How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

Psychiatry session representing how long does adderall last

Updated December 6, 2024

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Psychiatry session representing how long does adderall last

Adderall is used for the management of ADHD and other conditions. The medication helps people focus, stay alert, and control their impulses. However, many people wonder, “how long does Adderall stay in your system?”. The answer depends on factors like dosage, metabolism, and the type of Adderall prescribed.

This guide explores the different durations for various doses and forms of Adderall, helping you understand how long this Schedule II substance can be detected in your body.

 

How Long Does Adderall Last? Duration Based on Dosage

Used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, Adderall helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control. The duration of its effects depends on the dosage and form of the medication. Adderall comes in different doses and two main types: IR (immediate-release) and XR (extended-release).

Immediate-release Adderall usually works for about 4 to 6 hours per dose. Extended-release Adderall is designed to last longer, typically around 12 hours. The exact time Adderall remains in the system can differ based on several factors, including your metabolism, body composition, age, and overall health.

 

How Long Does 5MG Adderall Stay in Your System?

A 5mg dose of immediate-release Adderall is often used for those starting treatment or for children. This small dose generally lasts for about 4 to 6 hours. However, Adderall can be detected in the system for longer.

  • Urine: Up to 3 days
  • Blood: Up to 46 hours
  • Saliva: Up to 48 hours

 

How Long Does 10MG Adderall Stay in Your System?

10mg of immediate-release Adderall is a moderate dose, typically lasting 6 to 8 hours. 10mg of the drug can stay in the system for the following durations:

  • Urine: Up to 4 days
  • Blood: Up to 46 hours
  • Saliva: Up to 48 hours
  • Hair: Up to 3 months

 

How Long Does 15MG Adderall Stay in Your System?

A 15mg dose of immediate-release Adderall lasts a bit longer, usually 8 to 10 hours. The detection times are as follows:

  • Urine: Up to 4 days
  • Blood: Up to 46 hours
  • Saliva: Up to 48 hours
  • Hair: Up to 3 months

 

How Long Does Adderall Xr Stay in Your System?

Adderall XR is an extended-release form of the medication, designed to last around 12 hours. Because of its extended-release nature, Adderall XR stays in the system longer than the immediate-release form:

  • Urine: Up to 5 days
  • Blood: Up to 72 hours
  • Saliva: Up to 72 hours
  • Hair: Up to 3 months

 

Duration of Adderall in Urine, Hair, & Blood

The duration Adderall stays in your system may vary based on the type of drug test used.

 

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Urine?

Urine tests are the most common method for detecting Adderall. Adderall is detectable in urine for up to 4 days after the last dose. This method is popular because it’s easy to use and provides accurate results.

 

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your Blood?

Blood tests are less common but can detect Adderall use more quickly after ingestion. Adderall is detectable in the blood for up to 46 hours. Blood tests are more invasive but are useful for detecting recent drug use.

 

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your Hair?

Hair tests can find Adderall in the system for the longest period, up to 3 months after the last dose. This method is used to determine long-term use or misuse. Hair tests are not as common because they require collecting a hair sample and can be more expensive.

 

Does Adderall Show Up on a Drug Test for a Job?

Adderall might show up on a drug test for a job if you use this controlled substance. Many employers use drug tests as part of the hiring process or for routine checks. These tests look for various substances, including Adderall, which is an amphetamine. Urine, blood, saliva, and hair tests are the most common tests used.

  • Urine tests: Drug tests can find Adderall in urine for up to 4 days after the last dose. This is the most common method used by employers because it is easy to use and provides accurate results.
  • Blood tests: These can detect Adderall for up to 46 hours after the last dose. Blood tests are more invasive but are useful for detecting recent drug use.
  • Saliva tests: Adderall may be found in saliva for up to 48 hours after the last dose. Saliva tests are less common but can be used for quick screening.
  • Hair tests: Hair tests can detect Adderall for up to 3 months after the last dose. These tests are used to determine long-term use or misuse, but they are less common and more expensive.

 

If you are taking Adderall with a prescription, inform the testing administrator or your employer before the test. This can help explain the presence of Adderall in your system and avoid misunderstandings.

 

What Factors Influence How Long Adderall Stays in Your System?

Several factors can impact how long Adderall stays in your system. These include your body composition, metabolism, dosage, age, and organ function.

  • Body composition: Your weight, height, and body fat can affect how long Adderall stays in your system. Larger people with more body fat may process the drug differently. Generally, those with higher body weight may eliminate the drug faster.
  • Metabolism: Your metabolic rate, which is how quickly your body processes substances, can affect how long Adderall stays in your system. People with faster metabolisms will eliminate the drug quicker than those with slower metabolisms.
  • Dosage: The amount of Adderall you take can also impact how long it stays in your system. Higher doses will take longer to be eliminated. Immediate-release and extended-release forms of Adderall also affect the duration.
  • Organ function: Your liver and kidneys play a central role in processing and eliminating Adderall. If these organs are not functioning properly, it can take longer for the drug to leave your system. Conditions affecting these organs can significantly slow down the process.
  • Frequency of use: Regular or daily use of Adderall causes the drug to build up in your body. This means it will take longer to clear from your system compared to someone who uses it occasionally.
  • Hydration levels: Drinking plenty of water can help speed up the elimination process of Adderall from your body. Staying hydrated helps your kidneys flush out the drug more effectively.
  • pH Levels: The pH level of your urine can affect how quickly Adderall is eliminated. More acidic urine can speed up the process, while more alkaline urine can slow it down. Certain foods, drinks, and medications can influence urine pH levels.

 

By understanding these factors, you can better estimate how long Adderall might stay in your system. However, individual experiences can vary, so consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns or questions.

woman looking at medicine representing blue adderall pill

What Is Adderall Used For?

Adderall is a medication that’s most often used for the treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy.

ADHD is a condition where people have trouble paying attention, staying still, and controlling their impulses. This can make it hard to focus at school or work. Adderall helps by improving attention, focus, and self-control. It does this by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help with these functions. Many children and adults with ADHD take Adderall to help them concentrate better and complete tasks. It can make a major difference in their daily lives by helping them stay organized and calm.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes people to feel very sleepy during the day, even after getting enough sleep at night. People with narcolepsy may suddenly fall asleep during the day, which can be dangerous, especially when driving or operating machinery. Adderall helps people with narcolepsy stay awake and alert during the day. It helps prevent sudden sleep attacks, allowing them to lead more normal, active lives.

Sometimes, doctors prescribe Adderall for conditions other than ADHD and narcolepsy. This is known as off-label use. For example, some doctors might prescribe Adderall for severe depression when other treatments haven’t worked. However, this is less common and should only be done under close medical supervision.

 

Dangers & Risks of Adderall

While Adderall may be very helpful for treating ADHD and narcolepsy, it also comes with some dangers and risks. Becoming aware of these risks enables you to use the medication safely.

Side Effects

Common Adderall side effects include:

  • Headache: Some people might get headaches when taking Adderall.
  • Dry mouth: You might feel like your mouth is dry more often.
  • Loss of appetite: Adderall may cause appetite loss and weight loss.
  • Trouble sleeping: Since Adderall is a CNS stimulant, it can make it hard to fall asleep.
  • Nervousness: Some people may feel jittery or anxious.

 

More serious side effects can include:

  • Mental health issues: In some cases, Adderall causes mood swings, aggression, or even hallucinations in some cases.

 

Misuse

Adderall misuse happens when people take the medication without a prescription or in a way that is not prescribed. This can be dangerous and lead to serious health problems. People might misuse Adderall to try to improve their focus and performance at school or work. This can lead to harmful effects on the body and mind, though.

  • Taking too much: Taking more Adderall than prescribed can cause an overdose. Symptoms of Adderall overdose include rapid heart rate, chest pain, and panic.
  • Using without a prescription: Taking Adderall without a doctor’s supervision can be risky because it may not be safe for everyone.
  • Mixing with other substances: Combining Adderall with drugs or alcohol can increase the risk of severe side effects and health problems.

 

Addiction Risk

Adderall, when used as prescribed, can be beneficial for managing ADHD and narcolepsy. That said, it also has a high potential for addiction, especially when misused.

Addiction is a condition where you have a strong urge to use a substance, even if it’s causing harm to your body, mind, or life. With Adderall, addiction can develop because the drug affects the brain’s reward system, making you feel good and increasing your focus and energy. Over time, your body and mind may start to rely on these effects.

Addiction to Adderall develops in different ways:

  • Tolerance: When you take Adderall regularly, your body can get used to it, leading to tolerance. This means you need to take more of the drug to get the same effect. Increasing the dose without medical supervision can be dangerous and lead to addiction.
  • Dependence: Physical dependence happens when your body gets used to having Adderall. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and sleep problems. Psychological dependence is when you feel like you need the drug to function normally.
  • Craving: Addiction often involves strong cravings for the drug. These cravings can make it hard to stop using Adderall, even if you want to quit.

 

Recognizing the signs of addiction early can help you seek help before the problem gets worse. Some common signs include:

  • Taking larger amounts of Adderall or taking it more often than prescribed.
  • Trying to stop using Adderall but being unable to do so.
  • Ignoring work, school, or family obligations because of drug use.
  • Continuing to use Adderall even when it causes health, legal, or relationship problems.
  • Focusing a lot of energy on obtaining and using Adderall.
  • Acting secretive, lying about drug use, or withdrawing from social activities.

 

Addiction to Adderall is associated with the following adverse outcomes:

  • Health problems: Long-term use of Adderall may provoke heart problems, high blood pressure, and mental health issues like anxiety and paranoia.
  • Overdose: Taking too much Adderall may lead to overdose, which can be fatal. Symptoms of overdose include rapid heartbeat, chest pain, panic, and seizures.
  • Impact on life: Addiction can affect every part of your life, including your job, school, and relationships. It can lead to poor performance, job loss, and broken relationships.

 

If you or a loved one is dealing with Adderall addiction, seek help. There are many treatment options available to help manage addiction and support recovery.

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Get Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction at Gratitude Lodge

If you have been misusing prescription drugs like Adderall, we can help you get back on track at Gratitude Lodge. We have luxury rehab centers in Newport Beach and Long Beach dedicated to your recovery. We treat all types of addictions and mental health issues in an inpatient setting.

You can begin your recovery journey with our medical detox program. Access medications and benefit from 24/7 care as you address dependence on Adderall. A tapered reduction in dosage makes the withdrawal process smoother and prepares you for ongoing treatment at one of our beachside facilities.

All stimulant addictions are different, so all our treatment programs at Gratitude Lodge reflect this with personalized therapies, such as:

  • Talk therapies
  • MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Counseling
  • Holistic treatments
  • Aftercare

 

Start fighting addiction to Adderall right away by calling 844-576-0144.

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Jenni Bussi

Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.
Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

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