The Ultimate Guide: How Long Does Adderall Last? A Breakdown of Duration and Dosage Adderall is a prescription medication that's used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and narcolepsy. It contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These stimulants work by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain, which helps to improve attention, concentration, and mood. If you've been prescribed Adderall, you may be wondering how long the effects last and what dosage is right for you. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive breakdown of Adderall's duration and dosage, so you can make informed decisions about your medication regimen. How Long Does Adderall Last? The duration of Adderall's effects depends on several factors, including the dosage, your body weight and metabolism, and whether you take the medication with or without food. Generally, the effects of Adderall will last for 4-6 hours for immediate-release tablets or up to 12 hours for extended-release capsules. Immediate-Release Adderall Immediate-release Adderall (IR) is the most commonly prescribed form of the medication. It's available as a tablet in strengths ranging from 5mg to 30mg. The effects of IR Adderall typically peak 1-2 hours after ingestion and will last for 4-6 hours. This means that you may need to take multiple doses throughout the day to maintain the medication's effects. Extended-Release Adderall Extended-release Adderall (XR) is designed to provide a longer-lasting effect compared to IR tablets. It's available as a capsule in strengths ranging from 5mg to 30mg. The effects of XR Adderall typically begin to take effect within 30-60 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 12 hours. This means that you may only need to take one dose of XR Adderall per day. Factors That Affect Adderall's Duration Several factors can affect how long Adderall lasts in your system, including: Dosage - Generally speaking, higher doses of Adderall will stay in your system longer than lower doses. Body weight and metabolism - People with a higher body weight and faster metabolism may process Adderall more quickly than those with a lower weight and slower metabolism. Food intake - Taking Adderall on an empty stomach may increase its absorption and extend its effects, while taking it with food may decrease its absorption and shorten its effects. Other medications - Certain medications, such as antacids, can interact with Adderall and alter its duration. Dosage Guide for Adderall The appropriate dosage of Adderall will depend on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your age, weight, and other medical conditions. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose and gradually increase it until you reach the optimal dosage for your needs. The typical starting dose for immediate-release Adderall is 5mg-10mg per day, while the starting dose for extended-release Adderall is 10mg per day. The maximum daily dosage for both forms is 60mg. It's important to note that taking high doses of Adderall can be dangerous. It can cause serious side effects, including heart problems and seizures. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions and never exceed the recommended dosage. Conclusion In summary, Adderall is a medication that's used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Its effects typically last for 4-6 hours for immediate-release tablets or up to 12 hours for extended-release capsules. Several factors can affect Adderall's duration, including dosage, body weight, metabolism, food intake, and other medications. The appropriate dosage of Adderall will depend on several factors, and it's important to follow your doctor's instructions to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.Ok, so let's look over here how long does adderall last.