How Long Does Amphetamine Salts ER Stay in Your System?
Among treatment options for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, one of the most well-known brand names on the market today is Adderall. This combination of four different kinds of the stimulant amphetamine salts comes in various formulations, including an extended-release version referred to as amphetamine salts ER, that can provide long-lasting relief from ADHD symptoms. While these medications can be effective, they can also carry the risk of drug dependence, misuse, and addiction that requires specialized treatment at a Florida rehab for addiction.
Table of contents
» What Are Amphetamine Salts ER?
» Can Amphetamine Salts ER Still Be Detected After the Effects Wear Off?
» Can Taking Amphetamine Salts ER Lead to Dependence or Addiction?
» What Are the Warning Signs of Addiction to Amphetamine Salts ER?
» Key Takeaways on Amphetamine Salts ER
» Resources
What Are Amphetamine Salts ER?
Amphetamine salts ER is the extended-release version of this central nervous system stimulant that is primarily prescribed to treat ADHD. It is available under the brand name Adderall XR, and some generic formulations will be labeled as amphetamine salt combo ER.
Whatever the name on the label, this medication is actually the combination of four different amphetamine salts:
- Dextroamphetamine saccharate
- Amphetamine aspartate
- Dextroamphetamine sulfate
- Amphetamine sulfate
While some ADHD medications only contain one kind of amphetamine salt, such as Vyvanse or Concerta, Adderall is a specific ratio of four different salts. The “ER” in the name of this kind of drug stands for extended-release, meaning it’s designed to gradually release its dosage throughout the day rather than deliver a full dose immediately after taking a tablet.
Many ER capsules will actually contain two different kinds of beads: One that delivers an immediate dose of medication once ingested, and another that slowly releases it later over time. This can help the medication achieve an effective duration of 10 to 12 hours from a single morning dose. Immediate-release formulations of amphetamine salts will instead provide the full dose as soon as it’s taken, leading to a quicker period of onset and a shorter duration of effect.
Can Amphetamine Salts ER Still Be Detected After the Effects Wear Off?
Typically, medications prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms have a relatively short-lived duration of effect – just four to six hours for most immediate-release stimulant medications, and 10 to 12 hours for extended-release formulations like amphetamine salts ER. However, even if the effects have worn off, people who have taken these medications can still test positive for their presence in some drug tests, even days after they last took a pill.
For example, someone who took a single dose of amphetamine salts ER could test positive for amphetamines in a urine test for as long as three to four days. People who have used this drug for extended periods of time or taken higher dosages could test positive for much longer, even a week or so after they last took the medication. This drug can be detected in some saliva or blood tests for up to two days, while more expensive and less common drug tests of hair follicles can detect the presence of this substance as long as 90 days after it was last used.
Patients on amphetamine salts ER will typically take one dose of the medication each morning; taking it later in the day can increase the risk that they’ll suffer from sleep problems and insomnia. This one single dose can help them manage the symptoms of ADHD for 10 to 12 hours, providing long-lasting relief from the condition’s typical problems with things like focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity.
Can Taking Amphetamine Salts ER Lead to Dependence or Addiction?
Amphetamine salts ER and the immediate-release formulation of this kind of ADHD medication are central nervous stimulants that work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. While they can be effective medications in many patients, drugs like this are carefully controlled and considered to carry a high potential for misuse, dependence, and even addiction due to their powerful effects and the way they interact with brain chemistry in users.
Examples of misusing this kind of drug can include taking more than prescribed by your doctor, stealing or getting pills from someone else, and using the drug in some manner that wasn’t intended, such as snorting or smoking the medication rather than taking it in a pill. Some people will also combine this medication with other substances, including other drugs or alcohol, as a way to have more energy or boost their highs. One of the most common examples of misusing ADHD medication is seen in students who take these drugs to help them study or complete a big assignment due to the rush of energy and sense of focus that they can cause.
If someone is psychologically or physically dependent on amphetamines or has developed an addiction to these drugs, the addiction can overshadow everything else in their lives and put them at significant risk of problems and medical emergencies. In cases like this, they must get help as soon as possible from the best Florida prescription drug rehab.
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What Are the Warning Signs of Addiction to Amphetamine Salts ER?
There are many red flags to watch for that could indicate someone you love has developed an addiction to amphetamine salts ER or other stimulants that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Warning signs can include:
- They want to or have tried to quit, but can’t do it.
- They frequently have intense cravings to use more of the drug.
- They spend an increasing amount of time getting or using the drug.
- They’re starting to take risks related to the drug, such as stealing it from others or trying to get extra prescriptions so they can have more.
- They seem to be anxious, paranoid, or even aggressive frequently.
- They don’t seem to have an appetite and are losing a lot of weight.
Amphetamine is just one of the kinds of stimulants that are prescribed to treat ADHD. While many children and teens are prescribed this medication for their condition, there’s less research on potential problems that can come from using the drug for many years or even decades in adults who are trying to manage their ADHD symptoms over a long period of time. However, long-term use can put someone at a higher risk of cardiovascular problems and other serious health problems.
Key Takeaways on Amphetamine Salts ER
- Central nervous stimulants are commonly prescribed to help patients manage symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
- Specific combinations of four different kinds of amphetamine salts are some of the most popular ADHD medications available today.
- Amphetamine salts ER provide symptom relief over a more extended period of time by slowly and gradually releasing the medication throughout the day after taking just one dose.
- Amphetamines carry a high risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction.
- Someone who is addicted to amphetamines can get help from a professional prescription drug rehab center.
Across Florida, WhiteSands Treatment Center offers prescription drug rehabs that specialize in helping adults of all ages overcome addiction and learn to embrace long-lasting recovery. We offer a comprehensive range of rehabilitation programs, including day and night addiction treatment in Florida, tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our specialists know what it takes to break the chains of addiction and get to a better, brighter future without the problems of drug misuse. Call us at 877-855-3470 to start on your journey to a better tomorrow.
Resources
- GoodRx – Amphetamine Salt Combo XR (Adderall XR)
- National Library of Medicine – Potential Adverse Effects of Amphetamine Treatment on Brain and Behavior: A Review
- WebMD – Adderall Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
