Updated: 18 April 2023 & medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon
Adderall is a prescription medication commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug is detectable in hair, saliva, urine, and blood drug tests. This guide looks at how long Adderall stays in the system and what affects its detection rate.
Key takeaways:
Adderall comes in two distinct forms; Adderall immediate-release (IR) and Adderall extended-release (XR) and the effects of each last for different time periods.
Urine tests can detect Adderall for up to six weeks.
There are many factors that can influence the detection rate in a toxicology test and these can vary from person to person.
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Table of contents
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How long does Adderall stay in your system?
This table shows the average time traces of Adderall remain in an adult body. Like most substances, hair follicle tests can detect traces of Adderall up to 90 days after the last intake.
| Type of drug test | Time period |
| Urine | Up to 6 weeks |
| Blood | Up to 48 hours |
| Hair | Up to 90 days |
| Saliva | Up to 10 days |
How long does Adderall last?
Adderall comes in two distinct forms; Adderall immediate-release (IR) and Adderall extended-release (XR) and the effects of each last for different time periods.
Adderall IR: lasts between 4 and 6 hours in the average adult
Adderall XR: lasts for up to 12 hours in the average adult
While these are the average times for Adderall to last, there are some substance interactions that can shorten or extend the effects of the drug. For example, sodium bicarbonate (found in antacids) can lengthen the effects of Adderall and MAOI antidepressants such as Phenelzine (Nardil) can shorten them.[1]
Research also shows that high acid juices such as grapefruit can shorten the effects of Adderall in both its forms as they interfere with the absorption process.
Related: How much does Adderall cost?
Does Adderall show up in drug tests?
Yes, Adderall is detectable in all four of the main drug toxicology tests.
The length of time Adderall is detectable in the system varies depending on a variety of factors. These can include BMI (E.G. body weight, muscle mass, body composition), gender, faster or slower metabolism, and age.
It also changes depending on which of the four main types of identifying test is used. These are urine tests, blood tests, hair tests, and saliva tests. The length of time Adderall is identifiable in each test is as below.
Adderall in urine tests
Urine drug screens are the most common method of testing used in the United States. This is due to their relative ease of use, low cost, and ready availability. Urine tests can detect Adderall for up to six weeks.
Adderall in blood tests
Blood tests offer greater accuracy but often a shorter detection window for drug screening. The average time for Adderall detection in blood is only 48 hours.
Adderall in hair follicle tests
Hair testing offers some of the longest detection times and great accuracy for detecting substances like Adderall. The downside is the length of time this test takes and its comparatively high cost. Adderall is detectable in hair samples for up to 90 days.
Adderall in saliva tests
Saliva screens are an uncommon form of testing for Adderall as the drug can be detected in urine for a longer time. The average time Adderall is detectable in saliva is up to 10 days.
Factors that affect Adderall detection times
There are many factors that can influence the detection rate in a toxicology test and these can vary from person to person. For instance, someone with a long history of Adderall abuse, or someone who abuses Adderall in large quantities will have detectable amphetamine metabolites in their system for longer than someone who hasn’t. The same is also true if someone abuses multiple drugs or combines them with alcohol regularly.
Other factors that influence Adderall detection rates include:
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Metabolic rate
- Gender
- Age
- Pre-existing medical conditions (high blood pressure, impaired liver function or kidney function)
- The type of Adderall used
There are two types of Adderall used in the treatment of attention-related disorders; the extended-release form of the drug known as Adderall XR and the immediate-release version, Adderall IR. Adderall XR takes longer to release into the body and its effects take longer to feel but last longer. Adderall IR has a more immediate effect but is metabolized by the body faster.
This means that someone who is prescribed extended-release Adderall will often have the substance in their system for longer than someone who is on Adderall IR.
Learn more about how long other drugs stay in your system here.
Adderall addiction
Adderall is a potent prescription stimulant that can lead to dependence and addiction if abused in high quantities or for long periods of time.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from an Adderall or any substance use disorder, then contacting a rehab center or addiction helpline can help identify what treatment options are available. Alternatively, check out our rehab directory to find an addiction treatment center near you.
