Kevin asked
How long does the drug Adderall last?
Answer
Adderall is a prescription stimulant used for the treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Stimulants are generally considered first line therapy for treatment of ADHD and Adderall is among the most commonly used medications.
Adderall is typically dosed one to three times daily and the effects generally last around 4 to 6 hours. Peak concentrations and effect occurs around 3 hours after administration. It is important to separate Adderall at least 6 hours before bedtime to avoid problems with sleep/insomnia.
Many times people find that Adderall doesn't provide adequate all day coverage or have trouble dosing more than once per day. Adderall XR is available as an alternative and has effects that last longer. Adderall XR typically lasts 8 to 14 hours per dose, with peak effects occurring about 7 hours after administration. Adderall XR is indicated to be dosed once daily.
It is important to note that Adderall and its metabolites take 2 to 4 days to be completely metabolized and eliminated from the body. Studies show that children metabolize Adderall slightly faster than adults. The half-life of the drug is reported to be about 9-11 hours in children but 10-13 hours in adults.
