How Long Does Adderall Last
How long does Adderall last? This drug is an amphetamine prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.
- Euphoria and a sense of omnipotence are side effects of taking Adderall®.
It stimulates the central nervous system by forcing the brain to release extra norepinephrine, dopamine, and adrenaline. These three neurotransmitters are part of the “fight or flight” response humans rely on to survive stressful situations.
Side effects
The side effects of Adderall may worsen for several days and then slowly decrease over two to three weeks. They generally start within one hour of taking a standard dose, and include:
- increased energy
- Better focus
- Improved mood
- Control behavior
- Pay attention
How long Adderall lasts depends primarily on these variables;
- physical activity
- metabolism
- dietary intake
- body chemistry
Lasting
After administering a single dose of 10 or 30 mg of Adderall to healthy volunteers under fasting conditions, peak plasma concentrations occurred for approximately 3 hours for both d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine.
College students and athletes take Adderall for its ability to increase both physical and mental alertness.
There are two basic types of Adderall available at the pharmacy today.
- Immediate release: Adderall IR, users may not need to take more Adderall IR for 6 to 8 hours, while others may need another dose of Adderall after 12 hours.
- Extended-release: how long does Adderall XR last? It should last about 24 hours and only be taken once per day.
Adderall XR
Adderall XR is an oral medication relieving ADHD or narcolepsy symptoms for approximately 24 hours. This form of Adderall contains beads in its capsules to release amphetamines in “pulses.”
- Parents of children with ADHD find extended-release Adderall more convenient than two or three times per day.
Half-Life
The half-life is the time it takes for fifty percent of medication to clear the body.
- Adderall has a half-life of approximately about 10 hours.
Adderall’s half-life can vary depending on the person’s urine pH. The more acidic the urine, the lower Adderall’s half-life.
- Nearly 40 percent of Adderall is eliminated primarily by the kidneys. Therefore, abnormal urine pH levels can increase the clearing period by one to seventy-five percent.
Adderall XR 20
According to the FDA, “A single dose of Adderall XR 20 mg capsules provided comparable plasma concentration profiles of Adderall IR 10 mg twice daily 4 hours apart.”
Bioavailability
Adderall’s absorption rate by the body and accessibility is called bioavailability. The main factor influencing the bioavailability of Adderall is the pH level of the gastrointestinal system. The gut absorbs the more acidic the system, the less Adderall. Following ingestion of Adderall, between 15 to 40 percent of the drug circulates in the bloodstream, where it binds to plasma proteins. Adderall goes into most of the body’s soft tissues. Peak bioavailability, with higher brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations.
Withdrawal
Depending on how long an Adderall abuser has been taking the drug and how much they take daily, withdrawing from Adderall can require professional intervention to avoid relapsing. Severe withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dehydration, muscle tremors, and panic attacks. However, there is no medication to help with Adderall withdrawal; seek medical and psychological support.
Withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, insomnia, panic attacks, heart palpitations, depression, and suicidal thoughts will impact those addicted to Adderall who has developed a high tolerance for the drug. When it stops increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain, users may experience the rapid onset of;
- Extreme fatigue
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Hunger
- Depression
- Inability to concentrate