How Long Does Adderall Last In Your System?

How long ADHD medication Adderall lasts in the system depends on many different factors, from age and weight to dosage and frequency of use. Immediate release and extended release forms of the medication last in the system for different lengths of time, too.

This guide explores how long different forms of Adderall last, highlights the side effects, risks, and dangers of this medication, and shows you how to get effective treatment for prescription drug addiction.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a medication that doctors prescribe to help people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or narcolepsy (a condition that causes extreme sleepiness during the day). It contains two main ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These ingredients are stimulants that help increase attention, focus, and control behavior. Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has some medical uses but a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Types & Dosages

Adderall comes in two main types: IR (immediate release) and XR (extended release).

• Adderall IR: This type starts working quickly, usually within 30 minutes to an hour. Its effects last about 4 to 6 hours. It is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day.

• Adderall XR: How long does Adderall XR take to work? This type is designed to release the medication slowly. Its effects can last up to 12 hours, so it is usually taken once in the morning.

Dosages vary depending on age and specific needs:

• Adults: Start with 5mg once or twice daily, increasing by 5mg each week if needed.

• Children aged 3 to 5: Start with 2.5mg daily, increasing by 2.5mg each week if needed.

• Children aged 6 to 17: Start with 5mg once or twice daily, increasing by 5mg each week if needed.

Uses for Adderall

Adderall is mainly used to treat two conditions:

• ADHD: Adderall helps people with ADHD by increasing their ability to pay attention, stay focused, and control behavior problems.

• Narcolepsy: For people with narcolepsy, Adderall helps them to stay awake during the day and reduce sudden sleep attacks.

Side Effects

While Adderall can be helpful, it can also cause side effects. Some common side effects include:

• Trouble sleeping: Adderall can make it hard to fall asleep.

• Loss of appetite: Some people may not feel as hungry when taking Adderall.

• Dry mouth: A dry feeling in the mouth is common when taking this medication.

• Stomach pain: Some people might feel sick to their stomach or have abdominal pain.

• Nervousness: Feeling jittery or anxious can happen.

• Headaches: Adderall can cause headaches in some people.

Talk to a doctor if any side effects are severe or do not go away.

By understanding what Adderall is, its types and dosages, uses, and potential side effects, people can better manage their treatment and work toward improving their health.

Addiction Risk

Adderall can be beneficial, but it also has a risk of addiction. This means some people might start to rely on it too much or use it in ways that are not safe. Here’s how addiction can happen:

• Taking more than prescribed: Some people might take higher doses than their doctor recommends to feel more of its effects.

• Using without a prescription: People might take Adderall without a doctor’s advice, which can be very dangerous.

• Feeling like you need it: Over time, some people might feel like they can’t focus or be awake without taking Adderall.

Addiction to Adderall can cause serious problems, such as:

• Health issues: Using too much Adderall can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, and other health issues.

• Behavior changes: Addiction can make people act differently, like becoming more secretive or having trouble with friends and family.

• Trouble at school or work: People addicted to Adderall might struggle to keep up with their responsibilities.

If you think you or someone you know might be addicted to Adderall, talk to a doctor – there are ways to get help and stay safe.

Interactions With Other Substances

Taking Adderall with other substances can be dangerous. Here are some important things to know:

• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking Adderall can be risky. Alcohol can make the side effects of Adderall worse, like making you feel more anxious or having trouble sleeping. It can also make it hard to know how much alcohol you’ve had, which can lead to drinking too much.

• Antidepressants: Taking Adderall with antidepressants like MAOIs can increase the risk of serious side effects, like high blood pressure or heart problems.

• Cold medicines: Some cold medicines have ingredients that can raise your heart rate or blood pressure when taken with Adderall.

• Antacids: Antacids, which help with heartburn, can change the way your body absorbs Adderall and might make it work too well or not well enough.

• Vitamin C: Taking Vitamin C or drinking orange juice can make Adderall less effective.

• St. John’s Wort: This herbal supplement can cause more side effects when taken with Adderall.

• Caffeine: Too much caffeine from coffee, tea, or soda can make you feel very jittery and can raise your heart rate when combined with Adderall.

If you are taking Adderall, tell your doctor about all the other medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take. This helps make sure you are using Adderall safely and effectively.

How Long Does Adderall Last?

The amount of time Adderall lasts depends on its type and dosage. There are two main types of Adderall: IR (immediate release) and XR (extended release). Each type works for different lengths of time.

How Long Does Adderall IR Last?

Adderall IR starts working quickly, usually within 30 minutes to an hour. Its effects last about 4 to 6 hours. Because it wears off faster, people usually need to take it 2 to 3 times a day.

How Long Does Adderall XR Last?

Adderall XR is designed to work all day. It starts working within 1 to 2 hours and lasts up to 12 hours. This means it is usually taken just once in the morning. The medication is released slowly throughout the day, so it keeps working longer.

How Long Does 10 mg of Adderall Last?

A 10mg dose of Adderall can last for different times based on its type:

• Adderall IR: A 10mg dose of Adderall IR lasts about 4 to 6 hours.
• Adderall XR: A 10mg dose of Adderall XR can last up to 12 hours.

How Long Does 20 mg of Adderall Last?

A 20mg dose of Adderall also depends on its type:

• Adderall IR: A 20mg dose of Adderall IR lasts about 4 to 6 hours, similar to the 10mg dose.
• Adderall XR: A 20mg dose of Adderall XR can last up to 12 hours.

Understanding how long Adderall lasts helps people take it at the right times to manage their symptoms best. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on when and how much to take.

Individual Factors That Affect Adderall Duration

How long Adderall lasts can be different for each person. Here are some factors that can affect its duration:

• Age: Younger people might process the medication differently than older people.

• Weight: A person’s weight can affect how long Adderall stays in their system.

• Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms might process and eliminate the drug quicker.

• Dosage: Higher doses can last longer in the body than lower doses.

• Frequency of use: People who take Adderall regularly might find that it doesn’t last as long over time due to building a tolerance.

• Overall health: Conditions like liver or kidney problems can affect how long Adderall stays in the body.

• Diet: What you eat and drink, such as vitamin C or acidic foods, can affect how well Adderall works.

When Does Adderall Wear Off? Signs & Symptoms

When Adderall starts to wear off, you might notice some signs and symptoms. These signs show that the drug is leaving your system. If you notice these symptoms, it might be time for your next dose. Always follow your doctor’s advice about when to take your medication to manage these effects properly.