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Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder (BED). The medication belongs to the central nervous system stimulant drug class, meaning it works by increasing energy, heart rate, attentiveness, and more.
In people with ADHD, Vyvanse can make them more attentive and less impulsive, making it easier to concentrate and carry out daily tasks. In people with BED, Vyvanse acts as an appetite suppressant, helping to reduce binges.
However, like many stimulant medications, Vyvanse is often misused for itโs energizing effects. People who misuse Vyvanse may be worried about how long it stays in their system if they have to take a drug test or need to detox from the drug. In this article, weโll explore how long Vyvanse stays in your system and the length of time it can be detected in various drug tests.
How Long Does Vyvanse Last?
Vyvanse is a long-acting stimulant, meaning its effects last much longer than immediate-release ADHD medications. After taking Vyvanse, the effects typically begin within 1 to 2 hours and can last for 10 to 14 hours. The extended duration makes it a popular option for people who need all-day symptom control without having to take multiple doses.
However, individual factors like metabolism, dosage, and overall health can impact how long Vyvanse lasts in your system. Some people may feel the effects wearing off sooner, while others may experience lingering effects for longer.
Because Vyvanse is a prodrug, it must first be metabolized by the body before it becomes active. This process slows down the onset of effects but also helps the drug last longer compared to other stimulant medications.
Even though the effects of Vyvanse only last for the day, the drug can show up on a drug test for longer periods of time.
Vyvanse Half-Life and Metabolism
Vyvanse itself doesnโt stay in the body for very long because itโs a prodrug, meaning it has to be converted into its active form before it works. Once taken, Vyvanse is metabolized into dextroamphetamine, the stimulant that produces its effects.
The half-life of Vyvanseโthe time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminatedโis less than 1 hour. However, the active ingredient, dextroamphetamine, has a half-life of about 12 hours. This means it can take 2 to 3 days for Vyvanse and its metabolites to fully leave the body.
Average Vyvanse Detection Times on Drug Tests
While Vyvanse may not stay in the system as long as some other stimulants, drug tests can still detect it for several days after use, depending on the type of test used.
Urine Test
Cheap, effective, and easy to use, urine tests are the most popular type of drug test. Theyโre often used by employers, healthcare providers, and for private drug testing.
Vyvanse is detectable in urine for up to 3 to 5 days after the last dose. For most people, itโs out of their system within 60 hours.
Saliva Test
Saliva tests have a very short detection period. Vyvanse can be detected in saliva for up to 48 hours, though detection times may be shorter for some individuals.
Blood Test
Blood tests require a blood draw, so theyโre only used in healthcare settings. Additionally, blood tests only detect substances for a short period, so theyโre usually relied upon to confirm intoxicants in the bloodstream.
Vyvanse stays in the bloodstream for a shorter period and is usually only detectable for up to 24 hours.
Hair Test
Hair tests rely upon a sample of hair follicles, in which traces of substances are stored after use. These tests have a long detection windowโup to 90 days.
Like most drugs, Vyvanse can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days after use.
Factors That Affect How Long Vyvanse Stays in Your System
The time Vyvanse remains in the body varies from person to person. Several factors can influence how long it takes to metabolize and eliminate the drug, including:
- Metabolism โ People with faster metabolisms process Vyvanse more quickly, reducing detection time on drug tests.
- Age and overall health โ Younger individuals and those with healthy liver and kidney function tend to eliminate Vyvanse faster.
- Dosage and frequency of use โ Higher doses and frequent use can lead to longer detection times.
- Urinary pH levels โ A more acidic urine pH speeds up Vyvanse elimination, while alkaline urine slows it down.
- Hydration and diet โ Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can help the body metabolize and clear the drug faster.
- Other medications โ Certain medications can slow Vyvanse metabolism, making it last longer in the body.
While Vyvanse doesnโt stay in the system as long as some other prescription drugs, regular use or high doses can extend detection times. If youโre concerned about a drug test or need to stop using Vyvanse, itโs best to consult a medical professional for guidance on safe tapering and detox strategies.
Find Help for Vyvanse Misuse and Addiction Today
If you or someone you love are struggling with Vyvanse addiction, itโs time to get the treatment you deserve. At Moving Mountains Recovery, we provide multiple levels of care and individualized treatment plans to help clients put an end to their Vyvanse abuse and achieve long-term recovery.
To learn about our treatment programs or get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today!
References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): VyvanseTM (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate (Vyvanse), A Prodrug Stimulant for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- NIH: Detection of lisdexamfetamine and its metabolite d-amphetamine in urine and gastric contents collected from a cadaver at forensic autopsy
- Science Direct: Compliance testing of patients in ADHD treatment with lisdexamphetamine (Elvanseยฎ) using oral fluid as specimen
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