Amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that increases alertness, self-confidence, and concentration while creating a feeling of increased energy and decreased appetite. Amphetamine is available by prescription but is also used illicitly as a recreational drug. It is also sometimes used by athletes as a performance-enhancing drug. Prescription amphetamine-containing medications include:
Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine) Adderall RX (a long-acting form of dextroamphetamine/amphetamine) Desoxyn (methamphetamine) Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
Amphetamines were also once used to treat narcolepsy and obesity, but this is less common today. Amphetamine is a schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for misuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. It can be detectable for up to three months with certain tests.
How Long Does It Take to Feel Effects?
The effects of amphetamine are apparent fairly quickly, often in less than an hour, and are similar to cocaine but last longer. Blood: Up to 48 hours Saliva: Up to five days Hair: Up to three months When taken as prescribed, amphetamine-containing medication can cause side effects. These often improve as your body gets used to the drug, but can include:
Depression Dry mouth Headaches Increased tics Loss of appetite Moodiness and irritability Nausea Nervousness Trouble sleeping
Side effects of excessive use or misuse can range from mild to severe and include:
Breakdown of muscle Blockages in small blood vessels (if the drug is crushed and injected) Cardiovascular issues (e.g., heart rhythm abnormalities, heart attack, stroke) Circulation issues Convulsions Hallucinations Headaches Increased blood pressure Increased heart rate Insomnia Malnutrition Paranoia Psychosis and delusions Reduced cognitive ability Weight loss
How Long Does Amphetamine Last?
The half-life of amphetamine is an average of 10 hours, which means it takes that long for half of the ingested dose to be metabolized and eliminated from the bloodstream. When taken orally, amphetamine is absorbed into the bloodstream by your stomach and intestine, which is why traces of amphetamines are found in blood and urine. When taken orally, amphetamine peaks at 12 hours. If taken intravenously, the elimination half-life is about 12.2 hours. Adderall XR, a long-acting form of prescription amphetamine, lasts up to 12 hours in most healthy children. The following is an estimated range of times, or detection windows, during which amphetamine can be detected by various testing methods.
Urine
Amphetamine can be detected in a urine test for two to five days after the last dose.
Blood
Blood tests for amphetamine, which are typically done in a hospital setting, can detect the drug for up to two days after usage.
Saliva
A saliva test, which uses a special device to extract a sample of saliva and deposit into a tube, can detect amphetamine for one to five days after use.
Hair
Amphetamine, like many other drugs, can be detected with a hair follicle drug test for up to 90 days.
False Positive Testing
The following drugs can produce false-positive results for amphetamines on a urine drug screen:
Certain antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion), Prozac (fluoxetine), trazodone, or Emsam (selegiline) Antihistamines Nasal inhalers Cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine and/or promethazine, such as Sudafed, Claritin, Mucinex, and Triaminic
Factors That Affect Detection Time
Trying to determine exactly how long amphetamine is detectable in the body depends on many variables, including how frequently it is used, how much was used, and the metabolism, body mass, age, and overall health of the person who took it.
Dosage
Prescription amphetamines come in different strengths as well as immediate and extended-release forms, which can impact how long it takes for the body to metabolize the drug. For example, a 5mg dose of Adderall will have a shorter detection time than a 5mg dose of Adderall XR (the extended-release form).
Overall Health
Liver and kidney function can play a role in how long it takes for the body to excrete amphetamine. People with decreased hepatic or renal function may eliminate amphetamine more slowly.
Frequency of Use
People who use amphetamine very frequently or as prescribed by a doctor will have longer detection times than those who use the drug one time.
Metabolic Rate
People with high metabolisms process and excrete amphetamine more quickly than those with a slower metabolism. Metabolic rate can be affected by age, activity level, and overall health.
Method of Use
The method by which amphetamine is taken—swallowing, snorting, smoking, or injecting—also influences detection time. In general, the faster the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, the shorter the detection window, so if you smoke or inject amphetamine, it will leave the body faster than if you snort or swallow it.
How to Get Amphetamine Out of Your System
While many people try to sweat or flush amphetamines from their systems, the only proven way to clear your body of the drug is to discontinue use and to give your body time to metabolize and eliminate it.
Symptoms of Overdose
One reason that it is important to know how long amphetamine remains in your system is because of the risk of overdose. If you or someone you love is prescribed a long-acting amphetamine, like Adderall RX, be sure to always swallow capsules whole; they should never be chewed or crushed, as this could release all the medication at once and increase the risk of overdose. The symptoms of a possible amphetamine overdose include:
Aggressive behaviorBlurred visionComaConfusionDiarrheaDizzinessFaintingFast breathingFast or irregular heartbeatFeelings of panicFeverHallucinationsRestlessnessSeizuresUncontrollable shaking of a part of the bodyUpset stomachVomiting
Getting Help
Another danger of taking more of the drug than prescribed is that it can become addictive. When taken as prescribed for a health condition such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), amphetamine is not usually addictive, but when misused—to get high or to improve performance—people can become dependent on it. The body can also build up a tolerance for amphetamine, meaning that over time, it may require more of the drug to achieve the same effect. Taking more to reach the high or performance level you once experienced can lead to addiction or overdose. Once someone is dependent on amphetamine, they may experience symptoms of withdrawal if they stop taking it. These symptoms include:
Aches and painsHeadachesIncreased appetiteMood swingsLack of concentrationSleep disturbancesStrong cravings
If you experience any of the above symptoms when you try to cut back or stop using amphetamine, seek medical advice immediately. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
