How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

Adderall, a medication commonly used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, is a stimulant made of mixed amphetamine salts. Due to its high potential for misuse, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II drug. How long Adderall stays in your system depends on several factors, including the specific form of the drug, personal characteristics, and the testing method used. Here’s what you need to know.

How Adderall is Metabolized

Adderall enters the bloodstream after being broken down in the stomach and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. It is then metabolized into several active metabolites, which continue to affect the body. Around 30–40% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine, while approximately 50% is eliminated as metabolites.

When Does Adderall Start Working?

Adderall typically begins to take effect within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion. This can vary depending on factors such as whether you’ve eaten or if you’re taking other medications alongside Adderall.

How Long Does Adderall Last?

• Immediate-Release (IR): Adderall IR provides relief for about 4 to 6 hours, and is often taken multiple times per day.
• Extended-Release (XR): Adderall XR has a prolonged effect, lasting around 12 hours. This version is typically taken once a day.

Adderall’s Half-Life

The half-life refers to how long it takes for half of the drug to be metabolized and eliminated. For children aged 6–12, Adderall’s half-life is about 9 to 11 hours, while adults can expect a half-life between 10 and 13 hours. The half-life may also be longer for individuals with higher body weight.

Detection in Drug Tests

Adderall can be detected in several types of drug tests, including urine, hair, saliva, and blood tests.

• Urine: Adderall stays detectable in urine for 1 to 5 days after use. The acidity of the urine can impact how quickly Adderall is eliminated.
• Hair: This method can detect Adderall for up to 90 days. However, hair tests have limitations, such as difficulty collecting samples from individuals with hair extensions or those who are bald.
• Saliva: Adderall may be detectable in saliva for 20 to 50 hours, but results can vary depending on the pH of the saliva.
• Blood: Blood tests can detect Adderall for 7 to 34 hours. These tests are more invasive and require medical personnel, but they are more precise in measuring the presence of the drug.

Will Adderall Show Up on Routine Blood Work?

Routine blood tests typically do not check for drugs like Adderall unless specifically requested. Standard tests, such as a Complete Blood Count (CBC) or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), focus on overall health markers like electrolyte balance and organ function.

Factors Affecting How Long Adderall Stays in Your System

Several factors influence how long Adderall remains in your system:

• The formulation (IR or XR) and dosage of Adderall
• Other medications you are taking
• Urinary or salivary pH
• Whether you’ve taken Adderall with food or on an empty stomach
• Your age, weight, and genetics

Struggling with Adderall Addiction?

Adderall has a high potential for misuse and addiction. Individuals who develop an addiction to Adderall may exhibit behaviors such as:

• Taking higher doses or using the drug more frequently than prescribed
• Craving Adderall or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using it
• Difficulty maintaining work, school, or relationships due to Adderall use
• Developing tolerance, requiring more of the drug to achieve the same effect

If you or someone you care about is struggling with Adderall addiction, The Recovery Village Indianapolis is here to help. Our comprehensive addiction treatment programs, guided by trained medical professionals, are designed to assist in overcoming substance dependence and promote lasting recovery. Contact us today to start your path to healing.