Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulants that include prescription medications.

They are used to treat various conditions, including attention-hyper deficit disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. There are three different types of amphetamines: amphetamine, methamphetamine, and dextroamphetamine. Amphetamines were introduced in the 1930s as a remedy for nasal congestion in an over-the-counter inhaler named Benzedrine. Between the 1930s and 1970s, more forms of amphetamines were formulated. However, because these drugs are also highly addictive, they’ve been highly regulated since their original use. To better understand the dangers of these drugs, our Texas rehabilitation center looks into how long amphetamines stay in your system and how they impact the body.

How Long Does It Take For Amphetamine to Kick In?

Amphetamines work by increasing the release of dopamine and preventing the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in nerve synapses (space between two nerve cells). This leads to a flood of dopamine in the brain, which can produce a euphoric, pleasurable, and energetic high. Like other addictive drugs, amphetamines produce a rewarding high that encourages users to continue their drug habit. Common types of prescription amphetamines include Adderall, Adderall RX, Desoxyn, and Dexedrine. Each produces similar side effects when taken in high doses.

Common side effects of amphetamine include:

• Alertness
• Increased energy
• Euphoria
• Depression
• Dry mouth
• Increased tics and twitching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping

Both prescription and illicit amphetamine side effects can begin in less than an hour after use. The effects of amphetamines usually peak after 1 to 3 hours and can last as long as 7 to 12 hours after use. Although they’re similar to cocaine’s effects, they usually last much longer. However, while an amphetamine high may offer a temporary sense of pleasure, the long-term effects aren’t worth it. Over time, amphetamines can break down muscles, block blood vessels, and cause a heart attack or stroke. People who use amphetamines like methamphetamine are also recognized for tooth decay and skin sores, which are also referred to as meth mouth and meth mites. If you’re currently addicted to any amphetamine, the medical detox we offer at Banyan Treatment Centers Texas can help.

How Long Does an Amphetamine Stay in Your System?

How long amphetamine stays in your system depends on factors like dosage, weight, age, tolerance, and more. People who have used amphetamine for a long time often wonder how long the drug stays in their bodies. The process of eliminating amphetamine from your system varies slightly from person to person. The half-life, or the time it takes for half the amount of a drug to leave your body, is also important to know when finding out how long amphetamines stay in your system after use.

The half-life of amphetamine is 10 hours, which means it can take that long for half of the ingested dose to be metabolized and eliminated from your bloodstream. Below is a list of detection times for amphetamine.

• Blood: Amphetamines last in the bloodstream up to 46 hours (almost two days) after use.
• Urine: Amphetamines last in urine up to 2 to 3 days after use.
• Hair: Amphetamines stay in your hair for up to three months after use.

Some factors that play a role in how long amphetamines stay in your system include age, metabolism rate, weight, fat content, genetics, kidney and liver function, and frequency of use. Long-time amphetamine users tend to have a higher tolerance to them, making it more likely that they’ll take several doses within a certain period to stay high.

Although helpful, it’s not enough to know how long amphetamine stays in your system. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms like depression, excessive sleepiness, lethargy, and fatigue that can occur in someone who is withdrawing from amphetamines. People experiencing amphetamine or meth withdrawal symptoms can benefit from detox as well as prescription drug addiction treatment, where staff can monitor their symptoms and help them get healthy and sober.

In addition to prescription pill treatment, we also offer meth addiction treatment and a variety of other substance-specific drug treatment programs that can help you or a loved one get sober. Call Banyan Texas today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our inpatient drug treatment.