How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?
How long Adderall lasts in the body depends on a variety of different factors, including the type of test or screening done.

Table of Contents
What Is Adderall Used For?
What Disorders Does Adderall Treat?
Since Adderall is composed of a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, it’s beneficial in treating disorders rooted in a chemical imbalance. Two of these disorders are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder.
For ADHD, Adderall is designed to target hyperactivity and executive dysfunction by working to increase attentivity while also aiding in controlling impulsive behavior. Adderall is also used in the treatment of narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder, by aiding in the body’s ability to stay awake during the day.
How Does Adderall Work?
Adderall stimulates the central nervous system. This stimulation boosts the rate of communication between the brain and the body, which in turn can elevate certain chemicals.
When Adderall is prescribed for ADHD, it elevates the levels of dopamine in the brain by increasing its production in the nervous system. The result combats the effects of ADHD, including executive dysfunction, impulsivity, and poor attention span.
For narcolepsy, Adderall works the same way: it boosts the available levels of a brain chemical. However, rather than dopamine, Adderall works as a treatment for narcolepsy by increasing norepinephrine. Those with narcolepsy suffer from a decreased amount of hypocretin, which is the chemical responsible for regulating sleep. Adderall increases norepinephrine, which promotes wakefulness.

Adderall Side Effects
As with any substance, Adderall has the potential to cause various side effects. However, when used without the guidance of a health professional, the risk for negative side effects is increased.
Some of the most observed Adderall side effects include:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Nervousness
- Dry mouth
For those using Adderall with a health professional’s guidance, serious side effects are rare. However, individuals should alert their doctor if they experience any of these severe Adderall side effects:
Poor blood flow
Uncontrollable movements
Continuous chewing
Unusual wounds
Severe psychological changes
How Adderall Affects Those Without ADHD
Is Adderall Addictive?
Why Do People Misuse Adderall?
Who Abuses Adderall?
How Long Do Adderall’s Symptoms Last?
What Affects How Long Adderall Stays in the Body?
Because Adderall is a chemical stimulant, it will affect different people in different ways. Several factors affect how long Adderall lasts in the body, including:
Body’s Makeup
Different parts of the body’s makeup – height, age, body mass, and health – can impact how long Adderall lasts in the body. These aspects impact metabolism, which oversees breaking down and eliminating substances.
Dosage
Dosage also plays a large role in how long Adderall lasts within the body. Larger doses will take longer to metabolize and be eliminated from the body compared to smaller doses. The type administered in each dosage also impacts the Adderall length.
Currently, there are two main forms: Adderall and Adderall XR. Normally, Adderall is an immediate-release substance, meaning that it begins to metabolize the moment it enters the body. Adderall XR, however, is an extended-release, which means that it lasts longer than other forms of Adderall.
Frequency of Use
With frequent doses, the body has higher amounts of a substance to break down. Since the body metabolizes at a relatively consistent rate, frequent administrations can cause Adderall to last longer.
Adderall Tests
Blood
All substances are transferred around the body through the bloodstream. As a result, a blood test can be beneficial in determining whether Adderall is still present within the body.
However, due to the rate of diffusion of medicine, substances can metabolize and be eliminated quickly in the blood. As a result, blood drug tests will only show the presence of the drug if the test is conducted within 48 hours of the Adderall timeline.
Urine
Saliva
Hair
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
After prolonged use, the body becomes accustomed to the substance. As a result, when the substance is no longer administered, withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Adderall withdrawal symptoms can come in many forms. Taking into consideration how long Adderall lasts in the body and how long dosages have been administered, Adderall withdrawals can begin within only a day or two of disuse. Withdrawals are the second aspect of the Adderall timeline, occurring after the euphoric feeling. Cravings as well as physical and psychological side effects can last for several weeks and may include:6
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Headaches
- Irregular sleeping patterns
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
Once the physical symptoms of withdrawal fade, the third phase, which consists of psychological effects such as cravings, may linger for several more months. This side effect depends on the Adderall length of use, including dosage, frequency of doses, and the individual taking it.
Adderall Addiction Treatment
For people with a substance use disorder, treatment can considerably improve their quality of life while also reducing the side effects of Adderall addiction. Undergoing treatment as guided by a medical professional can aid in the body’s recovery by working with the individual to understand triggers and cope with withdrawal.
Detox
To begin the recovery process, the substance must be completely removed from the body. While this removal may cause withdrawal symptoms, it is important in helping return the body to its normal state.
Adderall’s withdrawal effects vary from person to person, which means that each detox process requires a degree of customization to best meet each person’s needs.
Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis focuses on providing treatment for a person with a substance abuse disorder and underlying health issues that could lead to substance misuse. Often, underlying health issues can be a significant factor behind substance abuse disorders and treating those issues can be beneficial for recovery.
Therapies
Resources
- https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/6/3/58/htm
- https://www.jmir.org/2013/4/e62
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165228/
- https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1222138
- https://americanaddictioncenters.org/adderall/how-long-system-body
- https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adderall-withdrawal
If you or a loved one needs help, please call us at
623-523-4748 and our team at Blueprints For Recovery in Arizona will help.
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