Millions of people in the United States take prescription medications to manage medical and mental health conditions. Some prescription drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction.
Vyvanse is a prescription stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People may abuse Vyvanse and become addicted to it. People who develop Vyvanse addiction typically require treatment and support to stop using it and avoid relapse.
This article will explore how long Vyvanse remains in your body after you stop taking it. You will learn:
- What Vyvanse is and how it works
- The effects and risks of Vyvanse abuse
- How Vyvanse addiction develops and how to identify it
- Common Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms
- How long Vyvanse remains in the body
- How long drug screenings may detect Vyvanse
- Where to find comprehensive detox and treatment programs
If you or someone you love struggles with Vyvanse abuse or addiction, seek treatment as soon as possible. Find supportive, holistic treatment programs at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake assessment.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a prescription stimulant drug. Doctors may prescribe Vyvanse to patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions. Vyvanse stimulates central nervous system (CNS) activity and can reduce symptoms of ADHD.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Vyvanse as a Schedule II substance. This indicates that Vyvanse has an accepted medical use and the risk of abuse or physical dependence.
People who take Vyvanse as prescribed are unlikely to develop physical dependence or addiction. However, abusing it may cause unwanted side effects, including addiction.
The Effects and Risks of Vyvanse Abuse
Vyvanse increases CNS activity. For people with ADHD, Vyvanse can relieve disruptive symptoms. People with ADHD may experience improved focus and less agitation when taking it.
However, people may abuse Vyvanse in several ways, including:
- Taking more Vyvanse than prescribed
- Taking it more often
- Taking it without a prescription
Vyvanse abuse can cause side effects that include:
- Insomnia
- Elevated blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
People may have stimulant effects followed by a “crash” that includes:
- Depression
- Agitation
- Muscle aches
- Increased appetite
Over time, people who abuse Vyvanse may need to take higher doses to get the desired effects. They may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug. People may take higher and higher doses. This can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
Vyvanse Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone with Vyvanse addiction suddenly stops taking it, they are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Common Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Increased appetites
- Trouble sleeping
Mood swings - Anxiety
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Tremors
- Intense cravings for Vyvanse
These and other withdrawal symptoms can make it very challenging for people to avoid relapse. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 36 hours of a person’s last doses of Vyvanse and may continue for two weeks or longer.
Many people with Vyvanse addiction require professional detox and treatment services to manage withdrawal and avoid relapse.
How Long Does Vyvanse Stay in Your System?
Several factors can affect how long Vyvanse stays in the body. These include:
- How often the person took Vyvanse
- The dose of Vyvanse they took
- Weight and body composition
- General health
- Other substances the person used at the same time
The half-life of Vyvanse (the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated) is about 12 hours. Generally, the body will eliminate Vyvanse completely in about 60 hours.
However, people may continue to exhibit withdrawal symptoms long after Vyvanse is detectable in the body. Ongoing supervision, treatment, and support are critical for long-term recovery.
How Long Does Vyvanse Show Up on a Drug Test?
Drug testing can detect Vyvanse and its metabolites in the body. Here is an overview of how long different screenings may detect Vyvanse.
Saliva tests
Saliva testing may detect for 48 to 72 hours after a person’s final dose.
Blood tests
Blood testing may detect Vyvanse for 8 to 12 hours after a person’s last dose.
Urine tests
Urine testing is the most common drug screening in medical and employment settings. This type of testing may detect Vyvanse in urine for 3 to 5 days after a person’s final dose.
Hair tests
Hair testing is uncommon but has the longest detection window. Hair testing may detect Vyvanse for up to 90 days.
If you are concerned about passing a drug screening, it could be a sign you need professional treatment and support to overcome substance abuse. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of substance abuse or addiction.
Find Vyvanse Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with Vyvanse abuse or substance use disorder, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out to our intake team with questions or to schedule appointments.
References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate (Vyvanse), A Prodrug Stimulant for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Sage Journals: Review of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate in Adults With 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
