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How Long Does It Take for Adderall to Work?
This stimulant medication is used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. As a brand-name medication of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, how long does it take for Adderall to work? It typically starts to work within 30 minutes to 1 hour, with effects wearing off after 4 to 6 hours at an average adult dose of 5 mg to 40 mg per day.
This is typically the case for immediate release tablets. Adderall XR or Mydayis XR, on the other hand, may last longer, around 12 hours in the body, as they release their effects gradually over time. Apart from the formulation, other factors can also affect how long it takes for this nervous system stimulant to work for ADHD patients, including dosage and severity of symptoms.
Also, taking it on a full stomach or with certain foods or medication may delay the onset of its effects. The medication works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping those with ADHD to focus and concentrate, stay awake, and remain alert. When used for narcolepsy, it helps patients stay awake during the day without sudden sleep attacks.
How long does it take for Adderall to kick in
This depends on which formulation your doctor has prescribed. Depending on which type of capsule you are taking, the medication can begin working from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Adderall IR (immediate release) capsules work quickly after you take them, typically within 30 minutes. It can take up to three hours for its effects to fully kick in, however, they do not last that long.
In contrast, the extended-release capsule, Adderall XR, may take 1 hour to start working, as it spreads its effects on the body gradually over time. This formulation may take longer to fully kick in, around 6 to 7 hours. However, it will last longer in your system by reducing ADHD symptoms for an extended duration. At an early stage, this form will not provide its full therapeutic effects.
As soon as the medication kicks in, adults and children with ADHD will be able to function properly, with improved focus, listening skills, attention, and concentration, which are otherwise difficult for them. Taking it at the right doses can also provide a sense of calmness in them. In the longer time frame, they will feel less stressed and no longer feel like falling behind on tasks.
Factors affecting how long it takes stimulants like amphetamines to work:
- ● Certain foods, like acidic foods and drinks (citrus fruit juices), can reduce your body’s potential to absorb the drug.
- ● Other stimulants, blood pressure medications, MAOI, SSRIs, and SNRIs may interact with amphetamines and increase the time it takes to kick in, as well as cause side effects.
- ● Taking Adderall on an empty stomach may help it kick in faster. Taking it with food will reduce its absorption and delay onset.
- ● The medication will take more time to start working, and its effects will not be as strong in people who are using it frequently.
- ● The effects will be much less in those who have developed tolerance and physical dependence on this drug.
How long does extended release Adderall last
The therapeutic effects of Adderall extended release capsules (XR) last around 8 to 12 hours. But the traces of the medication can be detected in your body system through several tests (blood, urine, hair follicle, saliva) for much longer than that. This time may increase depending on the dosage, frequency of intake, other health factors, and individual metabolism.
This formulation may sometimes last more than 12 hours. It will last longer in your system if you are taking high doses (more than the standard 40mg) or have been taking it for a long time, as the extended release capsule provides a gradual release of the drug. Also, if you have a high metabolism, it may only last a few hours less than it would for those with a lower metabolism.
How does Adderall work for ADHD?
How does Adderall work in people with ADHD? Upon oral intake, this central nervous system stimulant increases the amounts of certain brain chemicals, namely dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals work for those with hyperactivity disorder, reducing symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, distraction, difficulty focusing, and impulsivity.
People with ADHD will feel normal, more focused, attentive, and clear-headed after starting their treatment with this medication. It will help them concentrate more thoroughly and longer on a single activity or task. It will also enhance cognitive skills, listening, and learning skills and will help prevent childhood ADHD from developing into adolescence and adulthood.
How does Adderall work on the brain?
This medication contains four different salts of stimulants dextroamphetamine and amphetamine as its active ingredients. When taken, Adderall oral capsules (both IR and XR) block the reabsorption of dopamine and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the synaptic space.
Those who suffer from ADHD otherwise will have lower levels of these chemicals in their brain. When the levels return to normal, dopamine regulates mood, attention, and learning, and controls motor movement, while norepinephrine helps with staying awake and affects blood vessels, blood pressure, and heart rate.
By stimulating the nervous system, this medication improves your ability to pay attention, stay focused, stay awake during the day, and enhance your thinking and listening skills, as well as overall productivity at school and work. It boosts your performance and confidence, making you feel normal like others without ADHD.
How do you know Adderall is working
Even though it is unlikely that all symptoms to disappear completely, this brain stimulant will make physical and mental ADHD symptoms more manageable. If your medication for ADHD is working, you will start to feel less anxious, impulsive, and distracted, and experience fewer mood changes.
The following are the signs that this medication is effective and working for your ADHD:
- ● Noticing fewer mood swings and feeling less anxious
- ● Being able to consciously control impulsive behaviors and actions
- ● Finishing both small or boring tasks and time-consuming tasks without any distraction
- ● Easily recalling even small details from conversations
- ● Waking up and leaving the house on time
- ● Going to bed on time
- ● Recalling things learned at school
- ● Remembering small assigned work and details from meetings
- ● Avoiding distractions while studying or working
So, when a few symptoms improve, you should be able to tell that the medication is working.
