Adderall's duration of effect depends on the formulation taken:
- Immediate-release (IR) Adderall typically lasts about 4 to 6 hours per dose. It starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and often requires multiple doses throughout the day for symptom control
- Extended-release (XR) Adderall is designed to release the medication gradually and usually lasts 8 to 12 hours , often allowing for once-daily dosing
Regarding how long Adderall stays in the body, its components (d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine) have half-lives ranging roughly from 9 to 14 hours depending on age, with the longest half-life around 13 to 14 hours for l-amphetamine in adults and teens. It typically takes about 1.5 to 3 days (approximately four to five half-lives) for Adderall to be fully cleared from the system
. Factors influencing how long Adderall lasts include age, weight, metabolism, dosage, frequency of use, overall health, and interactions with other substances such as vitamin C or acidic foods, which can affect absorption and excretion
. Summary:
Formulation| Onset Time| Duration of Effect| Clearance Time in Body
---|---|---|---
Immediate-release (IR)| 30 to 60 minutes| 4 to 6 hours| 1.5 to 3 days
Extended-release (XR)| 1 to 2 hours| 8 to 12 hours| 1.5 to 3 days
This information helps guide appropriate dosing schedules and expectations for symptom management with Adderall. Always follow a healthcare provider's instructions when using this medication
