What Affects How Long Adderall Stays in Your System?
In This Article
How Long Does Adderall Stay In Your System?
The body absorbs Adderall via the gastrointestinal tract. The liver then breaks down the chemical substance and excretes it through urine.
Adderall can be detected in different bodily specimens, including hair, blood, and saliva.
The following list comprises approximate windows of detection for each type of test:
| Drug test type | Detection time |
| Urine test | Up to 7 days |
| Hair test | Up to 3 months |
| Blood test | Within minutes up to hours |
| Saliva test | 5 to 48 hours |
Half-Life of Adderall
The estimated half-life of the main ingredient of Adderall, dextroamphetamine, is between 9 and 13 hours. This means that the body will eliminate at least half of this chemical compound after this time has passed. The highest drug concentrations in the body’s system will occur approximately 3 hours after administration.
Factors That Affect Detection Time
How long Adderall stays in your body will vary according to several factors, including:
- Frequency of use: Chronic users of Adderall may have urine concentrations of the substance for more days than the average time
- Age: Younger people tend to have stronger metabolisms and healthier organs than older adults allowing the drug to leave their bodies faster
- Body composition: Height, weight, body fat percentage, and muscle mass all play a role in how quickly the body can break down Adderall
- pH level: The pH level of urine can affect how quickly the kidney is capable of eliminating Adderall from the body
- Dose: The higher the dose, the longer the drug stays in the body
The length of time it takes for Adderall to leave your system can depend on the version of the drug you’re taking. Adderall XR will be detected for longer periods compared to Adderall IR.
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What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription stimulant composed of two chemical compounds—amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The drug affects the central nervous system (CNS) and acts as a stimulant, which improves concentration and alertness.
Adderall is used to treat the following conditions in both adults and children:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Narcolepsy
Adderall is also available as Adderall IR and XR:
- Adderall IR is an immediate-release pill taken 2 to 3 times per day
- Adderall XR is an extended-release capsule that users take when they wake up
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Is Adderal Addictive?
Yes. Adderall is classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means it has a high potential for abuse and misuse.
Adderall’s stimulant effects are the main reason why it’s misused by adolescence and college students in the U.S. It’s generally perceived as a study-aid medication to help students pull all-nighters and intense study.
The long-term side effects of Adderall are not completely known, but frequent and repeated drug use can lead to serious health consequences. Over time, Adderall abuse can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal, and potentially an overdose.
Adderall Side Effects
Adderall use can have different side effects, including:
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Alterations in libido or sexual performance
- Intense menstrual cramps
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Difficulty sleeping
When Should You See a Doctor?
It is important to seek medical help if any of the following serious side effects occur:
- Slow or difficult speech
- Dizziness
- Numbness in the arms or legs
- Seizures, especially if you have a history of seizures
- Motor or verbal tics
- Blurred vision
- Mental health issues like depression, paranoia, or mania
- Hallucinations
- Frenzied or atypically excited mood
- Loss of coordination
- Elevated heart rate
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fainting
People with heart defects or serious heart problems have a higher risk of sudden death, heart attacks, or strokes.
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Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Prolonged Adderall use can lead to physical tolerance and dependence. If you stop taking the medication, consider speaking to a medical professional who can watch for any withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of an overdose.
Adderall withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Increased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Intense, unpleasant dreams
Treatment For Adderall Addiction
If you or a loved one is suffering from Adderall addiction, different options are available to seek help and find relief. Before quitting, consult your nearest healthcare professional for medical advice.
Here are a few treatment options available for Adderall Addiction:
- Medical detox: Medically supervised detox used to avoid harmful withdrawal effects
- Inpatient treatment: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision
- Outpatient treatment: A treatment program where you are freely allowed to leave the rehab facility
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A short-term therapy technique explores the link between thought patterns and addiction
- Support groups and aftercare: Provides a much-needed community to help maintain sobriety after treatment
Summary
Adderall is a Schedule II prescription stimulant that has a high potential for abuse, it is used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD.
Adderall may be used by students and other people who want to be more alert and awake for studying, long-distance driving, or other reasons. The estimated half-life of the main ingredient of Adderall is between 9 and 13 hours. Different tests can detect Adderall in your system for hours; some can even detect it for months after your last dose.
Adderall is an addictive substance and can cause long-term health problems. It can also lead to physical dependence, withdrawal, and an overdose.
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- “ADDERALL® (CII).” FDA, 2017.
- “The Amphetamine Withdrawal Syndrome.” Department of Health | The Amphetamine Withdrawal Syndrome.
- Benham, B. “Adderall Misuse Rising Among Young Adults.” Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2016.
- “Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine: MedlinePlus Drug Information.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- “Hair Drug Testing.” LabCorp.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Commonly Used Drugs Charts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020.
- “How Can Prescription Drug Addiction Be Treated?” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020.
- “What Is the Scope of Prescription Drug Misuse?” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020.
- “Oral Fluid Drug Testing.” LabCorp.
