Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children over the age of six. This central nervous stimulant is made up of amphetamine salts, which work by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that are responsible for impulse control and attention.

Although Adderall is effective in managing the symptoms of ADHD in many individuals, it is essential to understand how long Adderall stays in your body. Many factors, including frequency of use, influence the time the drug stays in the body. Find out more in the blog.

In the meantime, if you or a family member is suffering from symptoms of ADHD and want to skip the queue, contact Therapy Fleet to connect with our online medical professionals.

What is Adderall for ADHD?

As mentioned above, Adderall is a combination of amphetamine salts. It consists of two central nervous stimulants, dopamine and norepinephrine. When someone uses Adderall for ADHD, it increases the levels of these neurotransmitters, thereby affecting or improving attention and focus and reducing impulsivity in individuals with ADHD. Regardless of how long Adderall stays in the system, it is important to notice that this prescription drug should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional as the medication comes with a lot of side effects and risks.

Half-Life of Adderall

Half-life is the time taken by the body to eliminate half of the drug out of the system. You can’t know how long Adderall stays in your body unless you know the half-life of Adderall.

As Adderall contains two amphetamine salts, the half-life is as follows for both;

Average half-life of d-amphetamine;

For adults, it is 10 hours
For adolescents who weigh< 165 pounds, it’s 11 hours
Children of 6 to 9 years of age are 9 hours

The average half-life of l-amphetamine is as follows:

For adults, it is 13 hours
For adolescents aged 13–17 years, it is between 13–14 hours
And for children 6–12 years, it is 11 hours

On average, adults take 13 hours to take Adderall. For all those asking how long Adderall stays in their system, the answer is 13* 2, i.e., 26 hours for adults.

How Long Does Adderall Stay in the System?

Different testing methods can detect Adderall in your system. This blog will cover blood, urine, and saliva. These tests help doctors determine how much Adderall remains in the body.

Blood Tests

Typically, Adderall can be detected in the blood for 2 to 3 days. So, if you want to check if someone recently took Adderall and how much quantity remains, find out by the blood test if it’s less than three days.

Urine Tests

The next most common screening is urine tests, which are more convenient than blood tests. Adderall can be detected in 1 to 2 days following the last intake.

Saliva Tests

Although less common than urine tests. Saliva tests often provide a quicker detection window of about 24 to 48 hours after ingesting the last dose.

Factors Affecting How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your Body?

Three factors influence the time the drug stays in the system. Each individual has a varied time the medicine remains, but the following three factors are huge contributors;

Frequency and Dose of Adderall

The first factor that determines how long Adderall stays in your system is the Adderall dosage you are on. As a rule of thumb, the higher the dose of Adderall and the more frequency of the drug, the longer the detection window.

Since Adderall is available in different formulations, such as immediate-release and extended-release versions, this factor contributes, too. For instance, the XR is released gradually into the body, making it available for longer periods. In contrast, the immediate-release stays for less time. Adderall dosage and Adderall XR dosage varies, too. The normal Adderall dosage for adults and children should be strictly followed.

The Metabolism of the Individual

Since each person is unique and has a different metabolic rate, the timing and length of Adderall’s stay in your system will differ. For someone with a quick metabolism, the drug may clear out quickly compared to those with a slow metabolic rate. Various factors affect metabolism, such as body composition, genetics, overall health, and physical activity.

Age and Health Condition

Finally, the third factor influencing how long Adderall stays in your system is age and present health condition. Generally, young adults have a faster metabolism, processing and eliminating Adderall faster with a smaller detection window. Your health condition matters, too. For example, people with weak kidney function or liver disease have an impaired metabolism and slower elimination of waste. This results in a longer duration of Adderall in the body. Healthcare providers must consider these factors when prescribing Adderall or conducting tests because all these are important in determining how long Adderall stays in your system.

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Adderall Mechanism of Action

The science behind the mechanism of action is still being determined. We all know that Adderall absorbs into the bloodstream and reaches our brain. Once there, it stimulates the release of dopamine, which is responsible for reward pathways and pleasure. This release is what contributes to improved focus and attention in individuals using Adderall for ADHD.

Adderall is just one part of the comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD, which might also include other therapies like CBT exercises that can be performed at home, ABA therapies, or some alternate medications. Find out about top over-the-counter Adderall alternatives, or read the best and most effective alternatives.

How Does Adderall Affect the Brain?

Adderall improves focus and concentration and reduces impulsive behavior in people using it for ADHD. The increase in levels of dopamine in the brain achieves this. But, if you are looking for an exact mechanism, it’s still not clear. Some research confirms that it is because the reuptake of dopamine is blocked, meaning it is not reabsorbed in the brain too quickly. This increases dopamine levels in the synaptic cleft, the space between neurons. All this results in better communication between the brain cells.

Moreover, neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine also increase in the brain. Both these are responsible for sleep, appetite, and mood. When combined, these have an enhanced effect on a person’s well-being. Vitamin C and Adderall should not be taken together as vitamin C reduces the absorption of edibles into the body, which makes it less effective, losing its full potential. Sometimes, reasons for Adderall not working, like using an incorrect dosage of Adderall.

Side Effects of Adderall

Adderall can cause some physical and psychological side effects. Some common physical side effects of Adderall are;

Headache
Increase in heart rate
Blood pressure increase
Dry mouth
Decrease in appetite

Some common psychological side effects of Adderall are;

Depression
Personality changes
Hallucinations
Psychotic symptoms
Anxiety
Restlessness

Note- contact medical emergency in case of suicidal behaviors and thoughts. Keep a check on children, and contact your healthcare provider if these side effects do not resolve. Or contact the Therapy Fleet.

Adderall a Controlled Drug- Is Adderall Addiction Possible?

Adderall is a controlled stimulant drug like Vyvanse and has a high potential for addiction and dependence. You can suffer from withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop the medicine on your own. Symptoms like fatigue and depression are common signs of withdrawal effects. If, for any reason, you want to stop using the drug, contact your doctor, as they use the titration method to remove the drug gradually.

Most college students are using Adderall for substance abuse. Thus making Adderall abuse and Adderall misuse common. If you think your child is addicted to Adderall and suffers from substance use disorder, contact your medical professional.

The Bottom Line

We learned about how long Adderall stays in the system and the various factors that influence how fast or how slow the drug leaves our body. One such factor is whether Adderall Ir (immediate-release) is taken or extended-release Adderall is taken. Different drug screening methods also show varied detection periods.

In the end, no one can determine the exact time the last drop of Adderall leaves your body after the last use. If you want to know how to get Adderall prescribed, contact us now.

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Medical Disclaimer:

At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.

True healing begins when we allow ourselves to feel, even when it’s uncomfortable. Mental health is a journey, not a destination.

FAQs

1. How long does it take for Adderall to wear off?

The peak effect of Adderall is 4 to 6 hours, and for Adderall XR, it is 12 hours. The effects wear off, but traces of Adderall remains.

2. How long does Adderall withdrawal last?

It’s hard to come up with one answer. It solely depends on the person using Adderall. For some, the withdrawal resolves in 5 days, and for some four weeks.

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