense fulfillment in her role as a mother to two wonderful children. This cherished aspect of her life further ignites her passion for helping others and creating a nurturing environment for her family. Amanda's unwavering commitment to excellence, vast knowledge, and personal experiences make her an invaluable resource for individuals seeking reliable and compassionate guidance on their journey toward recovery and overall well-being.

Experience

●Bachelor's of Science, Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services from Purdue University (2012)

Education:

●Professional medical content writer with over 5 years experience

●First hand experience with disordered eating

Call Now: (855) 384-5794