How long does Adderall XR last?

In this article:

• How does Adderall work?
• Effects timeline
• Adderall XR duration
• Factors impacting duration
• Dependence and tolerance

In this article

• How does Adderall work?
• Effects timeline
• Adderall XR duration
• Factors impacting duration
• Dependence and tolerance

Treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) typically involves a combination of methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy in addition to medication. Adults may also benefit from workplace adjustments, while children, teenagers, and college students often require educational support. Two commonly prescribed treatment options for ADHD are Adderall and Adderall XR.

Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It is sometimes referred to as immediate-release Adderall or Adderall IR. Adderall XR is an extended-release formulation of Adderall that is used to treat ADHD. Although Adderall XR has the same active ingredients as Adderall, it is formulated to release the medicine over time. Adderall XR generally lasts up to eight to 12 hours, compared to Adderall—the length of time Adderall IR works is about four to six hours. Continue reading to learn more about Adderall XR and how it works.

How does Adderall work?

As a CNS stimulant, the way Adderall and Adderall XR work is not completely understood. These drugs are thought to work by regulating levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Adderall and Adderall XR are classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II controlled substance, as they have a high potential for abuse and dependence and are considered dangerous.

The timeframe of Adderall XR effects

Adderall XR is usually prescribed in the morning. After a dose, the medicine reaches its maximum effects in about seven hours, compared to about three hours with immediate-release Adderall. The effects of Adderall XR generally last between eight and 12 hours.

According to the prescribing information, Adderall XR capsules contain two types of beads: immediate-release and delayed-release. The immediate-release beads start to work immediately, while the delayed-release beads are released more gradually. This combination allows Adderall XR to maintain its effects for longer than immediate-release Adderall, which delivers its medication all at once.

How long does Adderall XR last?

A dose of Adderall XR should last about eight to 12 hours. This is longer than immediate-release Adderall, where a dose lasts about four to six hours.

The half-life of a drug refers to the time required for half of the drug to be cleared from a person’s system. Generally, it takes about five half-lives for a drug to be almost eliminated. For Adderall, the half-life is typically between nine and 14 hours, though this can vary based on factors like the individual’s age. Adderall XR has a similar half-life to Adderall.

After taking a dose of Adderall or Adderall XR, roughly half of the drug is eliminated from the body within nine to 14 hours. It usually takes around 45 to 70 hours—about five half-lives—for most of the drug to be cleared from the body. This estimate applies to the last use if no additional doses are taken. If more doses are taken, the body will continue to process the drug. 

Factors that impact the duration of Adderall XR

Since Adderall XR is an extended-release capsule, it should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed. However, for individuals, especially children, who have difficulty swallowing pills, the capsule can be opened and the medication sprinkled on applesauce and immediately consumed. Opening the Adderall XR capsule does not speed up its absorption, though. It will still be absorbed the same way as swallowing the capsule whole. 

Several factors can affect how long Adderall XR lasts, including food intake, certain medical conditions, and interactions with other drugs or vitamins.

Food

Adderall XR can be taken with or without food. Food does not affect how well the medicine is absorbed. However, a high-fat meal can prolong the time it takes for the medicine to reach its maximum effects. 

Medical conditions

The kidneys and liver process Adderall XR. People with kidney or liver problems may have trouble processing the drug, which can result in the drug staying in the body longer than usual. 

Drug interactions

Certain medications can interact with Adderall XR, resulting in varying effects from serious side effects to decreased absorption of Adderall XR. The following medications should be avoided while taking Adderall XR:

• Combining Adderall XR with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medicine (or even taking them within 14 days of each other) can result in dangerously high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or death. 
• Combining Adderall XR with drugs that affect serotonin levels can cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Some examples of these medicines include certain antidepressants, triptans for migraine, and opioid pain medicines.
• Medicines that affect an enzyme called CYP2D6 may increase levels of Adderall XR in the body, leading to serotonin syndrome. Examples of these drugs include Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion). 
• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Pamelor (nortriptyline) or Elavil (amitriptyline), may increase levels of Adderall XR in the body, which can worsen cardiovascular effects.
• Lithium can decrease the effects of Adderall XR. 
• Antacids can alter stomach acidity, which can decrease the absorption of Adderall XR.
• Drugs that alter urinary pH can impact blood levels and eliminate Adderall XR. For example, vitamin C can acidify the urine, which may lower Adderall XR levels in the blood.

This is not a full list of drug interactions, and others may occur. Before taking Adderall XR, tell your healthcare professional about all your medicines, including prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements. 

Adderall XR dependence and tolerance

Adderall XR may cause dependence and tolerance.

Physical dependence happens when your body gets used to a drug after taking it repeatedly, leading to withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it or significantly reduce the dose. Doing so may cause you to experience withdrawal symptoms such as feeling depressed, extremely tired, having vivid and unpleasant dreams, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, increased appetite, and feeling either very restless or unusually slow.

Tolerance means that over time, your body gets used to the drug, and you need to take a higher dose to get the same effect that you used to get with a lower dose.

To minimize the risk of dependence and tolerance, medical professionals will take measures such as:

• Assessing the risk of abuse and addiction before prescribing Adderall XR
• Prescribing the lowest effective dose of medicine
• Closely monitor patients who take Adderall XR for signs of misuse, dependence, and tolerance

Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice about dependence and tolerance. Any dosage changes should be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider.