Although Vyvanse is a prescribed drug used to treat certain conditions, there is a potential for abuse. Those who may need to take specific drug tests for work or court may wonder how long Vyvanse stays in your system. By learning more about this medication’s half-life and factors affecting the metabolic rate, you will understand how long Vyvanse may remain detectable in your body.
What Is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a stimulant prescription drug the FDA approves for the use of attention deficit hyperactive disorder as well as binge eating disorder. The ability to detect Vyvanse in your system depends on many factors, including the amount you use, the test administered, and how long you’ve taken it.
How Long Does Vyvanse Stay in Your System?
The signs of Vyvanse use can be detected in the body long after the effects of the drug have worn off. The length of time Vyvanse remains detectable in your body depends upon the testing method used:
- Blood – A blood test can detect Vyvanse for up to 12 hours after the last dose.
- Urine – Vyvanse remains detectable as amphetamine for up to five days after last use.
- Saliva – Vyvanse is detectable for up to 72 hours after the last dose.
- Hair – A hair follicle test may detect Vyvanse in your hair for up to 90 days after the last dose.
Labs may differ in what constitutes a positive test result based on their specific cutoff levels. For example, some labs consider a level of dextroamphetamine in the system less than 50 ng/mL to be a negative test result.
How Long Does Vyvanse Stay in Breastmilk?
It remains unclear how long Vyvanse remains in breast milk and whether it has negative impacts on a nursing infant. Some experts recommend not taking Vyvanse if you are currently breastfeeding. Consult with your medical provider before taking Vyvanse while breastfeeding.
What Affects How Long Vyvanse Stays in Your System?
How long any drug remains detectable in your system depends on its “half-life.” The half-life of a medication is how long the metabolic processes take to eliminate half of the drug’s concentration from your body.
Several factors affect how long Vyvanse stays in your system. These factors include:
- How often do you take Vyvanse
- How much you take
- If you use Vyvanse with other drugs or medications
- The date and time of your last dose
- Your weight and gender
- Whether you have underlying medical conditions affecting how your body eliminates drugs
- The type of test utilized
Some people eliminate the drug from their systems more quickly than others. Those with health problems or kidney or liver damage may metabolize it more slowly than someone who has no underlying medical issues.

Vyvanse Half-Life
The active ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine, which metabolizes into dextroamphetamine, which is responsible for the drug’s effects. Dextroamphetamine has a half-life of 12 hours in the plasma, which means it can be detectable up to 60 hours after the last dose. This is why Vyvanse can show up on a drug test for up to 3 days after taking it.
Vyvanse is an effective tool for individuals who have ADHD or binge eating disorder can use to help manage their symptoms. However, it’s essential to understand how long it remains in your system. Understanding its half-life can decrease your risks of accidentally combining it with other substances, such as alcohol, which can be dangerous.
How Long Do the Effects of Vyvanse Last?
When Vyvanse initially became available on the market, it was thought to have a lower potential for abuse compared to other stimulants like Ritalin. However, most recent research indicates Vyvanse has the potential to be misused.
While the effects of Vyvanse can set in within 30 minutes, everyone experiences them differently. Some experience these effects sooner than others. Others may still feel the drug effects for an extended period.
Intended Effects and Potential Side Effects Associated With Vyvanse
The intended effect of Vyvanse is to increase energy while improving focus and concentration. It also helps people control impulsivity and hyperactivity. While Vyvanse can be helpful for those who have a valid prescription and take it as advised, it is important to be mindful of possible side effects associated with this medication, which include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Increased heart rate
Although Vyvanse is an effective drug for managing ADHD and binge eating disorder, it also comes with the potential for significant side effects. These side effects may increase with dosage and if the medication is abused.
Getting Help for Vyvanse Addiction
Vyvanse addiction can occur due to the desirable effects, sometimes including euphoria. The focus and energy a person gets from using Vyvanse triggers a reward response within the brain. This reward response can play a role in the development of a stimulant addiction.
If you are struggling with Vyvanse addiction, there is help available. Addiction is difficult to live with, not just for those affected but also for those who care for the person struggling with addiction. Fortunately, there are a variety of effective options available to help treat addiction, increasing your chances of returning to a healthy, fulfilling life without stimulants.
Treatment for Vyvanse Addiction
Addiction treatment centers often utilize a holistic approach to treating addiction. Some treatment centers offer inpatient rehabilitation programs, while others provide intensive outpatient programs suitable for those with personal and professional obligations they must keep.
Medication
Some medications can help you manage the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms caused by Vyvanse addiction. Some of these medications stabilize your dopamine, norepinephrine, or serotonin levels. These medications can provide relief from withdrawal symptoms and help prevent relapse.
There is help available if you are struggling with Vyvanse addiction. Vyvanse addiction treatment is highly individualized and tailored to meet your needs. Seeking help is one of the most important steps of recovery. You can begin your path toward a healthier future free from addiction by reaching out.

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7853418/
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- http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021977lbl.pdf
- http://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01255
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4966675/
- http://www.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/…

Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC