How to make Vyvanse last longer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report described ADHD diagnosis as most prevalent among children aged 3-17 years. It usually begins in childhood, and often continues through adolescence into early adulthood and beyond. Adult ADHD figures in the US are estimated to be 2.5% by The American Psychiatric Association.

Vyvanse is a commonly prescribed prescription medication used for the treatment of ADHD. As a controlled substance, doctors usually prescribe small doses of it. The effects of Vyvanse wear off over time and many patients search for ways to intensify Vyvanse throughout the day. You shouldn’t try to intensify the effect of Vyvanse on your body. Misuse of Vyvanse can have serious side effects, including heart problems and changes in heart rate.

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is the brand name of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a derivative of amphetamine.  It is a prescription drug belonging to a class of drugs known as Central Nervous System stimulants. It is FDA approved to treat symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and moderate to severe binge eating disorder. Vyvanse is not for weight loss. Vyvanse is a prescription stimulant medication but is also classed as a Schedule II controlled substance. As a controlled substance, doctors usually prescribe small doses.

Other drugs included in the class of Central Nervous System stimulants include Adderall XR, Concerta (methylphenidate), and Ritalin. Vyvanse treats ADHD and binge eating disorders by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels, thereby altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.

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How does Vyvanse work?

By working on the central nervous system Vyvanse increases activity in areas of the brain that help you with your concentration and behavior. It works specifically on the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine in particular is involved in allowing you to feel pleasure, focus, and find things interesting. Stimulant medications reduce the symptoms of ADHD to make the condition much less of a daily problem such as inattention, poor decision making, and poor impulse control.

The most common side effects in adults taking Vyvanse are decreased appetite, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping. More severe side effects of Vyvanse are cardiovascular problems, such as a fast heart rate, increased blood pressure, or in rare cases, chest pain or heart attack.

How long does Vyvanse last in your system?

Vyvanse has the stimulant amphetamine but it also has a compound called lysine. Your body will need to absorb the lysine to reach the stimulant so the effects of Vyvanse can stay in your system for up to 14 hours.  The exact duration of action may vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age, weight, and how well the medication is tolerated. Vyvanse is typically taken once daily in the morning. It is important to take Vyvanse at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medication in the body.

Following the discontinuation of the medication, it will take up to 3 days before Vyvanse is cleared completely from your system. How long Vyvanse lasts in your system depends on factors such as your age, weight, or other medications you may be taking. If you suddenly stop taking Vyvanse, you may get withdrawal symptoms (also known as the Vyvanse crash) such as anxiety, irritability, and fatigue.

Treatment for ADHD is commonly arranged by a specialist in the psychiatry department. You should always consult your healthcare provider when starting, stopping, or changing your dose.

How long does it take for Vyvanse to work and reach its maximum effect in your system?

It will take about 3.5 hours for Vyvanse to work when taken on an empty stomach to reach its maximum level in your blood. If a Vyvanse chewable tablet is taken on an empty stomach it will take slightly longer to kick in.

For Vyvanse to start working in your body, lisdexamfetamine must react with your blood and be converted into the active drug dextroamphetamine. Vyvanse is a prodrug, meaning it is converted from an inactive form into an active form in your body by chemicals or enzymes.

The recommended starting dose of Vyvanse is 30 mg. Your doctor may periodically increase or decrease your dosage to help control ADHD symptoms and manage any side effects. You’ll work with your doctor to find an ADHD dose that’s best for you.

Vyvanse is a available in chewable tablet form in the following doses: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg & 60 mg.

Vyvanse is also available in capsule form in the following doses: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg & 70 mg.

Taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with Vyvanse may increase the risk of a rare condition called serotonin syndrome, which can cause death.

How to make Vyvanse last longer?

A commonly searched question is how to intensify Vyvanse or how to make Vyvanse last longer. An alternative way to look at the question would be to think about what you could do to improve the performance of the drug, here are some ways:

  • Exercise in any form e.g. walking the dog, taking a brisk walk, or weight training, will most certainly help to eliminate symptoms of depression and to make the effects of the medication last longer. It is scientifically proven that exercise can reduce depression and anxiety, alongside boosting your mood
  • Eliminate Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) products from your diet e.g. grapefruit juice, oranges, and orange juice. Vitamin C delays the time it takes the body to absorb and convert Vyvanse into its active form
  • Remove any dairy or coffee-related food or liquid from your diet. This can influence the performance of the drug
  • Check your drug interactions. Speak to your pharmacist about the selection of drugs you take for other medical conditions. In particular, the interaction of Vyvanse and any other antidepressants e.g. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can cause an increase in blood pressure
  • Combining magnesium supplements and ginkgo may help in intensifying Vyvanse
  • Increase the amount of protein in your diet, this can boost brain chemicals. Protein-rich foods help produce important neurotransmitters in preventing and treating depression and anxiety

How can I make Vyvanse work better?

Here are a few ways to make Vyvanse work better for you:

  • Working out the right dose for you. Speak to your doctor for medical advice to determine the best dose for you. You may need a higher dose. ADHD medications can be very effective when you find the right dosage. A good measure is to track your impulse control on various doses
  • Ask family and friends for an honest opinion on improvement or deterioration in your focus, concentration, and overall condition
  • Make changes in your lifestyle and approach to situations. Work with a mental health professional to help you manage your problems and about how you feel, think, and act. Simple steps such as leaving early for appointments to avoid the worry of arriving late or using a calendar to plan your week are useful ways to manage your ADHD

Medically reviewed

A medical professional has reviewed this article.

Jamie Winn, PharmD
Jamie Winn, PharmD

Jamie Winn, PharmD

Medical Writer & Reviewer

Jamie Winn, PharmD

Medical Writer & Reviewer

Dr. Jamie Winn received his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2002 from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC. Jamie is a medical reviewer for NiceRx.

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Sources (1)

  1. Vyvanse official website. Retrieved from

The content on this website is intended for information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information on this website should not be relied upon and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always speak to your doctor regarding the risks and benefits of any treatment.