Adderall is a generic medicine that a doctor uses to treat ADHD and even narcolepsy. It helps people to concentrate better, remain awake, and manage impulsive behavior. However, a question most frequently asked by people is, How long does Adderall take to work? This question matters a lot, such as what kind of Adderall you are taking, how your body reacts to it, and how you take it (whether you eat it or not). In simple words, let us take a look at everything.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a combination of two active ingredients, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Such chemicals influence the central nervous system and the brain. They enhance some of the brain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Such chemicals help in focus, alertness, and attention.
Doctors frequently prescribe Adderall to those with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). It helps them focus and accomplish tasks with ease. Some individuals also use it to treat narcolepsy, which is a sleeping disorder that leads to sudden sleep attacks.
Different Types of Adderall
Adderall is in two primary forms, Adderall Immediate Release (IR) and Adderall Extended Release (XR). The effect of Adderall IR is quick and short-term. It generally begins to act within 30 minutes to 1 hour after you take it. The effects take an approximate duration of 4 to 6 hours. Individuals who use Adderall IR have to consume over a day’s dose.
If compared to Adderall XR, however, it is slower and longer-lasting. It starts to act after approximately 30 minutes to 1hour as well, yet the effects may last as long as 10-12 hours. In this form, the medicine is a slow-release version and is taken all day. The majority of people take it once in the morning.
How Long Does It Take to Start Working?
For the majority of people, Adderall starts to take effect between 30 and 60 minutes after taking it. You may start feeling more concentrated or awake. The time might make a slight difference in individuals.
When you are taking Adderall IR, you may feel its effects a touch quicker. When you use Adderall XR, the effects are slower to manifest, but they are of a longer duration. Both of them start working relatively quickly compared to other ADHD medicines.
The Way You Feel When It Begins to Work
As Adderall starts to affect you, you can experience some differences in your mood and mindset. You would be more alert, attentive, or energized. It is said by some to be in a clear mind or that one is capable of concentrating on doing one thing without becoming distracted.
However, the initial days of Adderall use may be somewhat strange. Other individuals experience additional attentiveness or restlessness. There may not be a great difference to others. It may take several days or even weeks for your body to adjust to it.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
The duration of action of Adderall varies depending on the type of Adderall you are taking.
- Adderall IR (Immediate Release): This type of Adderall medicine has a duration of approximately 4 to 6 hours.
- Adderall XR (Extended Release): This type of Adderall medicine has a lasting time of 10-12 hours.
Once the effects have worn off, some people feel fatigued or crash, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “crashing.” This is natural, particularly when the dose expires towards the end of the day. To control this, doctors often change either the time or the dosing schedule.
Does Food Have Impact on the Rapidity of Action?
Yes, food has the ability to modify the speed of action of Adderall. This medicine is taken on an empty stomach, often to work quickly. It may take a long time for the medication to start working when taken with food, especially fatty foods.
To achieve maximum effectiveness, most doctors recommend taking this medicine in the morning, either before going to bed or with a light breakfast. This is useful when you want to get maximum impact during the day when most of your attention is required.
How the Body Processes Adderall
When you take an Adderall tablet or capsule, it is absorbed into your body via your stomach and intestines. Then it enters your blood and it gets to your brain. That’s when it starts to work.
Adderall XR is set to deliver medicine in two stages. The initial part works shortly after its intake. The next part is later released, which provides you with a continuous effect for several hours. This slow release helps minimize the need for multiple doses per day.
Factors That Affect How Fast Adderall Works
The effects of using this medicine are not observed by everyone at the same time. Others experience it within 20 minutes, while others may take an hour or longer. This can be influenced by a huge number of factors, including:
- Metabolism: Individuals who have higher metabolisms may experience it at an earlier age.
- Age and Weight: These factors will have an impact on the rate of absorption of the medicine within the body.
- Diet: Before taking this medicine, you may need to eat slowly or skip a meal.
- Other Medicines: There are medicines that may interfere with the functioning of Adderall.
- Health Disorders: Delays absorption due to liver or stomach issues.
Due to these reasons, your doctor may adjust your dosage or schedule to help you achieve the best possible results.
How to Know If Adderall Is Working
As soon as this medicine starts to function effectively, you can likely notice improvements in your concentration and behavior. You may be less distracted, less in control, and more productive.
In the case of children or teens with ADHD, teachers and parents may notice better performance at school or an increase in attention to activities.
But when you are anxious, restless, or over-energetic, it means your dose is too high. You must never hesitate to discuss your feelings with your doctor. Do not alter your dose independently.
What Do You Think Will Happen When You Have Nothing to Feel?
Other people do not experience the effects of this medicine immediately. This does not necessarily show that it is not working. Your body may reach this point gradually.
And allow at least a week or two, in case you have just started taking this medicine. If you still haven’t noticed any change after that, your doctor may adjust the dosage or change the medicine.
In other cases, the problem may be connected with food, sleep, or other drugs. These factors should always be discussed with your healthcare provider.
The Peak and the Come Down
Once this medicine begins to work, it peaks, or you experience the strongest reactions. In the case of Adderall IR, the maximum time occurs approximately 1-3 hours after taking it. In the case of Adderall XR, it may happen 4-6 hours afterwards.
As the medicine starts wearing off, a few individuals develop a comedown or crash. You may feel fatigued, angry, or less attentive. This is normal, and it usually indicates that the medicine is getting out of your system.
These side effects may be minimized by keeping hydrated, having balanced meals, and getting adequate sleep.
How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?
Although these effects may disappear after some hours, Adderall may stay in your body. It may last within your system for between 2 and 3 days after your last dose. The exact time will be determined depending on the amount that you consume, frequency, and the way your body handles it. This will matter when taking tests of medicine because Adderall may appear in the urine for several days.
When to Take Adderall for the Best Results
Adderall has timing issues. The majority of people consume it in the mornings. This would enable them to remain concentrated during the day and prevent problems sleeping at night. When you use Adderall XR, taking it in the afternoon can make it hard to sleep later. Never take your dose at a time that is not according to your doctor’s instructions. Excessive intake should be avoided to maintain alertness, as it may lead to side effects or restlessness.
Side Effects You Might Notice
Adderall, like any other medication, does have some side effects. Common symptoms include loss of appetite, dry mouth, and difficulty sleeping. Other individuals also have a heartbeat, anxiety, or headaches. If you experience any of these side effects, please inform your doctor. The majority of them become better as soon as the organism becomes used to the medicine. There are a few serious side effects, particularly with taking the prescribed amount.
Tips to Make Adderall Work Better
Adderall is to be taken as instructed to achieve excellent outcomes. It is not to be missed or overdosed. Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water. Get as much sleep as possible at night, as Adderall is more effective when the body is at rest. Moreover, do not drink excessive caffeine because it might make a person jittery or anxious. When taking Adderall XR, swallow the capsule. It should not be crushed or chewed, as this will release the medicine immediately.
When to Call Your Doctor
You can call your doctor in case you believe that Adderall is not effective, or in case you observe any severe symptoms. Your doctor may have to either re-dose you or put you on a different form. In addition to that, get medical attention immediately in case of chest pains, dyspnea, or high anxiety. These side effects are not common but severe.
Final Thoughts
Then, what is the time of effect of Adderall? In most cases, it starts to work within 30-60 minutes. Adderall IR has a duration of approximately 4 to 6 hours, whereas Adderall XR has a lasting capacity of 10 to 12 hours. The speed of the work is also determined by your body, metabolism, food consumption, and other individual characteristics. Always be ready to take this medicine as your doctor advises you to and allow your body time to adapt. And keep in mind that all people are different in their bodies; something that works quickly with one individual may take more time with another.
FAQs
Q1: How can one describe what it is like when Adderall is working?
You are more attentive, wakeful, and relaxed. One finds it easier to stay focused and think. A lot of individuals are also more inspired to work.
Q2: Is 10mg of Adderall a lot?
No, 10mg is a small dose. They usually begin with this figure to determine your response. The dose may be modified later if necessary.