How long does Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) stay in the system to produce a positive urine drug screen?

From the Guidelines

Adderall can stay in the system for up to 4 days for a positive urine drug screen, but this duration may vary based on individual factors such as dosage and metabolism. The detection window for Adderall in urine can range from 2-4 days after the last dose for most users, but for chronic or heavy users, it may be detectable for up to a week 1. The active ingredients in Adderall, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, are metabolized by the liver and eliminated through urine.

Key Factors Influencing Detection Time

• Dosage: Higher doses can lead to longer detection times
• Frequency of use: Chronic use can result in longer detection times
• Metabolism: Individual metabolic rates can affect how quickly Adderall is eliminated
• Body mass: Higher body mass can lead to longer detection times
• Age: Older individuals may have slower metabolism, leading to longer detection times
• Hydration levels: Higher hydration levels can lead to faster elimination
• Urine pH: Changes in urine pH can affect the detection of Adderall It's essential to note that standard urine drug screens test for amphetamines as a class, not specifically for Adderall, so other prescription amphetamines or even some over-the-counter medications can potentially cause false positives 1. If you're taking Adderall as prescribed, it's crucial to inform the testing facility or medical professional about your prescription before the test to avoid misinterpretation of results.

From the FDA Drug Label

The average plasma T1/2 was similar for both the tablet and sustained-release capsule and was approximately 12 hours. The duration of action of Adderall in the system for a positive urine drug screen is not directly stated, but the half-life (T1/2) of dextroamphetamine is approximately 12 hours.

• This means the drug's concentration will decrease by half every 12 hours.
• However, this does not directly answer how long it will take for the drug to be completely eliminated from the system and no longer detectable in a urine drug screen. 2

From the Research

Adderall Detection in Urine

• Adderall, a mixture of d- and l-enantiomers of amphetamine salts, can be detected in urine for a certain period after administration 3, 4.
• The duration of detection depends on various factors, including the dose, individual metabolism, and urine pH.

Detection Timeframe

• Studies have shown that amphetamine concentrations in urine can remain above the administrative cutoff for a positive result (500 ng/mL) for up to 47:30 hours after a single 20 mg dose of Adderall 3.
• Repeated daily administration of 20 mg Adderall can result in amphetamine concentrations above the cutoff for up to 60:15 hours after the last dose 4.

Factors Influencing Detection

• Urine pH and flow can affect amphetamine excretion, with increased excretion at higher urine flow and lower pH 5.
• The proportion of l-enantiomer increases over time, which can help differentiate Adderall use from other amphetamine preparations 3, 4.

Variability in Detection

• There is considerable variability in amphetamine concentrations and detection times among individuals, making it challenging to predict the exact duration of detection 3, 4, 5.
• The use of immunoassays for screening may not always detect amphetamine in urine, especially at lower concentrations 3, 4, 5.