Dec 17, 2021
How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?
Adderall is a highly effective treatment option in helping to improve and manage symptoms of ADHD. In fact, a study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic discovered that between 70-80 percent of children and 70 percent of adults found that they could better manage their symptoms using a stimulant like Adderall.
Unfortunately, Adderall also poses a high risk towards drug abuse and addiction due to its stimulant qualities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to Adderall, please reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for resources and access to getting help.
What is Adderall?
Adderall (generic version Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine) is an amphetamine often prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy by stimulating the central nervous system.
Side effects of Adderall
Common side effects of Adderall include:
loss of appetite
weight loss
dry mouth
stomach upset/pain
nausea/vomiting
dizziness
headache
diarrhea
fever
nervousness
trouble sleeping
Severe side effects include:
depression
eyesight changes or blurred vision
heart attack
impotence
increased blood pressure
psychotic episodes
seizures
slowing of growth or height in children
stroke
sudden death due to existing heart problems
trouble operating vehicles or machinery
How long does it take Adderall to leave your system?
Adderall is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. It is then deactivated by the liver or eliminated from the body through urine as it pushes through the system.
Adderall has a half-life of around 9 to 14 hours, depending on whether the drug formulation is immediate or extended-release. That means only half of the drug will remain in your body 9-14 hours after dosage.
What factors influence how long Adderall stays in your system?
Because our bodies are all wired differently, some factors will affect how slowly or quickly Adderall stays in our individual systems.
Body composition
Age, weight, and sex all play a part in how our body breaks down things like medications. Therefore, a person's metabolism also dictates how long substances stay in the system. Someone older or who weighs more may take longer to process Adderall than someone younger with lower body weight.
pH levels
The pH of a person's urine can impact the speed at which Adderall is eliminated from the system. It can take the kidneys longer to get rid of the substance if the pH level is high. In addition, what you eat and drink can affect your urine's pH levels.
Organ function
The kidneys and liver play a significant role in removing Adderall from the body. If either isn't functioning as it should, the medication can stay in the system longer.
Frequency and dosage amount
How often and how much can also determine how long Adderall stays in the system. Someone who takes it daily will take longer to process it through their body than someone who takes it occasionally.
The same goes with the Adderall dosage; those who take lower dosages will eliminate it faster through their body.
How long will Adderall show up on a drug test?
Many companies drug-test their employees and potential new hires for amphetamines. Although the kidney eliminates the medication, Adderall also works throughout the body. Therefore, it can be detected using different testing systems.
Urine test- up to 5 days
Hair test- up to 90 days
Saliva test-up to 5 days
Blood test- up to 48 hours
Final thoughts
When taken correctly and in combination with other ADHD treatment options such as behavioral therapy, Adderall can have many positive benefits.
However, if you're worried about passing a drug test because of taking Adderall, you may not be taking it for the right reasons. Only people with a prescription from their healthcare provider and with a legitimate diagnosed medical condition should be taking Adderall or any other stimulant.
Adderall might be the solution for you or someone you know who struggles with ADHD or Nacroplosey. At CareCard, we are passionate about helping make your prescription payments more affordable, saving members up to 85% on prescription drugs and medications. You can search for an Adderall XR coupon here and learn how CareCard can help make your medication payments more manageable.