Vyvanse Withdrawal & Tapering Guide
lisdexamfetamine
Boxed Warning
High potential for abuse and dependence — Schedule II. Misuse may cause sudden death or serious cardiovascular events.
In short
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a Stimulant with a half-life of <1 hour (lisdexamfetamine); ~10-12 hours (active dextroamphetamine). Step down by capsule strength over 1-3 weeks. Withdrawal symptoms, when they occur, usually begin 1-2 days after stopping and settle within 1-3 weeks. It is also sold as Elvanse.
- Class
- Stimulant
- Half-life
- <1 hour (lisdexamfetamine); ~10-12 hours (active dextroamphetamine)
- Common doses
- 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, 70mg capsules; 10-60mg chewable
- Withdrawal onset
- 1-2 days after stopping
- Typical resolution
- 1-3 weeks
Educational reference only. Dose changes are decided with the prescriber who knows your history.
Overview
Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine — inactive until enzymatically cleaved in the gut and bloodstream. Designed for once-daily dosing with reduced abuse liability vs immediate-release amphetamine. Schedule II.
10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, 70mg capsules; 10-60mg chewable
Capsules: 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, 70mg; Chewable tablets: 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg
Category C
Mechanism of Action
After cleavage, dextroamphetamine releases dopamine and norepinephrine, blocks reuptake, and inhibits VMAT2.
Taper Notes
Step down by capsule strength over 1-3 weeks.
Hyperbolic Tapering Guidance
Same considerations as methylphenidate. The prodrug structure does not eliminate dependence — it slows abuse-pattern dosing.
Summary written by TaperCommunity, informed by the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines (Horowitz & Taylor) and related literature — see Sources & References below. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Maudsley.
Withdrawal Timeline
1-2 days after stopping
3-7 days
1-3 weeks
Anhedonia and motivation deficits can persist 3-8 weeks
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Interactions & Safety
Drug Interactions
- Same as amphetamine: MAOIs contraindicated, additive sympathomimetic effects, etc.
Contraindications
- Recent MAOI use
- Advanced cardiovascular disease
- Hyperthyroidism
Toxicity
Same class effects as amphetamine: anorexia, insomnia, hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety, psychosis, growth suppression, abuse and dependence.
Pharmacokinetics
ADME Profile
Hydrolyzed by red-blood-cell enzymes to dextroamphetamine, then hepatic.
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Other Drug Profiles
Frequently asked questions about Vyvanse
What are the withdrawal symptoms of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)?
Common withdrawal symptoms of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) include: rebound fatigue, depression, hyperphagia, anhedonia, low motivation, sleep disturbance. Symptom severity varies by individual, dose, and duration of use.
How should I taper off Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)?
Step down by capsule strength over 1-3 weeks. Same considerations as methylphenidate. The prodrug structure does not eliminate dependence — it slows abuse-pattern dosing.
How long does Vyvanse withdrawal last?
Vyvanse withdrawal typically begins 1-2 days after stopping, peaks around 3-7 days, and resolves within 1-3 weeks. Anhedonia and motivation deficits can persist 3-8 weeks
Can I stop Vyvanse cold turkey?
Stopping Vyvanse abruptly is not recommended. Its half-life is <1 hour (lisdexamfetamine); ~10-12 hours (active dextroamphetamine), and the receptor adaptations built up during treatment do not reverse at that speed, so a sudden stop tends to produce the sharpest withdrawal. Prescribing guidance favours gradual, proportional reductions agreed with your prescriber.
How long does Vyvanse stay in your system?
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) has a half-life of <1 hour (lisdexamfetamine); ~10-12 hours (active dextroamphetamine). As a rule of thumb, a drug is mostly cleared after about five half-lives. Withdrawal symptoms often begin before the drug has fully cleared and continue after it has, because the adaptations the brain made during treatment reverse more slowly than the drug leaves the blood.
Sources & References
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) information on this page is sourced from peer-reviewed research, regulatory bodies, clinical guidelines, and patient-advocacy organizations.
Encyclopedic & chemical databases
Neutral, high-authority entity references.
Regulatory sources
Official prescribing information and safety notices.
Peer-reviewed research
Primary literature cited in this taper guide.
- Wilens TE, Adler LA, Adams J, et al. 2008 — Misuse and diversion of stimulants prescribed for ADHD (Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry)
- Davies J, Read J 2019 — A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects (Addictive Behaviors)
Clinical guidelines
Evidence-based deprescribing and prescribing standards.
Deprescribing-specific resources
Clinician-facing references on tapering protocols.
- Deprescribing.org — Clinician-facing deprescribing algorithms
- Royal College of Psychiatrists — ADHD resources — UK clinical guidance on adult ADHD pharmacotherapy
Patient-advocacy & lived-experience
Long-running communities documenting withdrawal experience.
- Mad in America — stimulant coverage — Independent journalism on stimulant prescribing and discontinuation
- Inner Compass Initiative — Withdrawal Project — Peer-led psychiatric drug withdrawal resources
- Surviving Antidepressants — other medications forum — Community discussion of stimulant taper experiences
- RxISK — adverse drug reaction reporting — Independent database of stimulant adverse-effect reports
TaperCommunity does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified prescriber before adjusting psychiatric medication.