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Does Adderall Expire? Get Clarity On Medication Expiration Dates

Medically reviewed by Dr. Po-Chang HsuJune 17, 2024
Written by
On June 17, 2024

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • All Adderall medication has an expiration date - typically 1-2 years from the date of manufacture.
  • Expired Adderall medication should not be consumed due to its lowered effectiveness and the potential for unknown adverse effects.
  • As Adderall sits unused for a long time, its active ingredients, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, will start to degrade.
  • Never flush expired Adderall down the toilet. Instead, all expired medication should be taken back to certified drug take-back facilities or followed FDA-approved steps for disposal at home.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication commonly prescribed to assist in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as to support certain individuals when overcoming narcolepsy.

Adderall is classified as a stimulant drug and contains two active ingredients – amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.[1] These two components impact the central nervous system by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

The release of these key neurotransmitters improves the functioning of the central nervous system, often resulting in improved focus, more alertness, and impulse suppression in individuals with ADHD.

Does Adderall Expire?

Similar to all prescription medications, Adderall has an expiration date. The expiration date on the medication’s packaging indicates when it is safe to consume and provides the most potency.

The expiration date for Adderall may vary slightly from supplier to supplier; however, it is usually set one to two years from the date of manufacture. It’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean the medication becomes instantly ineffective or dangerous after this date, but its potency may gradually decline over time.

Several factors impact Adderall’s potency over time. Exposure to natural light often accelerates the degradation of the drug’s active ingredients. Other contributors that lead to Adderall lowering its potency over time are exposure to moisture in the air and increased ambient temperatures.

Is Adderall Still Safe to Consume After It Expires?

While no immediate safety issues are associated with using expired Adderall, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly recommends disposing of expired medication since there is a fair amount of uncertainty regarding the drug’s effectiveness and impact on your health.[2]

The primary reason that it’s not recommended to consume expired Adderall has to do with a decrease in its potency over time. For individuals suffering from cases of ADHD or narcolepsy, this could lead to a gradual resurgence of symptoms that can negatively impact quality of life and introduce treatment setbacks.

Limited research exists on any specific byproducts that could result from consuming expired Adderall long-term. However, due to the lack of data and uncertainties associated with using expired medications like Adderall, it is highly recommended to dispose of the drug when it goes past its manufacturer-listed expiration date.

What are the Dangers of Having Expired Adderall?

Although accidentally consuming small amounts of expired Adderall may not pose any significant risk to your health, there are some more subtle dangers or risks that should be considered:

  • Diminished Therapeutic Effect: As Adderall sits unused for a long time, its active ingredients, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, will start to degrade. This reduces the medication’s ability to produce the desired effects, such as improved focus, alertness, and impulse control. The severity of this diminished effect will vary depending on how much degradation has occurred. However, this can be particularly disruptive for individuals who rely on Adderall as part of their prescribed treatment protocols.
  • Unpredictable Side Effects: While the exact byproducts of expired Adderall haven’t been extensively studied, the FDA has stated that as drugs degrade over time, the byproducts created could potentially cause certain unintended side effects and potentially be toxic.[3]
  • Increased Risk of Overdose: Due to the decreased potency of expired Adderall, individuals may be tempted to take larger doses than prescribed in an attempt to achieve the desired effects. This can significantly increase the risk of overdose, leading to severe health complications such as seizures, heart problems, and even death.

How do you know if Adderall Has Expired?

When medication like Adderall begins to expire, it may not be immediately noticeable. Below are signs to look for to let you know if your prescription medication is expiring and if it’s wise to dispose of it.

  1. Check The Expiration Date—The only way to know whether Adderall has expired is to check the expiration date listed on the medication’s packaging. Expiration dates should be listed prominently on the packaging or subscription receipts directly.
  2. Keep an Eye on Physical Changes—When Adderall ages past its intended use date, the tablets or capsules may show various signs of discoloration. They may also become brittle and crack or crumble easily when handled.
  3. Check for Strange Odors – Just like with food, certain chemical changes can occur in medications over time, causing them to emit strange or unpleasant odors. If you notice unusual odors coming from your medication, don’t use it. Most medications, including Adderall, will have some type of medicinal smell associated with them. However, if you begin smelling stronger or unusual orders when taking the medication, there’s a good chance it’s begun to expire.
  4. Monitor Medication Effectiveness – Any time you take prescription medication, you should monitor yourself for any symptoms you can report to your doctor. When taking Adderall, you’ll want to monitor the overall effect the medication is having on your behavior. Suppose you notice that the medication is no longer as effective as previously. In that case, there is a possibility that it has become expired, or your doctor may need to evaluate your dosage.
  5. Take Note of Where It’s Stored – If Adderall has been exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight, it will likely have expired prematurely. Proper storage in a cool, dry place away from light is crucial for maintaining the medication’s integrity and effectiveness.

How Should You Properly Dispose of Adderall Once It Expires?

Anytime medication like Adderall expires, you should take proper care when disposing of it. Below are some of the FDA’s suggested and approved methods of Adderall disposal:

Drug Take-Back Programs

The safest and most preferred method for disposing of expired Adderall is to take it to a certified drug take-back facility. Most pharmacies, certain law enforcement agencies, or community organizations will have a list of approved facilities to receive and properly dispose of your expired medication.[4]

Household Trash

If no facility in your area can take back expired medication, you can still dispose of Adderall in your household trash. However, the FDA has listed some important precautions you should take when disposing of medication like Adderall at home.

You’ll want to remove the Adderall medication from its original packaging and mix it in with substances such as used coffee grounds or soil. This makes it less likely that someone who finds it will be interested in consuming it, including people or animals. You should place the mixture into a sealed bag or container before throwing it in the trash.

Things to Avoid

When disposing of your expired medication, there are a few things you should avoid:

  • NEVER leave Adderall in its original packaging. This helps to avoid the intentional use or overuse of individuals who encounter it in the trash.
  • NEVER give your expired medication to someone else, even if they take the same medication.
  • NEVER flush Adderall down the toilet. This method may successfully dispose of only medications on the FDA-approved flush list.
Medical Content Writer

Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

It is not recommended to take Adderall after its expiration date. While it might not be immediately harmful, the medication’s effectiveness can decrease, and there is not enough data to completely rule out the possibility of adverse reactions.

If you accidentally take expired Adderall, monitor yourself for any unusual symptoms and consult with a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse effects. Then, be sure to dispose of the medication using an approved method.

Even if there are no visible changes in medication, it’s not recommended to use expired Adderall. The chemical composition of the medication can change over time, affecting its safety and effectiveness.

No, it’s not safe, and it’s illegal to give your expired Adderall to someone else, even if they have the same prescription.

To prevent Adderall from expiring prematurely, store it in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture. Check the expiration date regularly and use the medication before it expires.

Certain prescription medications, like Adderall, contain chemical compounds that cannot be properly filtered through waste management systems. This can cause potential quality issues in local water supplies and harm your health and others.

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[1] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine: Medlineplus Drug Information. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601234.html retrieved on June 7, 2024.

[2] Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Don’t be tempted to use expired medicines. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines retrieved on June 7, 2024.

[3] Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.-c). Expiration dates. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/pharmaceutical-quality-resources/expiration-dates-questions-and-answers retrieved on June 7, 2024.

[4] Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.-b). Drug disposal: Drug take back locations. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-drug-take-back-locations retrieved on June 7, 2024.

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