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How Long Does Adderall Work?

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Updated August 29, 2024

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Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

picture of Joe Gilmore
Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

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Table of Contents

Adderall is a frequently prescribed medication for people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It helps people with ADHD improve attention and focus. The medication may also be used to treat narcolepsy, a condition that causes daytime sleepiness. Understanding how Adderall works and what it’s used for can help you manage your treatment better.

Adderall’s duration can vary depending on the type you’re taking. Adderall IR (immediate-release) lasts about 4 to 6 hours, while Adderall XR (extended-release) medications can last 12 hours. How long Adderall lasts also hinges on factors like your metabolism, dosage, and whether you’ve eaten before taking the medication. This page addresses these issues and more, and also shows you how to get effective and science-based addiction treatment.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance. The combination medication has two ingredients: dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. These substances are stimulants of the CNS (central nervous system stimulants), meaning they speed up certain processes in the brain. Adderall is mostly used to treat ADHD, helping those with the condition to focus better and reduce impulsive behaviors. It may also be prescribed for narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness.

How Does Adderall Work?

Adderall works by targeting and altering the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain, especially dopamine, but also norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play central roles in regulating attention, focus, and impulse control. Dopamine is often referred to as the feel-good chemical because it’s associated with pleasure and reward, while norepinephrine helps prepare the body for action by increasing alertness and energy levels.

When someone takes Adderall, the medication increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine available in the brain. This boost in neurotransmitters enhances communication between brain cells, which helps improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD. The increase in dopamine also helps reduce hyperactive and impulsive behaviors by promoting a sense of calm and control.

For those with narcolepsy, Adderall’s stimulant effects help combat excessive daytime sleepiness by keeping them awake and alert. By stimulating the CNS (central nervous system), Adderall helps these people maintain regular sleep-wake cycles, allowing them to stay more engaged and productive during the day.

What Is Adderall Used For?

Adderall is chiefly prescribed to treat ADHD in both children and adults. It is one of the most common medications used for ADHD because of its effectiveness in improving focus, attention, and impulse control. For people with ADHD, daily tasks such as completing homework, staying organized, or paying attention in meetings can be challenging. Adderall helps by making these tasks more manageable, allowing individuals to function better in their daily lives.

In addition to treating ADHD, Adderall is also used to manage narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden bouts of sleeping. By stimulating the CNS, Adderall helps those with narcolepsy stay alert and awake, making it easier to participate in everyday activities without the constant struggle against sleepiness.

While Adderall is most commonly associated with ADHD or narcolepsy, it is sometimes used off-label to treat other conditions. For example, in some instances of treatment-resistant depression, Adderall may be prescribed to enhance mood and energy levels. However, these off-label uses are less common and should only be considered under close medical supervision, as the risks and benefits must be carefully weighed.

Onset of Adderall Symptoms

When you take Adderall, the medication starts to work relatively quickly. This rapid onset of action is the reason why Adderall is widely used to manage ADHD and narcolepsy. Knowing when and how the effects begin can help you understand what to expect after taking your dose.

How Long Does It Take for Adderall to Kick In?

How fast does Adderall work, then? The time it takes for Adderall to kick in can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of Adderall you’re taking and your body’s metabolism. Most people begin to feel the effects of Adderall within 30 to 60 minutes after taking a dose. This rapid onset helps people with ADHD quickly feel more focused and less impulsive. For those with narcolepsy, it helps to increase alertness and reduce daytime sleepiness.

How Long Does Adderall XR Take to Work?

The extended-release form of the medication releases the medication slowly over time. This means it takes a bit longer to feel the full effects than the immediate-release version. Generally, Adderall XR starts working within 1 to 2 hours after taking a dose. The gradual release helps provide a more consistent effect throughout the day, which is why Adderall XR is often taken in the morning to help manage symptoms during school or work hours without needing multiple doses throughout the day.

How Long Does It Take for Adderall IR to Hit?

For anyone wondering how long does it take Adderall IR to hit, the immediate-release form acts quicker than its extended-release counterpart. After taking a dose, most people start to feel the effects within 20 to 30 minutes. This swift onset of action makes Adderall IR ideal for situations where immediate symptom relief is needed – when focusing on a specific task or managing sudden drowsiness in narcolepsy, for instance. That said, multiple doses throughout the day may be required to maintain symptom control because its effects don’t last as long.

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Adderall Duration

Now that we’ve answered, “How long does Adderall take to work?” let’s take a look at, “How long does Adderall last?”. The duration of Adderall’s effects depends on which type of medication you’re taking and your body’s unique response. Understanding how long Adderall lasts can help you manage your symptoms effectively and plan your day around its effects.

How Long Does Adderall Last?

The length of time Adderall lasts can vary based on the formulation you take. For most people, immediate-release forms of the medication last between 4 and 6 hours. This shorter duration means that it may need to be taken more than once a day to maintain its effects, especially for people who need symptom control throughout the day.

How Long Does Adderall XR Last?

Adderall XR lasts much longer, with a single dose lasting anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. Adderall XR is normally taken once each morning, providing all-day symptom relief without the need for multiple doses. The extended-release makes it convenient for people who need to stay focused and alert throughout the entire school or workday.

 How Long Does Adderall ER Last?

How long does Adderall’s extended-release last? Adderall ER, which is another term sometimes used for extended-release Adderall, lasts similarly to Adderall XR – from 8 to 12 hours. The extended-release design ensures that the medication is steadily released into your system, helping you maintain focus and control over your symptoms for most of the day. Like Adderall XR, it’s normally taken in the morning to cover the entire day without needing additional doses.

Factors That Impact the Duration of Adderall

Multiple factors can determine how long Adderall lasts in your system. These factors determine how quickly the medication takes effect, how long it stays active, and how your body processes it. The more you know about these factors, the more effectively you can manage your treatment.

  • Dosage and type: The specific dose you take and whether you’re using Adderall IR or Adderall XR plays a major role in the duration of the medication lasts. Higher doses generally last longer, and XR formulations provide effects over a more extended period.
  • Metabolism: Everyone’s body processes medications differently. People with faster metabolisms may find that Adderall wears off more quickly, while those with slower metabolisms might feel the effects for a longer time.
  • Age: Age can influence how long Adderall lasts. Younger people, especially children, might metabolize the drug faster, leading to a shorter duration of effects. Older adults might experience longer-lasting effects due to slower metabolism.
  • Body weight: Body weight can also impact the duration of Adderall. Generally, the medication may last longer in individuals with lower body weight because their bodies take longer to break down the drug.
  • Diet and food intake: What you eat and when you eat can influence how long Adderall lasts. Taking Adderall on an empty stomach can lead to faster absorption, making the effects kick in more quickly but potentially wear off sooner. Conversely, taking it with food, especially a meal high in fat, can slow down absorption, leading to a more gradual and prolonged effect.
  • Other medications: If you’re taking other medications, they may interact with Adderall and shorten or extend its duration. Some drugs can speed up how quickly Adderall is broken down in your body, while others can slow it down, leading to longer-lasting effects.
  • Health conditions: Some health conditions – liver or kidney issues, for example – can influence how long Adderall stays in your system. The liver and kidneys play a vital part in processing and eliminating the medication, so if they’re not functioning optimally, the effects of Adderall may last longer than usual.
  • Frequency: If you take the medication regularly, your body may start to adjust to the presence of Adderall, which could affect how long it lasts. Over time, you might develop a tolerance, meaning the drug doesn’t last as long or feel as strong, requiring adjustments in your dosage.

How Long Does 20mg of Adderall Last

The duration of a 20mg dose of Adderall depends on whether you’re taking the immediate-release or extended-release version of the drug. For most people, a 20mg dose of immediate-release Adderall lasts about 4 to 6 hours. This means you might need to take another dose later in the day if you need continued symptom relief.

For Adderall XR, which is designed to release the medication gradually, a 20mg dose usually lasts between 8 and 12 hours. This extended duration allows you to take just one dose in the morning, providing all-day coverage for managing ADHD symptoms or staying alert if you have narcolepsy. Like with all medications, the exact duration can vary based on factors like your metabolism, body weight, and overall health.

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

After taking Adderall, the medication doesn’t leave your body immediately once the effects wear off. On average, Adderall can stay in your system for a few days, but this can vary depending on several factors. For most people, Adderall is detectable in the blood for up to 24 hours, in urine for about 2 to 4 days, and in saliva for 1 to 2 days. Keep in mind that Adderall can be found in hair samples for 3 months or more.

Factors That Impact How Long Adderall Stays in Your System

Several factors can influence how long it takes for Adderall to wear off and how long it stays in your system. Becoming aware of these factors can help you better manage your medication and prepare for situations like drug tests. These variables include:

  • Dosage
  • Frequency of use
  • Metabolism
  • Age
  • Body weight and composition
  • Liver and kidney function
  • Hydration and diet
  • Other medications

Adderall Withdrawal

If a person stops taking any type of Adderall, especially after long-term use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. This occurs because their body has become accustomed to the drug, and suddenly stopping can cause a range of uncomfortable effects. Common symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include:

  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Increased appetite
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Difficulty concentrating

The severity of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on how much Adderall a person has been taking and how long they have been taking the medication. For some, the symptoms may be mild and last only a few days, while others may experience more intense symptoms that persist for weeks.

Approach Adderall withdrawal carefully, preferably under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Gradually reducing the dose, rather than stopping abruptly, can help minimize withdrawal symptoms. If you or someone you know intends to stop using Adderall withdrawal, getting support from a doctor or mental health professional can make the process safer and much more manageable.

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Get Compassionate, Insurance-Covered Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

If you have been misusing any prescription drugs like Adderall, we can help you get back on track at Renaissance Recovery. We have luxury rehab centers in California and Florida where you can engage with whole-body healing from all types of addictions, including stimulant addiction.

The outpatient nature of treatment at our welcoming rehabs means you can carry on at home, work, or school while pursuing your recovery. We also offer more intensive outpatient treatment for those who require more structured support.

Every addiction is different, so expect to engage with a personalized array of therapies at Renaissance. Treatments may include:

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

Start your recovery from Adderall addiction by calling 866.330.9449.

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