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How Long Does Vyvanse Stay In Your System & Drug Test Guide

Medical Providers:
Dr. Michael Vines, MD
Alex Spritzer, FNP, CARN-AP, PMHNP
Clinical Providers:
Natalie Foster, LPC-S, MS
Last Updated: December 10, 2023

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is one of the more commonly prescribed stimulant medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, in many cases, binge eating disorder (BED). Many people rely on it daily to help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and create a steadier mental rhythm. Because it’s a central nervous system stimulant and a controlled prescription, understanding how long Vyvanse stays in your system is not just a medical detail — it helps patients use it safely and avoid unintended problems, especially with drug testing or dose timing.

Although it’s a legitimate medication, stimulant misuse remains widespread. In 2021, about 3.7 million Americans reported misusing prescription stimulants. With numbers like that, knowing how long these substances remain in the body is an important part of harm reduction.

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How Long Does Vyvanse Stay In Your System?

Vyvanse behaves differently from many stimulant medications. When someone takes a dose, the drug is not active right away. Instead, lisdexamfetamine must be converted inside the bloodstream into dextroamphetamine, which is the actual stimulant responsible for improving attention and reducing ADHD symptoms.

Most people begin to feel the medication’s effects within 1 to 2 hours, but instead of a sudden spike, Vyvanse builds gradually. This slow activation is the reason it causes fewer “ups and downs” than some older stimulant forms.

How Long Does Vyvanse Last in the Bloodstream?

Once converted into dextroamphetamine, the body continues to absorb and circulate it. Levels usually peak around 3 to 4 hours after the dose, then decline as the liver processes the drug and the kidneys remove it.

On average:

  • The half-life of Vyvanse is 12–14 hours.
  • It typically takes 2–3 days before the drug and its byproducts fully leave the system.

That said, not everyone metabolizes Vyvanse the same way. Some people feel it wears off faster, while others experience lingering effects well into the next day.

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Vyvanse Half Life Overview

In medication discussions, the term “half-life” refers to the amount of time required for the body to remove half of a dose. With Vyvanse, two half-lives matter:

1. Lisdexamfetamine (the original compound): less than 1 hour

The parent drug disappears quickly. It doesn’t remain active for long because it exists mainly as a delivery system for the stimulant.

2. Dextroamphetamine (the active form): around 12 hours

Once formed, the dextroamphetamine circulates much longer. Because total elimination requires several half-life cycles, it can remain detectable for roughly 60 hours.

This helps explain why someone may test positive for amphetamines for a couple of days, even though the “focus boost” from Vyvanse may fade sooner.

Human variability also plays a role. Factors like age, hydration, diet, and overall health influence how long Vyvanse stays in your system, sometimes more than people realize.

Factors Affecting Drug Elimination

Every person processes Vyvanse at their own pace. Below are the most influential factors that determine how quickly the drug leaves the body.

Metabolism is often the biggest variable. Some people burn through medications quickly because of their natural enzyme patterns, while others metabolize drugs at a slower rate. Subtle genetic differences can change how efficiently the body activates and clears stimulant medication.

Larger doses — particularly those used for adults with ADHD or individuals treated for binge eating disorder — take longer to break down. Higher amounts of dextroamphetamine remain in circulation for a longer period, which extends the drug’s stay in the system.

Although Vyvanse is designed to be taken orally, any attempt to misuse it or alter how it is taken can dramatically change how the body processes it.

Vyvanse doesn’t exist in isolation. Medications for mood disorders, high blood pressure, and even acid reflux can influence how fast stimulant medication is absorbed or cleared. Alcohol, caffeine, and certain supplements may also interfere with metabolism.

It’s important for anyone prescribed Vyvanse to be open with their provider about everything they take — even herbal supplements. Small things can shift how long drugs stay in your system.

The liver handles most of the metabolizing, and the kidneys help remove the final byproducts. When either of these organs is under strain or functioning at a reduced capacity, the drug can linger longer than expected.

Patients with chronic health concerns should expect slightly longer elimination times.

Your daily routine also matters more than you might think. Regular exercise supports faster circulation, which may help the body clear stimulants sooner. Hydration similarly plays a role — especially in states like Arizona, where heat and sweat can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful.

Certain foods, high-acidity meals, or nutritional supplements may subtly shift how fast the body absorbs or clears amphetamine-based medications.

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Drug Detection Window For Vyvanse

Does Vyvanse show up in drug test?

Yes. Once converted to dextroamphetamine, Vyvanse will register on screens that test for amphetamines. Different drug tests detect Vyvanse for different lengths of time:

urine test icon to detect use of drugs

Urine Tests

Detection window: 2–3 days. This is the most common form of drug testing. It picks up the metabolites left after the stimulant is processed.

saliva test icon to detect drug substance

Saliva Tests

Detection window: up to 48 hours. Often used when quick, on-the-spot testing is needed. These tests identify more recent use.

sample blood icon for blood testing for drug use

Blood Tests

Detection window: up to 8 hours. Blood testing is less about detecting past use and more about identifying what is active in the body right now.

hair test icon for accurate evidence of drug use

Hair Tests

Detection window: usually 30 days; sometimes up to 90 days. Hair testing offers the longest look-back period because drug metabolites get trapped in hair fibers as they grow. Although most labs evaluate 1-inch hair segments (reflecting about 30 days), extended windows exist in some settings.

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Vyvanse is effective for treating ADHD and binge eating disorder when used correctly. But like any controlled stimulant, the risk of dependency grows when it’s taken in higher doses, used for weight loss, or relied on for energy rather than medical treatment.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with stimulant misuse, The Hope House in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a private, supportive space to begin recovery. Each person’s situation is different, so treatment plans are designed around individual needs, co-occurring mental health conditions, and personal goals.

Recovery from stimulant misuse is possible, and seeking help is a meaningful first step.

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Other Drug Detection Times

The answer to the question “how long does cocaine stay in your system” is, cocaine is typically detectable in urine for about 2-4 days after use, although its metabolites can be detected for a longer period, often up to several weeks. The exact duration of detection can vary based on factors such as the amount used, frequency of use, metabolism, and individual differences.

The answer to the question “how long does ecstasy stay in your system” is that Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, can stay in your system for around 2 to 4 days. This means that traces of the drug can be detected in your urine, blood, or saliva during this time frame after taking it. Remember, factors like your metabolism and the amount you take can influence how long it lingers in your body.

The answer to the question “how long does heroin stay in your system” is that heroin usually stays in your system for around 2 to 3 days. This means it can be found in your urine, blood, or saliva during this time after use. Remember, the exact duration can be influenced by factors like how much you take and your body’s metabolism.

The answer to the question “how long does meth stay in your system” is that methamphetamine, or meth, can stay in your system for about 2 to 4 days, but it might be detectable for up to a week in some cases. This depends on factors like how much you’ve used, your metabolism, and the type of drug test being used.

The answer to the question “how long does alcohol stay in your system” can vary depending on factors like the amount consumed, your metabolism, and other factors. On average, alcohol can be detected in your urine for up to 48 hours and in your blood for about 12 hours. However, it’s important to note that heavy drinking can lead to longer detection times.

The answer to the question “how long does xanax stay in your system” is that Xanax, a medication for anxiety, typically stays in your system for about 4 days. This means that after taking it, it can be detected in your body for up to four days through tests like urine or blood samples.

The answer to the question “how long does suboxone stay in your system” can vary. Suboxone can be detected in urine tests for up to several days, and sometimes even longer. But its effects might last even beyond that. Naloxone leaves the system faster, usually within a day or so.

The answer to the question “how long does fentanyl stay in your system” is that fentanyl and its metabolites can be detectable in urine for around 1-2 days after use. However, this detection window can vary depending on factors like the dosage, frequency of use, individual metabolism, and the specific drug test being employed.

The answer to the question “how long do opioids stay in your system” can vary widely depending on the specific opioid, the dosage, individual metabolism, and the type of drug test being used. Generally, opioids can be detectable in urine for around 2 to 4 days after use, but some opioids with longer half-lives can be detected for a longer period.

The answer to the question “how long does weed stay in your system” is that marijuana can stay in your system for different lengths of time depending on factors like how often you use it and your metabolism. Typically, it can be detected in urine for up to 30 days, but for infrequent users, it might only be detectable for a few days to a week.

The answer to the question, “how long does ambien stay in your system” is that Ambien (zolpidem) typically stays in your system for about 8 hours, with its effects diminishing after that time. However, it may be detectable in urine for up to 72 hours after use, depending on factors like dose, frequency of use, and individual metabolism.

The answer to the question, “how long does methadone stay in your system” is that methadone can typically be detected in urine for up to 7-10 days after the last dose, but this duration can vary depending on factors like individual metabolism and the frequency of use. In some cases, it may be detectable in hair follicles for several months.

The answer to the question, “how long does percocet stay in your system” is that Percocet can typically be detected in urine for about 3-4 days after the last dose. However, the exact duration may vary depending on factors such as individual metabolism, dosage, and the sensitivity of the drug test used.