Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a prescription drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is considered a stimulant drug and is a Schedule II controlled substance. While it is effective in managing ADHD, it is a known drug of abuse.
If you abuse Vyvanse, you are probably doing so to experience a rush of energy and euphoria. Unfortunately, this can quickly lead to the development of a substance use disorder. Vyvanse addiction can be difficult to overcome and requires professional drug rehab treatment.
Vyvanse can stay in your system for up to 5 hours.[1] Drug screenings can detect metabolites that Vyvanse leaves behind for a longer period. For example, drug tests can find Vyvanse in urine for 2 to 3 days after your last dose.
In this article, you will learn:
- How long the effects of Vyvanse last
- The half-life of Vyvanse
- How long drug tests can detect Vyvanse
How Long Do the Effects of Vyvanse Last?
Vyvanse is used to treat ADHD. It improves focus and lessens symptoms like impulsivity. If you are not prescribed Vyvanse, it might cause you to experience a high similar to cocaine or methamphetamine.
The effects of Vyvanse might include:[2]
- Increased energy and focus
- Lessened symptoms of impulsivity
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lessened appetite and weight loss
Typically, Vyvanse begins working within two hours and the effects can last for up to 14. It is important to note that specific factors like the dose of Vyvanse you take can affect how long it works.
What is the Half-Life of Vyvanse?
To understand how long Vyvanse stays in your system, you need to know what a drug’s half-life is. A half-life explains how long it takes your body to eliminate half of a dose. It can take up to four to five half-lives for a drug to be eliminated from a person’s system.
The half-life of Vyvanse is about one hour.[1] In other words, the drug will be flushed out of your system in 4 to 5 hours after your last dose.
There are a variety of factors that can influence how long Vyvanse stays in your system, including:
- Method of administration (i.e. swallowing a pill, snorting, injecting)
- Dosage amount
- Frequency of use
- Whether you are taking other substances
- The health of your liver and kidneys
- Your age, weight, and biological sex
- Nutrition and water intake
- And more
Even though these factors can play a role in how long Vyvanse stays in your system, there is no way to flush it out faster. Products like “detox drinks” will not help you pass a drug test if you are being screened for Vyvanse abuse.
How Long is Vyvanse Detected on Drug Tests?
While Vyvanse is flushed from your system after five hours, it leaves behind metabolites that drug tests can find for a longer period. Any drug tests that screen for amphetamines or prescription stimulants will be able to find Vyvanse in your system. The amount of time that Vyvanse is detectable depends on what type of drug test is being used.
Urine
The most commonly used drug screens are urine drug tests. They are minimally invasive and relatively cheap, making them preferred in a variety of settings. Many jobs, probation offices, and drug rehab centers use urine drug tests.
Urine tests can find Vyvanse in your system for 2 to 3 days after your last dose.
Saliva
Saliva drug tests are not used as commonly as urine tests because they offer a shorter window of detection. That said, they might be preferred among law enforcement officers performing field sobriety tests.
Saliva tests can find Vyvanse in your system for 48 hours after you last used it.
Blood
Blood tests are not used in most settings because they are invasive, requiring a blood draw for testing. Additionally, they tend to provide a short window of detection. Due to the short window of detection, they might be ideal in hospital settings to determine if a substance is contributing to your symptoms.
Blood tests can find Vyvanse in your system for eight hours after your last dose.
Hair
Hair tests are not common for two main reasons. First, they are expensive to send off to the lab to be analyzed. Second, they often discriminate based on things like hair color, making them unreliable.
Even though they may be unreliable, some high-security clearance jobs use them for pre-employment drug screenings because of their long window of detection. These tests can find any substance in your system for up to 90 days after your last dose.
Find Help for Vyvanse Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers from Vyvanse addiction, it’s time to consider attending a substance abuse treatment center. While stimulant addiction can be difficult to overcome, drug rehab programs will offer the necessary tools to achieve long-term sobriety. For example, you will have access to services like medical detox, evidence-based therapies, relapse prevention planning, and more.
At New Jersey Addiction Interventions, we can connect you with a top-rated Vyvanse addiction treatment center in your area. Our expert admissions counselors will provide an in-depth assessment to determine your needs before making an informed referral.
Contact us today for more information on how Vyvanse addiction treatment works and to get referred to a reputable rehab center in your area.
References:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Vyvanse Label
- Medline Plus: Lisdexamfetamine
Medically Reviewed: August 12, 2024
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.