Drug and Alcohol
How Long Does Adderall Last? Comparing Adderall IR Vs. XR
Adderall IR (immediate-release) can last 4-6 hours, while Adderall XR (extended-release) lasts up to 12 hours. However, other factors can come into play.
You’ve likely heard of Adderall, as it’s one of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications in the U.S. alongside Ritalin and Vyvanse. It contains a combination of four different amphetamine salts, and works as a stimulant to help people with ADHD stay attentive and focused, as well as individuals with narcolepsy. But how long does Adderall last, and do different forms of Adderall have different onsets and durations?
There are two main forms of Adderall: IR, or immediate-release, and XR, which is the extended-release variation. While Adderall IR can last between 4 and 6 hours, Adderall XR lasts up to 12 hours. Other factors can come into play as well, including your dosage, metabolism, and if you have an empty stomach before taking Adderall can also effect this timeline.
We’ll guide you through Adderall’s duration of effects, how the immediate-release form compares to the extended-release form, and more.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These stimulants help increase attention, focus, and control behavior by affecting certain chemicals in the brain.
How Adderall Works
Adderall works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. These chemicals play a key role in attention and focus. By enhancing their activity, Adderall helps improve concentration, reduce impulsivity, and manage symptoms of ADHD. For narcolepsy, it helps promote wakefulness and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness.
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Adderall IR Vs. Adderall XR
Adderall comes in two main forms: immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR). Both are used to treat ADHD, but they differ in how they release the medication and how long their effects last.
Adderall IR
This form releases the medication into your body immediately. It typically starts working within 30 minutes to an hour and lasts about 4 to 6 hours. Because of its shorter duration, it may need to be taken multiple times a day to maintain its effects.
Adderall XR
The XR version of Adderall is designed to release the medication gradually over time. It usually starts working within 30 minutes to an hour, similar to the IR form, but its effects can last up to 12 hours. This means it’s usually taken once a day, usually in the morning, and provides a more consistent effect throughout the day.
How Long Does Adderall Take to Work?
Adderall typically starts working within 30 minutes to an hour after taking it, regardless of the form.
Adderall Immediate Release (IR)
Adderall IR begins to take effect within 30 minutes to an hour and lasts about 4 to 6 hours.
Adderall Extended Release (XR)
Adderall XR also starts working within 30 minutes to an hour, but its effects can last up to 12 hours.
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How Long Do the Effects of Adderall Last?
Different types of Adderall last for different durations. The immediate-release version of Adderall (Adderall IR) lasts between 4-6 hours, while Adderall XR (extended release) can last up to 12 hours. Adderall IR is often taken multiple times a day to maintain it’s effects, and Adderall XR is usually taken only once each day, typically in the morning.
Adderall Dosages
The typical dosages of Adderall vary depending on whether it’s the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (XR) form, as well as the individual’s age and condition being treated. Here’s a general overview:
Adderall Immediate Release (IR)
Adults with ADHD
The typical starting dose is 5 mg once or twice daily, which can be increased by 5 mg each week. The maximum dose is 40 mg per day.
Children with ADHD (Ages 6+)
The starting dose is 5 mg once or twice daily. This can be increased by 5 mg weekly, up to a maximum of 40 mg per day.
Children with ADHD (Ages 3-5)
The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg once per day, which can increase by 2.5 mg weekly as needed.
Adults with Narcolepsy
The starting dose is 10 mg daily. It can be increased by 10 mg weekly, up to 60 mg per day maximum.
Adderall Extended Release (ER)
Adults with ADHD
The typical starting dose is 20 mg daily.
Children with ADHD (Ages 6-12)
The starting dose is between 5 mg and 10 mg per day. It can be increased by 5 mg to 10 mg per week, up to a maximum of 30 mg per day.
Children with ADHD (Ages 13-17)
The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily, which can increase to 20 mg once daily after one week if necessary.
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What Factors Can Affect How Long Adderall Lasts?
Several factors can influence how long Adderall lasts in your system. These include the type of Adderall (immediate-release or extended-release), dosage, individual metabolism, age, and overall health.
Type of Adderall
Immediate-release (IR) Adderall typically lasts 4 to 6 hours, while extended-release (XR) Adderall can last up to 12 hours. The form you take significantly impacts the duration of its effects.
Dosage
Higher doses of Adderall generally last longer than lower doses. However, the exact duration can vary based on individual response to the medication.
Metabolism
Your metabolism plays a crucial role in how quickly your body processes Adderall. People with faster metabolisms may find that the effects wear off more quickly, while those with slower metabolisms may experience longer-lasting effects.
Age
Age can affect how long Adderall lasts. Children and younger adults may metabolize the drug differently than older adults, potentially leading to variations in duration.
Overall Health
Your overall health, including liver and kidney function, can influence how long Adderall stays in your system. Conditions that affect these organs can alter the drug’s metabolism and excretion.
Other Medications
Taking other medications can also impact how long Adderall lasts. Some drugs can speed up or slow down the metabolism of Adderall, affecting its duration and effectiveness.
Closing Thoughts
Adderall is a widely used medication for treating ADHD and narcolepsy, available in both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) forms which have varying durations of effects. To recap, the IR form of Adderall typically lasts 4 to 6 hours, while the XR form can last up to 12 hours. However, factors such as dosage, metabolism, age, overall health, and other medications can influence how long Adderall lasts in your system.
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Written by
Monty MontgomeryContent Writer
Reviewed by
Jeremy ArztChief Clinical Officer
Drug and Alcohol
October 26, 2024
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Adderall Immediate Release (IR) typically lasts about 4 to 6 hours. It starts working within 30 minutes to an hour after taking it, making it necessary to take multiple doses throughout the day to maintain its effects.
Adderall Extended Release (XR) is designed to last up to 12 hours. It also begins to take effect within 30 minutes to an hour, but its extended duration means it’s usually taken once daily, providing a more consistent effect throughout the day.
The duration of a 20 mg dose of Adderall depends on whether it’s the IR or XR form. For Adderall IR, 20 mg typically lasts about 4 to 6 hours. For Adderall XR, 20 mg can last up to 12 hours, offering a longer period of symptom control.
Adderall type: entry-hyperlink id: 4fY4XIRhDObczZiwfowcQ3 for several days after the last dose. Typically, it can be detected in urine for 48 to 72 hours, in blood for about 24 hours, and in hair for up to 3 months. The exact duration can vary based on factors like metabolism, dosage, and frequency of use.