Prescription drugs, even though they may last a matter of hours, can last days in the human body. The amount of time a certain medication stays in your system is dependent upon the drug itself as well as how long you have been taking it and your individual physiological makeup.
Benzodiazepines
HomeDrugTestingKit.com reports that benzodiazepines, sedatives including such drugs as Ativan and Xanax, can remain in the system for up to 10 days.
Opiates
The opioid family of medication, including such drugs as Percocet and Vicodin, can also last up to 10 days in the body.
Anti-Depressants
Anti-depressants also last up to 10 days in the body, especially if you have been taking them regularly for longer than a month.
Stimulants
The stimulant family of medications, drugs used to treat ADD/ADHD, such as Ritalin, last two to four days in the body.
Barbiturates
The oldest form of sedatives, such as phenobarbital, last between two to four days in the body.
Tips
Your body weight and the length of time you have been taking the drug will affect the amount of time it stays in your system.
References
Writer Bio
Having conducted therapy for several years, Lawrence Gould decided to try his hand at writing in 2009. He has been published on Starpulse.com and various other websites and worked as a journalist at "TCpalm Newspaper" out of Vero Beach, Fla. Gould possesses a master's degree in psychology, a minor in English as well as extensive study in addiction.