What is Adderall?
Adderall contains Amphetamine as an active agent that works on the brain and nervous system to boost the functioning of certain neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the central nervous system and helps to treat and manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Being a CNS stimulant of the phenethylamine medication class, it is highly effective and one of the most common drugs of abuse. Here we will read that How long does Adderall stay in the body.
How long does Adderall stay in the body?
The time by which Adderall can be detected in the body depends upon several factors such as:
- PH level of urine
- Your weight
- Its dosages
- The potency of the medicine used
- Functioning of liver and kidney
The lasting effects of Adderall also depend upon the version of the drug used: if you have been prescribed immediate-release Adderall tablets, it will last around 4–6 hours per dose. On the other Adderall extended-release tablets lasts for 24 hours per dose.
According to the studies, it is concluded that Adderall can be traced through a blood test within 46 hours after its last use.
Adderall can also be traced through urine and saliva test.
Adderall Side effects and associated risks
Adderall contains Amphetamine (a CNS stimulant), making it the first-choice treatment for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, and may cause the following side effects:
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the stomach
- Unusual weight loss
- Mood swings
- Nervousness
- Rapid heart rate
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Dry mouth
Please observe your health while taking Adderall and stop taking medicine and seek emergency medical assistance if you experience the following health issues while using Adderall:
- Heart disorder resulting in pain in the chest, difficulty in breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Psychotic disorders such as hallucination, mood swings, aggression, hostility, paranoia
- Symptoms of blood circulation problems such as sudden numbness, unusual wounds, discolored-skin
- Seizures
- Twitching in the muscles
- Loss or change in the vision
- Symptoms of serotonin syndrome
- Any other severe allergic reaction to the medicine
In addition to these side effects, using Adderall can be risky for you if:
- You are allergic to the medicine or any of its components.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have or ever had certain health disorders.
- You are using certain medications that can dangerously interact with Adderall.
- You are an alcoholic or drug addict.
Is Adderall addictive?
Adderall is a habit-forming and highly addictive medicine, and it can be detrimental to your health if taken inappropriately or used without consulting a health expert.
Using Adderall for too long can make you drug-tolerant and can cause several other health issues.
Therefore, it is advisable to keep track of your medicine and never share your medicine with anyone who has or have a history of drug addiction or its abuse.
Adderall uses
Being a CNS stimulant, Adderall works on the brain and nervous system to treat Narcolepsy and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).
Alternatives
Sometimes it may be possible that using Adderall is not safe for you and can adversely affect your health if taken. Then, in that case, your doctor can advise you the following similar medication to treat narcolepsy and ADHD:
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, ProCentra, Zenzedi)
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- Amphetamine sulfate (Evekeo)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin SR, Metadate ER, Methylin ER)
- Amphetamine (Adzenys XR-ODT, Dyanavel XR)
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin XR)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- Methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Jornay PM, Metadate CD, Quillivant XR, Quillichew ER, Ritalin LA)
- Mydayis
- Serdexmethylphenidate/ dexmethylphenidate (Azstarys)
Key takeaways
Adderall is a CNS stimulant belonging to the phenethylamine medication class that works on the brain and nervous system to treat conditions like narcolepsy and ADHD.
The major effect of the medicine lasts upto 46 hours after its last use.
Although it is an effective and safe medication, it can still cause some mild and severe side effects. To avoid these fatal side effects, you should consult your doctor ASAP if you ever feel uneasy after taking Adderall.
It is also possible, using Adderall can deteriorate your health even more; therefore, it is advisable to ask your doctor to substitute Adderall with some other similar medication.