Does Adderall Show Up On A Drug Test?

Popularly called the “get ahead” drug, many people including college students take Adderall even if they do not have the prescription to do so to reap its effects. Adderall, a brand name for a drug that is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also approved for the treatment of narcolepsy, which is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by sudden attacks of sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Adderall takes effect approximately after taking the drug. It is supposed to make you more focused, have better energy levels, and for some people, they say that the drug makes them feel more confident. How long does Adderall last depends on the formulation you are taking.

Adderall is available in two varieties: Adderall XR and Adderall IR. Adderall XR stands for “extended release” which means that you can feel the effects of the drug for 10 to 12 hours. On the other hand, Adderall IR stands for “immediate release” which means that the effects will only last for around 4 hours.

Adderall is often taken by people who want to improve their focus and concentration levels. Students who are in high-pressure academic environments turn to Adderall to help them cope with the demands of their school life.

Taking Adderall, however, is not limited to students. This drug is also popular in the workplace because it is said to provide users with laser-sharp focus and continuous energy. It is also reportedly becoming a popular drug for video gamers who want to enhance their performance and reflexes. Because Adderall is a stimulant, it could help people keep up their energy without sleep or food.

Will Adderall Show Up on a Drug Test?

Because Adderall is a prescription medication, many people have the misconception that it will not show up on a drug test. If you have recently taken Adderall or you have a prescription for Adderall who is undergoing drug testing very soon, you might be wondering whether Adderall will show up on your drug test results.

So, does Adderall show up on a drug test? The answer is YES. Adderall shows up on a drug test. If you have taken Adderall and then had a drug test, you will test positive for amphetamines.

The results will depend on when you last took the drug, how frequent or how much drug you’ve used, what kind of drug test was done, and other varying factors such as your body’s metabolism, weight, and kidney and liver function.

Generally, Adderall tends to leave the body very quickly but it can still show up on a drug test depending on the type of test performed. If you undergo a urine test, which is the most common type of testing, Adderall can be detected for up to 3 to 4 days after your last dose.

For a saliva test and a blood drug test, Adderall can be detected for 1 to 2 days only. If you are to undergo a hair drug test, however, the drug can be detected from one to three months. So even if you haven’t taken Adderall for weeks, it is still possible for it to be detected in your hair follicles.

Does Adderall Cause Failed Drug Test?

Yes, if you take Adderall, you will most likely test positive for amphetamines in a drug test. Adderall is a prescription drug that contains amphetamines, which can have similar effects to illicit drugs like methamphetamine. This means that when a drug test is performed, it is possible for the results to show the presence of amphetamines in your system, leading to a failed drug test.

It is important to note that Adderall is a legal prescription drug that is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, it is still classified as a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and addiction.

If you are required to take a drug test, it is best to notify the tester and provide proof of your prescription to avoid any misunderstandings. In some cases, individuals who have been prescribed Adderall may be given exemptions for testing positive for amphetamines, but this ultimately depends on the specific testing organization and their policies.

Overall, if you are taking Adderall, it is important to be aware of its potential effects on drug tests and to take necessary precautions to ensure accurate results.

What Happens If Adderall Shows Up in Your Drug Test?

If you have a legitimate prescription for Adderall due to your ADHD condition, taking this drug can result in a positive result for amphetamines. Several drugs show up on drug tests as amphetamines, including street meth. If your test is positive for amphetamines, you can show your legitimate Adderall prescription to clarify your results.

Many drug users who abuse Adderall think that they can “game” the drug testing by using fake pee or just showing their prescription and they can be scot-free.

However, the process does not stop there. If you test positive for amphetamines, there will be additional testing to identify the specific substance that triggered the positive results. This means that if you have been taking other amphetamine drugs aside from Adderall, this will be detected by the drug testing.

If you have been using street meth, for example, the drug testing will be able to identify that particular drug.

How to Quickly Get Adderall Out of Your System for a Drug Test?

As mentioned earlier, Adderall typically leaves the body quickly but if you are about to go into a random or sudden drug testing, it could still be detected in your body depending on the type of test performed.

If you are struggling with Adderall addiction, the safest and most effective way to get the drug out of your system is by seeking help from a professional addiction treatment center. Contact Anaheim Lighthouse today.

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr. Preet Joneja PsyD and the clinical team at Anaheim Lighthouse
Preet Joneja is the Clinical Director at Anaheim Lighthouse in Anaheim, California. She is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals suffering from mental and emotional disorders.

Related Topics:

Is Adderall Bad For You?

Adderall Study Drug: Is It Worth It?

How Long Does Adderall Last? Difference Between Adderall Immediate Release and Extended Release

Sources:

Fitzgerald, K., & Bronstein, A. C. (2013). Adderall® (Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine) Toxicity. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 28(1), 2–7. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2013.03.002

McCabe, S. E., Knight, J., Teter, C. J., & Wechsler, H. (2005). Non-medical use of prescription stimulants among US college students: prevalence and correlates from a national survey. Addiction, 100(1), 96–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.00944.x

Medical Disclaimer:

Anaheim Lighthouse provides fact-based information about the nature of health conditions, treatment options, and their related outcomes to enhance the quality of life for those who are battling with substance use or mental health disorders.

Our content is carefully researched, cited, edited, and evaluated. Nevertheless, please note that our materials are not meant to substitute or serve as a replacement for competent medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hence, it is essential to consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers for guidance.