How long does Adderall last, and what happens if you can’t stop using it?
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is the brand name of a prescription medication that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996, it is commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are both central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. When a person takes Adderall, the drug increases the amount of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in their system. These three neurotransmitters are associated with a range of functions, including mood, attention, learning, memory, and reward.
For someone with ADHD, increases in these neurotransmitters have a calming effect on the brain, which leads to increased focus and minimized distractibility.
How Long Does Adderall Last?
The question, “How long does Adderall last?” can have several correct answers, depending on factors such as:
- The age and metabolism of the person who takes it
- Which type of Adderall they take
- The amount and frequency of their Adderall use
Adderall can be used in either immediate release form (Adderall IR) or extended release form (Adderall XR). Both types consist of the same ingredients, but they differ in how long it takes for these ingredients to be absorbed into a person’s system:
- Adderall IR tablets are uncoated, which allows the drug to enter the bloodstream relatively quickly. A person will usually start to feel the effects of Adderall IR within 30-60 minutes of swallowing a tablet. These effects will usually last about 4-6 hours.
- Adderall XR capsules include several small, coated beads that have the drug inside them. Half of the beads are designed to dissolve almost immediately, while the other half won’t begin to break down for about four hours after a person swallows the capsule. The onset of Adderall XR’s effects occurs in about the same amount of time as Adderall IR, but they will last much longer (typically 8-12 hours).
For an adult with ADHD, the recommended dose of Adderall IR is one tablet, twice per day. One of the benefits of the IR version is that tablets can be easily broken into pieces, so a person can take smaller doses three or four times per day if needed.
Adults who use Adderall XR to manage symptoms of ADHD usually take one capsule per day. Due to the way the capsules are formulated, they cannot be divided into smaller doses.
So, to summarize. How long does Adderall last? For adults who take full tablets and capsules, the drug’s effects may last from four to 12 hours. If they use partial tablets, the duration per dose may be lower.
Does Adderall Cause Side Effects?
Millions of people take Adderall on a prescription basis to treat ADHD or narcolepsy. Experts estimate that millions more use the medication illicitly, either as a “study drug” or for its stimulant properties.
Though Adderall and similar medications are prevalent, that doesn’t mean they are harmless. The dangers of using this drug range from relatively minor side effects to long-term damage.
Common side effects of Adderall use include:
- Anxiety
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Appetite loss
For people who use Adderall for an extended period of time, or who abuse the drug by taking excessive doses, potential effects can include:
- Abnormal heart rate
- Disrupted blood flow to arms and legs
- Seizure
- Stroke
- Serotonin syndrome
- Mood swings
- Manic episodes
- Psychotic symptoms
- Addiction
The risk of addiction is not an overstatement. Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), this category is for substances with “a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.”
What Should You Do if You Can’t Stop Using Adderall?
If you’re unable to end or reduce your Adderall use, that could mean that you have become addicted to the drug. Other signs of Adderall addiction include:
- Having powerful cravings for the drug
- Continuing to use Adderall even after incurring some type of harm that was either caused or worsened by your prior use
- Using Adderall in ways that you know can be particularly hazardous, such as by combining it with alcohol or other drugs
- Neglecting your personal, academic, or work-related responsibilities as a result of your Adderall use
- Attempting to buy, borrow, or steal Adderall that was prescribed to someone else
- Lying about your symptoms in order to get a prescription
- Needing to use larger amounts of Adderall to experience the medication’s effects
- Developing physical and/or psychological withdrawal symptoms when you abruptly stop using Adderall
If any of these signs look familiar to you, a good next step would be to consult with your family doctor or schedule an assessment at a reputable addiction treatment provider in your area.
Adderall addiction is a treatable condition. With the right help and a concerted effort on your part, you can stop using it for good. But the longer you live with untreated addiction, the greater your risk becomes of experiencing irreversible, potentially life-threatening effects.
Find Help for Adderall Addiction in the Tampa Bay Area
Tampa Bay Recovery offers customized outpatient treatment for adults who have become addicted to Adderall and other substances. We also offer dual diagnosis services for patients who have been living with anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring mental health concerns.
Treatment options at our addiction rehab in Tampa Bay, FL, include detox, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). At each level of care, you can expect to receive personalized service and compassionate support from a team of highly skilled professionals.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
