Adderall is used and misused by thousands of people in the USA. While it can help enhance focus and attention, bringing significant benefits to the quality of one’s life, many find its side effects too unpleasant. This is especially the case if your symptoms aren’t severe enough to need it or you want a safe stimulant to boost your mental performance. 

 

Here, we answer the question of “How long does Adderall stay in your system?” as well as how to detect it and what the natural alternatives are. MindVitality is our favorite supplement for general mental performance enhancement, with the affordable Addall XR coming in second. 

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a commonly prescribed drug used to manage attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a disease where you fall asleep at abnormal times. 

 

It’s a first-line treatment for ADHD in adults and children over six years old but is used as a second-line intervention for narcolepsy. Some doctors prescribe Adderall for short-term use to treat obesity because it reduces appetite [1]. 

Immediate-Release (IR) vs Adderall Extended-Release (XR) 

If you’ve taken an extended-release form, you may be wondering, “How long does Adderall XR stay in your system?” 

 

Adderall XR can last several hours longer than the drug’s standard forms. A typical adult dose of 20mg may last 12 hours. The extra-long extended-release form, Mydayis, can keep working for up to 16 hours [2].

 

The standard immediate-release form, however, lasts around 4 to 6 hours. Some doctors will prescribe this for children with ADHD as young as 3.

How Adderall Works?

Whether you take Adderall or want to find an alternative, learning how it works can help you make an informed decision. 

Adderall’s Effect on the Brain

Adderall works by increasing the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and serotonin. It reduces their removal rate from their active sites in brain cells, so their levels build up [1]. 

 

Dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter for regulating motivation, reward systems, and movement. It provides you, both consciously and unconsciously, with the sense that making an effort is worthwhile. This includes everything from work and study to the basics of movement. 

 

Even with Parkinson’s disease, where there is a severe dopamine deficiency, your neurons may be receiving the message that the energy needed for movement is “not worth it” [3].

The Role of Metabolism in Drug Processing

Your liver is responsible for processing and excreting Adderall and other drugs. The CYP2D6 enzyme is your liver’s best fit for removing Adderall, so any substance that inhibits it can increase it to dangerous levels [1]. 

What Is the Half-Life of Adderall?

The length of time a drug stays in your body is measured in half-lives. As a result, the answer to your question, “How long does Adderall stay in your system?” isn’t so simple. 

 

In general, the peak levels of Adderall are reached at around 3 hours after taking it. Then, the half-life for the D-form of amphetamine lasts 9 to 11 hours, while the L-form’s half-life ranges from 11 to 13 hours [4]. 

How Long Does Adderall Work After You Take It?

How long Adderall works after taking it depends on whether you ingested an immediate or extended-release form. 

 

Immediate-release Adderall typically works for 4 to 6 hours. This may be enough for a shift at work or a class schedule. As your body clears it faster, you can take 1 to 3 divided doses for an all-day effect [5]. 

 

As Adderall XR and other extended-release forms last 8 to 12 hours, you only need one daily dose. Your daily dose should never exceed 60mg, so do not take more than what you need. 

Can Adderall Cause a Positive Drug Test Result?

Yes. As the active ingredient of Adderall is amphetamine, it can trigger a false positive drug test for methamphetamine and make you test positive for amphetamines [6]. 

 

This is one reason why taking Adderall as a performance enhancer is never recommended, as you would not have a prescription to protect you from legal or professional consequences. 

How to Detect Adderall Presence in Your System?

Many multi-panel recreational drug tests screen for amphetamines and methamphetamines, which Adderall can create a false positive for.

Saliva Tests

Saliva has one of the shorter clearance times when it comes to Adderall. This is most likely because it is not a major carrier of chemicals around the body or a means of detoxification [7]. 

Hair Tests

Hair tests may uncover long-term use of Adderall and other drugs. As hair grows 0.8-1.3 centimeters each month, it could take several months before chronic use becomes undetectable. However, one dose or very short-term use is far less likely to show detectable levels of Adderall [7]. 

Urine Tests

Urine tests screen for amphetamines, which you pass partly unchanged through urine. If you have a normal urine pH, around one-third of your Adderall dose will pass without being changed into another substance. If you have a pH of 5, up to three-quarters of the amphetamines will be unchanged [7]. 

Blood Tests

Blood tests take a little longer to clear than saliva in the case of Adderall [7]. They are rarely used for drug tests, except in law enforcement or healthcare-related situations. Drug testing through blood samples is more reliable, however, as you cannot try to dilute it. 

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

In most cases, Adderall shows up on a urine test for 1 to 3 days if you just took it once. Long-term use takes an average of 4 or 5 days, with one study finding that it takes a maximum period of 9 days [7]. 

 

For blood tests, it takes an average of 46 hours for your Adderall levels to drop below the detection limit. Saliva tests can take 20 to 50 hours before they turn negative [7]. 

 

It’s best to play it safe and assume that you need to wait several half-lives before a drug test may be clear. While half of the L-form will be cleared from your body in 13 hours, you need 26 hours before your liver removes 75% of it. At 39 hours, this rises to 87.5%, then 93.75% at 52 hours, or a little over 4 days. 

Factors Influencing the Duration of Adderall in the System

Your rate of drug metabolism and how much Adderall you take affects your clearance time once you stop taking Adderall. 

Frequency of Use

Chronic use of any drug can lead to higher levels in the blood and tissues. As a result, it can take longer for your body to clear it, even if you have built up enough tolerance not to notice any symptoms [7]. 

Age and Health Condition

Older adults and people with health conditions that can affect drug metabolism typically take longer to clear Adderall and other drugs from their system. Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs) slow down CYP2D6, so use a high degree of caution if you have depression and need this type of medication [1]. 

Metabolism

The rate of drug metabolism can speed or slow the clearance of Adderall from your system. Anything that slows CYP2D6 enzyme activity or is cleared by the same enzyme can increase the levels of Adderall in your body [1]. 

Dosage 

In general, higher doses can take more time to clear or fall to levels low enough that you will experience no side effects. One study demonstrated that 88% of people taking a 20mg dose of Adderall tested positive for the drug in urine. However, only 19% tested positive after a 5mg dose and 67% after a 10mg dose [7]. 

Side Effects and Risks of Long-Term Adderall Use

Long-term Adderall use can cause serious side effects, which is why the FDA does not recommend indefinite use. 

 

Common side effects of Adderall include insomnia, reduced appetite, headaches, dry mouth, irritability, a rapid heartbeat, and higher blood pressure. Its cardiac side effects are why anyone with a heart condition or a family history of arrhythmias or cardiomyopathy needs regular examinations to remain on the medication [1].

Side Effects in Children

Children taking Adderall long-term have a risk of impaired growth. It is usually a slight difference of 4.7 centimeters on average, caused by reduced appetite. High doses of Adderall over long periods can damage or destroy dopamine terminals in the brain, but only at amounts seen in recreational use [1]. 

 

In extreme cases, some people have died or experienced severe cardiovascular problems with typical Adderall use. We do not recommend trying any amount of Adderall without a prescription if you have a heart condition [4].

Best Adderall Alternatives

If you do not want to take Adderall, supplements such as MindVitality, Addall XR, and Noocube may support cognitive function. These are known as nootropics or supplements designed to boost mental performance. 

 

Nootropics have grown in popularity because their blends of natural ingredients can help increase neurotransmitter production less forcefully. This leads to fewer (if any) side effects. 

1. MindVitality – Best Adderall Alternative Overall

MindVitality contains 17 ingredients that may support dopamine production and benefit your overall brain health. It’s our favorite nootropic to use as an Adderall alternative if you are looking for a nootropic to enhance your cognitive performance. 

Formula

One potent ingredient in MindVitality is N-acetyl-l-tyrosine. Tyrosine is the amino acid your brain uses to make dopamine and norepinephrine. Research demonstrates that tyrosine supplementation can improve cognitive function even during stressful, demanding situations [9]. 

 

Another helpful ingredient that MindVitality includes is Rhodiola rosea, an adaptogen known for boosting stress resilience. A paper on male students found Rhodiola to be effective in improving reaction time, including in both “simple” and “choice” reaction tests. These may be relevant if you have upcoming exams or work in a profession where you must make snap decisions [10]. 

Pricing

MindVitality costs $59.95 for a one-time purchase. If you choose the subscription, you can save 20% per month by paying $47.99. There’s also a 100-day money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work for you. 

User Reviews

MindVitality user reviews are hard to come by as there aren’t any on the official website, and the product isn’t listed on Amazon either. If you’re considering trying MindVitality, your best bet might be to reach out to friends and family who might have used the product. Alternatively, searching for independent reviews online could provide some insights from other users.

 

2. Addall XR – Convenient Travel Packs

Addall XR is a nootropic supplement designed to enhance mental performance conveniently. You can choose from capsules, a liquid shot, or a “travel pack” with two capsules. The Addall XR shot has a more rapid onset of effect, so we recommend it if you deal with last-minute calls to work or other mentally demanding tasks. 

Formula

Addall XR uses a proprietary blend of ingredients. It is caffeine-free and focuses on boosting your body’s neurotransmitter production. 

 

It contains gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter that may help you think more clearly and sleep better. What’s more, GABA may also help improve attention span. The neurotransmitter seems to help your brain use limited resources for attention more efficiently, making it suitable for mentally tiring situations [11]. 

Pricing

The Addall XR Travel Pack is the most convenient formulation. It comes in packets of 2 capsules, which is enough for one dose. You can choose between bundles of 1, 3, 6 and 12 packets. A one-time purchase of 12 packets costs $44.95, and a subscription costs $35.96.

User Reviews

Addall XR has received mixed user reviews on its official website. One user, who has ADHD and has been using Adderall XR, reported that Addall XR works quite well as a more natural alternative. They found it helpful in their quest to move away from pharmaceutical medications.

 

On the other hand, another user felt that while the initial dose of Addall XR seemed effective, subsequent doses were disappointing, suggesting a decrease in effectiveness over time.

3. Noocube – Great for Energy

The new and improved Noocube is now more allergy-friendly, with soy and oat ingredients replaced by similar alternatives. If you couldn’t take it before because of an intolerance or allergy to gluten or soy, now you can. 

Formula

One ingredient in Noocube that stood out to us is Panax ginseng or Korean ginseng. This herbal remedy has been shown to increase the counts of your mitochondria by over 30%. The mitochondria produce almost all of your cells’ energy. As your brain is the most energy-demanding part of your body, it may benefit the most from Korean ginseng [12]. 

 

Noocube’s new ingredients include d-biotin, a more bioavailable form of biotin (vitamin B7). Lab research shows that biotin is essential for learning and memory, as well as motor function. Part of biotin’s effects are due to its dopamine-boosting properties [13]. 

Pricing

Noocube costs $64.99 for one bottle, enough for 30 doses. The most popular deal is the three-month supply for $129.99, including a free third month and a Brain Guide. There is also free shipping worldwide. 

User Reviews

Noocube’s user reviews contrast starkly with those listed on its official website and the feedback available on Trustpilot, where its profile remains unclaimed. On its official site, some users noted that Noocube helped them manage stress and improve cognitive function. 

 

However, the narrative shifts on Trustpilot, where some users are not entirely happy with the nootropic. For example, one user reported no benefits even after taking Noocube for four months, including increasing the dosage from the suggested two capsules to four daily without any noticeable effect. 

4. Hunter Focus – Well-Researched Formula

Hunter Focus is one of the best nootropics when it comes to backing their products’s efficacy. With over 20 ingredients, you can see the scientific research backing up their use. 

Formula

When researching Hunter Focus, phosphatidylserine was one ingredient that stood out to us. It is a naturally occurring substance that forms part of brain tissue and helps regulate brain cells’ functions. 

 

A study on children with ADHD found that phosphatidylserine can significantly improve total symptom scores, auditory memory, inattention, and impulsivity. Their total inattention error scores fell from 2.8 to 0.2 on one test and 1.0 to 0.1 on another. What’s more, their DSM-IV scores for ADHD dropped from 11.4 to 7.2 [14]. 

Pricing

While 1 bottle of Hunter Focus costs $90.00, you can get the biggest savings with the 4-month package for $270.00. This package includes a free Boss Workout plan, too. 

User Reviews

On the official website, one user who claims to have tried over 50 nootropic stacks over the years praises Hunter Focus as one of the best nootropics, commending its well-developed nootropic formula. 

 

Conversely, a user on Amazon shared a less favorable experience, reporting that they initially tolerated the supplement well. However, subsequent doses led to undesirable side effects such as jitteriness, a racing heart, and palpitations, all of which they attributed to the anhydrous caffeine in the product.

5. Neuro Gum Energy & Focus – Best Nootropic in Gummy Form

Neuro Gum Energy & Focus is another convenient nootropic, which we recommend if you have trouble swallowing pills, or simply prefer a chewable nootropic. They are free of gluten and sugar, and do not contain the artificial sweetener aspartame. 

Formula

Neuro Gum Energy & Focus offers a simple formula of caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 and B12. Caffeine and L-theanine may be a dynamic duo for improving your cognitive function. 

 

What makes using caffeine great is its ability to boost dopamine and acetylcholine, which promote motivation, mental energy, and cognition. L-theanine is typically seen as a more calming ingredient that increases GABA levels. However, it stimulates glutamate, too, just like caffeine [15].

Pricing

Neuro Gum Energy & Focus is available in both chewing gum and mint form, making it feel more like a candy than a supplement. Both come in peppermint and cinnamon flavors. For the best deal, we recommend the 90-piece or 120-piece packages, which cost 47 and 41 cents per dose, respectively. 

User Reviews

Neuro Gum Energy & Focus has garnered a pretty solid rating on Amazon—4.4 out of 5 stars based on 310 global reviews. One user raved about its convenience, noting that you can enjoy its energy-boosting and focus-enhancing benefits anywhere. They think it’s an excellent choice for a supplement. 

 

On the flip side, other users mentioned that there were hiccups with quality control; another user reported receiving their order with the seal broken and the pack half empty.

FAQs

Here are common questions you may have when first learning about the effects of Adderall. 

Is Adderall Addictive?

Yes, it is possible to become addicted to Adderall. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) orders a black box warning stating that amphetamines carry a high risk of abuse. They also discourage the long-term use of Adderall, even as a prescribed drug. 

 

The potent stimulant and euphoric effects of Adderall are the main reasons why they are addictive. Your brain may also produce lower neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, to compensate. Depression and severe fatigue are typical effects of suddenly stopping long-term, high-dose use of Adderall [1][4]. 

Can Adderall Be Flushed From the System?

The easiest way to flush Adderall out of your system is with time and sufficient hydration. However, valerian and ginkgo herbal remedies (in high doses) can increase CYP2D6 activity [8].

What Does Adderall Test Positive For?

Adderall is the commercial name for amphetamines. There is also a risk of getting a false positive for methamphetamines, as they are similar substances. 

How Long Does 20mg of Adderall Last?

A 20mg dose of Adderall XR can last up to 12 hours. Shorter-acting formulations are usually sold in lower 5mg doses, as they are meant to be split up throughout the day. 

How Long Does Adderall IR Stay in Your System?

The clinical effects of Adderall IR last four to six hours. However, the half-lives of the D- and L-forms of amphetamine are 10 and 13 hours, respectively.

How Long Does Adderall XR Stay in Your System?

Adderall XR can work for 8 to 12 hours, while other brands containing the same ingredient, like Mydayis, can last up to 16 hours. 

Does Adderall Lose Effectiveness Over Time?

Adderall can lose effectiveness as your body becomes more efficient at detoxifying it, and your brain adjusts its neurotransmitter production to compensate. This is why people with addictions may tolerate 100 times the recommended dose. 

How Long Does It Take for Adderall To Kick in, and How Long Does It Last?

Adderall can take 1 or 2 hours to kick in and then last anywhere from four to 12 hours. 

Final Thoughts

Adderall is a powerful stimulant drug that can stay in your system for several days, even if the effects wear off in hours. Its use should not be taken lightly, as the health and legal risks are too great. 

 

If you do not have ADHD and are instead looking for a natural, effective brain performance enhancer, nootropic supplements may be more helpful. MindVitality was our top pick overall, followed by Addall XR for its convenience. 

References

1. Martin, Dustin, and Jacqueline K. Le. “Amphetamine.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 31 July 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556103/.
2. Childress, Ann C. “Novel Formulations of ADHD Medications: Stimulant Selection and Management.” Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing) vol. 19,1 (2021): 31-38. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20200032
3. Berke, Joshua D. “What does dopamine mean?.” Nature neuroscience vol. 21,6 (2018): 787-793. doi:10.1038/s41593-018-0152-y
4. Adderall ® CII (Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate and Amphetamine Sulfate Tablets). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/011522s043lbl.pdf 
5. Nazila Sharbaf Shoar, et al. “Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 26 Dec. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507808/.
6. Brahm, Nancy C et al. “Commonly prescribed medications and potential false-positive urine drug screens.” American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists vol. 67,16 (2010): 1344-50. doi:10.2146/ajhp090477
7. Verstraete, Alain G. “Detection times of drugs of abuse in blood, urine, and oral fluid.” Therapeutic drug monitoring vol. 26,2 (2004): 200-5. doi:10.1097/00007691-200404000-00020
8. Hellum, Bent H et al. “The induction of CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 by six trade herbal products in cultured primary human hepatocytes.” Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology vol. 100,1 (2007): 23-30. doi:10.1111/j.1742-7843.2007.00011.x
9. Jongkees, Bryant J et al. “Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands–A review.” Journal of psychiatric research vol. 70 (2015): 50-7. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.08.014
10. Jówko, Ewa et al. “Effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation on mental performance, physical capacity, and oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy men.” Journal of sport and Health Science vol. 7,4 (2018): 473-480. doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2016.05.005
11. Leonte, Anna et al. “Supplementation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) affects temporal, but not spatial visual attention.” Brain and cognition vol. 120 (2018): 8-16. doi:10.1016/j.bandc.2017.11.004
12. Jung, Dong-Hyuk et al. “Effects of ginseng on peripheral blood mitochondrial DNA copy number and hormones in men with metabolic syndrome: A randomized clinical and pilot study.” Complementary therapies in medicine vol. 24 (2016): 40-6. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2015.12.001
13. Munzuroğlu, Mustafa et al. “Effects of biotin deficiency on short term memory: The role of glutamate, glutamic acid, dopamine and protein kinase A.” Brain research vol. 1792 (2022): 148031. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148031
14. Hirayama, S et al. “The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Journal of human nutrition and dietetics : the official journal of the British Dietetic Association vol. 27 Suppl 2 (2014): 284-91. doi:10.1111/jhn.12090
15. Anas Sohail, Anas et al. “The Cognitive-Enhancing Outcomes of Caffeine and L-theanine: A Systematic Review.” Cureus vol. 13,12 e20828. 30 Dec. 2021, doi:10.7759/cureus.20828