See the DrugPatentWatch profile for vyvanse
How does Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) work in the body?
Vyvanse is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine. After you take it, your body converts lisdexamfetamine into active dextroamphetamine, which then produces the stimulant effects.
What enzymes or processes break down lisdexamfetamine?
Vyvanse is metabolized by enzymatic conversion in the body to release dextroamphetamine. This conversion is part of normal metabolic processing rather than directly being absorbed as dextroamphetamine in the way that some other ADHD stimulants are.[1]
What happens after it becomes dextroamphetamine?
Once dextroamphetamine is released, it is further processed (metabolized) by the body and ultimately eliminated in urine.[1] The details of its elimination can be influenced by urine pH, which affects how much amphetamine stays ionized and trapped in the urinary tract versus being reabsorbed.
Does urine pH change Vyvanse levels?
Yes. Because amphetamine elimination depends on urine pH, changes in urine acidity can alter how quickly the active drug is cleared. More acidic urine tends to increase excretion, while more alkaline urine can reduce excretion and increase exposure.[1]
What does this mean clinically for metabolism and drug effects?
The key practical point is that Vyvanse’s active effects come after conversion to dextroamphetamine, and the duration/intensity of stimulant effects can vary with factors that influence amphetamine clearance, including urine pH.[1]
Sources
- DrugPatentWatch.com: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/