If you are about to take a drug test and took Adderall recently, you may be asking yourself the question of whether this medication will show up on your results. People often mistakenly believe that Adderall is undetectable due to it being a prescription drug, however this is not necessarily the case.
In this article, we're going to answer the question on everyone's mind and provide more information on drug testing and Adderall.
What Is Adderall and What Is It Used for?
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved it to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy - a sleep disorder which is identified by unexpected naps and extreme daytime drowsiness. Adderall is a stimulant drug that's a mix of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, which is only given through prescription.
The duration of Adderall's effects can vary based on the form or formulation it is taken in: Adderall XR (Extended Release) and Adderall IR (Immediate Release). The extended release formula provides effects that typically last for around 12 hours, while the immediate release formula provides effects that generally last for 4 hours or less.
Adderall is regularly taken by those who need to enhance their concentration and attention levels. People report side effects like feeling more focused, energized and in some cases, more confident after taking the drug.
Many students in demanding educational settings abuse Adderall to manage their academic challenges. But Adderall use is not exclusive to students. The prescription medication is also frequently used in corporate settings due to its reputed capacity to give users consistent energy and intense concentration.
Adderall has even become popular amongst video gamers wishing to increase their reflexes and performance. Furthermore, Adderall provides users with an ability to maintain high energy levels even with no sleep or sustenance.
Does Adderall (XR and IR) Show Up on a Drug Test?
The answer is yes, Adderall can be detected in a drug test. Generally speaking however, an individual would test positive for amphetamines if they took Adderall.
While Adderall is known to be short-lived in the body, drug testing can still detect its presence for certain periods of times depending on the type of testing undertaken.
How Long Does Adderall Drug Stay in the Urine, Blood, Saliva, Hair?
How long Adderall stays in your body and the time for it to completely leave your body depends on several factors. Factors like frequency of use, the amount you've taken and your body's metabolism all affect how long does Adderall stay in your system.
Urine Test - With urine tests, Adderall may remain detectable for around 4 days since last taken.
Saliva Test & Blood Test - Saliva and blood tests are able to pick up traces of Adderall for 24 to 48 hours.
Hair Test - A hair follicle test may detect Adderall for 1 to 3 months.
What to Do If You Test Positive for the Drug Adderall?
Are you worried that Adderall, the medication prescribed to manage your ADHD symptoms, may show up on a drug test? Due to Adderall's chemical makeup, you could get a positive result for amphetamines in a drug test. If someone tests positive for amphetamines, additional testing may also be required to determine the exact drugs present.
If you are taking Adderall as prescribed, there is no need to worry if the drug is detected on a drug test. All you need to do is inform the testing lab that you are taking Adderall for a medical condition and provide them with your valid prescription.
Bring documentation of your prescription to the drug test or inform them of your condition beforehand so that they may take this into consideration when evaluating the results.
How to Remove Adderall from Your System Quickly
If you're applying for a new job or a sports scholarship and you need to take a drug test, you may want to try and remove all traces of Adderall from your system quickly.
You're probably searching online on the different methods to get rid of the drug quickly, but bear in mind that these methods may not be reliable. The best course of action is to stop taking the drug several days or weeks before a test.
If you find that you're struggling to quit, you may be addicted to Adderall. Consider speaking to a qualified addiction specialist for help.