{"id":627639,"date":"2024-04-02T09:22:17","date_gmt":"2024-04-02T13:22:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627639"},"modified":"2025-10-08T13:14:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T17:14:32","slug":"how-long-does-adderall-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-adderall-last\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does Adderall last?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A diagnosis of <\/span>attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder<\/span><\/a> (ADHD) can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that there are many treatment options. The treatment of ADHD often involves a variety of methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medications. Adults may also need work modifications, while children, adolescents, and college students may require educational interventions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Adderall XR<\/span><\/a> are two commonly used prescription ADHD medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall, which contains the active ingredients amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is a central nervous stimulant medication that <\/span>is approved<\/span><\/a> by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Adderall can be used to treat ADHD in adults and children 3 years and older. It is also FDA-approved to treat <\/span>narcolepsy<\/span><\/a> in adults and children 6 years and older. This formulation is known as the immediate-release version of Adderall, which may be referred to as simply Adderall or Adderall IR.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall XR<\/span><\/a> is an extended-release formula. This prescription stimulant drug is <\/span>FDA-approved<\/span><\/a> as an ADHD medication for adults and children 6 years and older. Adderall XR is only approved for the treatment of ADHD. Unlike immediate-release Adderall, Adderall XR is not approved to treat narcolepsy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The two types of Adderall, <\/span>Adderall and Adderall XR<\/span><\/a>, are classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (<\/span>DEA<\/span><\/a>) as <\/span>Schedule II drugs<\/span><\/a>. This means that these prescription medications are considered potentially dangerous and have a high potential for addiction, abuse, and dependence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Often, people want to know how long a dose of Adderall lasts. The duration for which <\/span>Adderall is effective<\/span><\/a> is about 4 to 6 hours. A <\/span>dose of Adderall XR<\/span><\/a> lasts an average of 8 to 12 hours. Continue reading to learn more about Adderall and Adderall XR.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Considering an ADHD medication? Your guide to adult ADHD treatment<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How does Adderall work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Adderall<\/a> and Adderall XR are known as central nervous system (<\/span>CNS<\/span><\/a>) stimulants. They work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These stimulant effects help with the symptoms of ADHD. However, because of the way they work, these medications can also cause physical effects such as increased heart rate, high <\/span>blood pressure<\/span><\/a>, and other heart problems, including sudden death.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does Adderall last?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Since there are two forms of Adderall, we will discuss each separately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall<\/span><\/h3>\n

After taking a dose of immediate-release Adderall, the medicine reaches its <\/span>maximum effect<\/span><\/a> in approximately three hours. The effects of a dose will last from about 4 to 6 hours. The dosage of Adderall will depend on various factors, such as the user’s age and symptoms. Often, medical professionals will prescribe a morning dose, with the addition of another dose(s) to be taken at 4 to 6 hours if the individual requires additional doses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether the drug prescribed is Adderall or Adderall XR, healthcare professionals aim for the lowest effective dosage to minimize the potential risks associated with amphetamine drugs.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Learn the short- and long-term effects of Adderall on the body<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Adderall XR<\/span><\/h3>\n

After taking a dose of Adderall XR, the medicine reaches its maximum effect in about seven hours. The effect of a dose will last 8 to 12 hours. As with Adderall, the dosage of Adderall XR will depend on various factors, such as the patient’s age and symptoms. However, because Adderall XR is formulated to last up to 12 hours, this medication is only taken once daily. Additional daily doses are not needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Factors that impact the duration of Adderall<\/span><\/h2>\n

A half-life of a drug is the time it takes for about half of the drug to be <\/span>eliminated from the body<\/span><\/a>. It takes about five half-lives for a drug to be almost eliminated from the body. The half-life of Adderall ranges from about 9 to 14 hours, depending on various factors, such as the age of the individual. The half-life of Adderall XR is similar to that of Adderall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After a dose of Adderall or Adderall XR is taken, in about 9 to 14 hours, about half of the dose is eliminated from the body. It takes about 45 to 70 hours (five half-lives) for most of the drug to be eliminated from the body. However, this calculation only applies to the last or last use of the medication if no more medicine is taken because if you continue to take more doses, the drug will go both in and out of the body. Let\u2019s look at factors that may affect the duration of Adderall\u2019s effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Food<\/span><\/h3>\n

Adderall or Adderall XR can be taken with or without food, according to the prescribing information. The effects of food have not been studied with immediate-release Adderall. With Adderall XR, food does not affect how the medication is absorbed, but a meal high in fat can take longer to reach its full effect.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Everything to eat (and avoid) if you have ADHD<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Opening the Adderall XR capsule<\/span><\/h3>\n

Because the Adderall XR capsule is extended-release, it must be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed. However, some individuals, especially pediatric patients, who cannot swallow pills such as the Adderall XR capsule are instructed to open the capsule and sprinkle the medication on applesauce, swallowing the mixture immediately. Doing so will not speed up the absorption of Adderall XR; it will absorb similarly to swallowing the capsule whole.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drugs that may affect Adderall absorption<\/span><\/h3>\n

Adderall<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Adderall XR<\/span><\/a> have many drug interactions with various effects to consider. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n