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How Long Does Vyvanse Last?

Key Takeaways

  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a long-acting ADHD medication that can work up to about 14 hours in many adults, though timing varies person to person.
  • Vyvanse is a prodrug that your body converts into dextroamphetamine, which produces most of its clinical effects.
  • Duration depends on factors like dose, metabolism, food, other meds (including some antidepressants), and health conditions such as high blood pressure or heart problems.
  • Because it’s a Schedule II controlled substance, take it exactly as prescribed and talk to your healthcare provider before changing your dose or stopping it.

What is Vyvanse, and why does duration matter?

Vyvanse is a prescription drug that is FDA-approved for the treatment of binge eating disorder in adults and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 to 65. It is also prescribed off-label for treatment-resistant depression, daytime sleepiness, and other conditions.
For many people, the main goal is steady symptom control. This includes less impulsivity, fewer distractions, and improved ability to follow through, without feeling overly jittery or “wired.”

People often ask, “How long does Vyvanse last?” because it affects:

  • school/work performance (morning to afternoon)
  • evening appetite and sleep
  • side effects (like loss of appetite, dry mouth, or elevated heart rate)
  • planning for driving, studying, or social situations

How Vyvanse works (and why it lasts longer than some stimulants)

Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, an amphetamine-based medication. But it’s different from some other stimulant drugs because it’s a prodrug. This means it has to be converted in the body into dextroamphetamine before it becomes fully active. That conversion process helps explain why Vyvanse is considered long-acting and tends to work better than some short-acting stimulants.

Dextroamphetamine increases activity in the central nervous system by boosting neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which can improve symptoms of ADHD, like inattention and impulsivity.

How long do the effects of Vyvanse last?

In clinical studies:

  • Adults with ADHD showed improvement in attention at 2 hours and up to 14 hours after a dose.
  • Children (6–12 years) showed effects beginning around 1.5 hours and lasting up to ~13 hours after a morning dose.

In real life, many people describe Vyvanse as lasting roughly a school/work day, often 10–14 hours. But your personal “coverage” can be shorter or longer depending on your body and your dose.

Vyvanse half-life: what it means (and what it doesn’t)

Two different “timelines” matter:

1) How long Vyvanse works

This is the functional window when you feel symptom control.

2) How long Vyvanse stays in your body

This is related to half-life (how quickly drug levels drop), and it can matter for side effects, sleep, and drug testing.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is converted into dextroamphetamine, and the active component’s half-life is long enough that effects can last most of the day.

What can make Vyvanse last longer (or wear off sooner)?

Here are common reasons your experience may differ:

  • Your dose: Higher doses may feel like they last longer, but they can also increase side effects.
  • Metabolic differences: Faster metabolism may shorten perceived benefit (“Vyvanse doesn’t stay long”), while slower metabolism may extend effects.
  • Food and timing: Some people notice a slower onset with food; others don’t.
  • Other meds and supplements: Certain medicines—including some antidepressants—may increase stimulant effects or side effects. Always review your full list (including supplements) with your healthcare provider.
  • Mental health and sleep: Anxiety, poor sleep, and stress can change how stimulants feel, even if blood levels are similar.
  • Health conditions: High blood pressure, heart problems, or other cardiovascular risks may change what dose is appropriate and how carefully effects should be monitored.

Common side effects

Some people track “how long Vyvanse works” by when side effects appear or go away.

Common side effects of Vyvanse include:

  • Decreased appetite/loss of appetite (sometimes linked to weight loss)
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia (especially if taken late)
  • Feeling jittery
  • Increased heart rate
  • Elevated blood pressure

Important: if your appetite doesn’t return until very late, or you can’t sleep, that may mean the dose is too high, timing is too late, or another factor is amplifying effects. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any serious or bothersome side effects.

Comparing Vyvanse to Adderall, Adderall XR, Ritalin, and Concerta

People often compare treatment options across stimulant medications:

  • Adderall (amphetamine salts): Usually faster onset; Adderall XR is extended-release and often lasts around a workday for many people.
  • Ritalin (methylphenidate): Immediate-release forms are shorter; Concerta is a long-acting methylphenidate.

The “best” option will vary by the individual: some people do better with methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta), others with amphetamine-based meds (Vyvanse/Adderall). Medication choice should be determined by symptom coverage, side effects, and medical history.

Safety concerns and abuse risk

Vyvanse is a Schedule II medication because prescription stimulants can be misused and lead to substance abuse or dependence.
If you notice you’re chasing energy/euphoria, taking extra doses, or feeling a “crash” that leads to repeated redosing, speak with your provider immediately.

Rare but serious risks can include:

  • Significant cardiovascular symptoms
  • Severe anxiety or agitation
  • Psychosis (more likely with high doses/misuse) in rare cases

If you stop suddenly after heavy use, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, low mood, anxiety, and other symptoms. You should never change your dose or stop taking Vyvanse unless your doctor instructs you to.

Drug test considerations (how long Vyvanse stays detectable)

Vyvanse is metabolized to dextroamphetamine (a type of amphetamine), and many standard drug panels screen for amphetamines. Detection varies widely by test type, dose, and individual factors. The average time it takes the active drug to leave the body, and be undetectable in a urine drug test, is roughly 2.5 days (60 hours), but this time can vary, depending on:

  • Age
  • Weight
  • Dose and how often you take it
  • Genetics
  • Other medications that you take
  • Kidney function

If you have a prescription and may be tested, it’s smart to disclose it ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How long does Vyvanse last for ADHD symptom control?

Often 10–14 hours, with adult studies showing benefit up to 14 hours.

2) How quickly does Vyvanse start working?

Many people notice effects within 1–2 hours (studies show improvements as early as 1.5–2 hours).

3) Why does Vyvanse feel like it wears off early for me?

Common reasons include too low of a dose, fast metabolism, missed meals/sleep, interacting meds/supplements, or rebound symptoms. Discuss with your provider rather than adjusting your dose yourself.

4) Will Vyvanse show up on a drug test?

It can, because it converts to a type of amphetamine. Urine detection is often measured in days, depending on the test and person.

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