Stimulant (prodrug of d-amphetamine), Schedule II controlled substance

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) Withdrawal

Vyvanse has a discontinuation pattern similar to Adderall but typically smoother because the prodrug conversion produces a more gradual serum-level curve (no peaks and troughs the way IR amphetamine does). Patients report less pronounced "crash" feeling on stopping Vyvanse compared to Adderall IR, but the underlying rebound physiology is the same.

By Dr. Ben Soffer, DO — board-certified physician, at-home ketamine therapy in Florida and New Jersey.

Half-life

<1 hour for lisdexamfetamine itself; ~10-12 hours for the active d-amphetamine after enzymatic conversion. Effective duration 10-14 hours.

Withdrawal timeline

Onset— 12-24 hours after the missed dose

Rebound symptoms emerge.

Peak— Days 2-5

Fatigue, low mood, and concentration loss peak in the first 5 days.

Resolution— 1-3 weeks

Most patients return to baseline within 2-3 weeks.

Common symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Depressed mood
  • Increased appetite
  • Sleep changes
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Return of ADHD symptoms

Less common

  • Vivid dreams
  • Mild anxiety
  • Headache

Notable / pattern-defining symptoms

Vyvanse rebound tends to be milder than Adderall rebound because the smoother serum-level curve produces less of a dopamine peak-and-trough pattern that amplifies crash symptoms.

Tapering guidance

  • Vyvanse can usually be tapered by halving the dose (e.g., 60 mg to 30 mg) for 1-2 weeks then stopping.
  • Plan ADHD-coping strategies before tapering.
  • Coordinate the taper with the prescribing physician.

Where ketamine therapy fits

Same considerations as Adderall. Vyvanse and ketamine work through different mechanisms and can be used together with appropriate timing (stimulant in the morning, ketamine session in the afternoon or evening). See our [ketamine for ADHD](/blog/ketamine-for-adhd) post for the deeper conversation.

Check ketamine therapy eligibilityMedication safety with ketamine

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vyvanse withdrawal last?

Acute rebound symptoms typically peak in the first 5 days and resolve within 1-3 weeks. Vyvanse rebound is often milder than Adderall rebound due to the smoother serum-level curve.

Is Vyvanse easier to stop than Adderall?

Generally yes. The prodrug formulation produces a more gradual rise and fall in d-amphetamine levels, which means less of the peak-and-trough pattern that amplifies stimulant rebound symptoms. Many patients find Vyvanse cessation more tolerable.

Can I do ketamine therapy on Vyvanse?

Yes, with appropriate timing. Take Vyvanse in the morning as usual and schedule ketamine sessions for the afternoon or evening when stimulant levels have declined. Both can raise heart rate and blood pressure, so closer monitoring is sensible.

Important: This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation to start, stop, or change any medication. Tapering psychiatric medications should always be coordinated with the prescribing physician. Compounded ketamine for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain is not FDA approved.

Browse all medication withdrawal guides.