How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

Adderall is the brand name for a prescription stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a daytime sleep disorder. Adderall contains a mixture of four amphetamine salts including dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate.[1]

Adderall has a high potential for abuse and addiction. People who don’t have a prescription for the drug may get Adderall from friends who do or dealers on the street to increase attention, energy, and focus. Taking too much Adderall too quickly can allow dangerous levels of amphetamines to build up in your system, resulting in adverse side effects like paranoia and a racing heartbeat.

There are two types of Adderall: immediate-release and extended-release (XR). Adderall XR will stay in your system much longer than regular Adderall, but how quickly your body gets rid of Adderall varies based on your health and history of drug use. For most people, Adderall will clear the body within 72 hours (3 days) of your last dose. It can be detected in urine tests for up to a week.

How is Adderall Metabolized?

Adderall is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract before it is metabolized by the liver. After it is metabolized, it leaves the body through urine. However, trace metabolites can be detected in urine, blood, saliva, and the hair follicle.[2]

Adderall has a half-life of 9 to 14 hours.[1] A half-life is a term used to describe how long it takes half of a dose of a substance to leave the body. It takes 4-5 half-lives for a substance to leave your body completely, meaning it can take 36-70 hours for a single dose of Adderall to leave your system.

Factors that Influence How Long Adderall Stays in Your System

There are many variables that impact the length of time it takes Adderall to get out of your system. These include:

• Dosage – Higher doses of Adderall will take longer to metabolize and leave the body than lower doses.
• Frequency of use – The more often you use Adderall, the longer it will stay in your body.
• Body composition – Adderall metabolizes more quickly in people who have higher body weight.
• Age and metabolism – Younger people typically have faster metabolisms and can metabolize drugs faster.
• pH levels in the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts – If someone has a high pH level, it will take the kidneys and liver longer to metabolize and remove Adderall from the system.[1]
• Kidney and liver function – If either the kidney or liver isn’t performing optimally, the metabolism and elimination of Adderall will slow down.

How Long Can Adderall Be Detected in Urine, Blood, Saliva, and Hair?

There are four primary types of drug tests that can screen for amphetamines. Each drug test type has a different detection window.[2]

Urine

Urine drug screens are the most popular type of drug test because they are affordable, accurate, minimally invasive, and more convenient than other types of drug testing. Adderall can be detected in urine for 4-7 days after your last dose.

Blood

Blood tests are fairly expensive to run and can be invasive, especially for people who have a fear of needles or getting their blood drawn. Blood tests are generally only used in acute medical settings. Adderall can be detected in blood 24-48 hours after your last dose.

Saliva

Saliva tests are rarely used because they have a very short detection window. Adderall can be detected in saliva 20 minutes to 48 hours after your last dose.

Hair

Hair follicle drug testing is growing in popularity because it has a very wide detection window. Adderall and other drugs can be detected in your hair follicles for up to 90 days after your last dose.

How to Get Adderall out of Your System Safely

Over-the-counter detox drinks and pills are all the rage, but these aren’t regulated by the FDA and truly have no effect on drugs in your body. The best way to get Adderall out of your system is to wait for it to clear your body naturally.

If you are addicted to Adderall, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal when you stop taking the drug. Adderall withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, but it can be psychologically challenging. The best way to detox safely is to do so at a licensed drug and alcohol detox facility.

Find Help for Adderall Abuse and Addiction

Adderall abuse can destroy your health and your life, so you should get treatment as soon as you realize that you have a problem. Effective treatment begins with safe, medically supervised stimulant detox.

Charlotte Detox Center is a peaceful and beautiful place for individuals to comfortably and safely eliminate physical dependence on substances; our high-end and state-of-the-art facility prepares clients for the next level of appropriate care.

Dedicated addiction-medicine-trained nursing and psychiatric staff monitor each client around the clock to ensure their comfort and safety while detoxing with us. Our compassionate and skilled clinical staff blend clinically dynamic, evidence-based therapies and complementary modalities with AA’s Twelve Step Program to build a solid foundation of recovery and lasting change.

Start your recovery today by calling and speaking with one of our dedicated admissions specialists.

References:

1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/011522s040lbl.pdf
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14607004/