Ritalin and Adderall are stimulants commonly prescribed for ADHD. These medications are effective in managing impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness. They also help increase energy and concentration levels while positively affecting a person’s mood.
The ultimate goal of both these medications is the same — to control ADHD symptoms. However, there are some subtle differences in their functioning, doses, uses, cost, and side effects that you should know. This article will cover all the crucial points about Ritalin vs. Adderall and clear all your doubts with up-to-date information on these medications.
The choice of antidepressants is wide: ask our doctor about the most appropriate antidepressants prescribed online in your particular case.
Ritalin Vs. Adderall: A Brief History
Amphetamines (the main chemical compound in Adderall) were the first stimulants developed in Germany in 1887. Initially, these drugs were used by the military soldiers in Bavaria because they increased energy, confidence, and alertness during combat. Later, they were widely used during
Adderall was introduced in the market in 1996, and in 2001 its extended-release version (Adderall XR) became available to the public.
Ritalin has an interesting story of origin. Methylphenidate (the active chemical compound of Ritalin) was first synthesized in a Swiss lab by a chemist named Leandro Panizzon. At that time, its therapeutic properties were not known. So, Leandro took the drug and started giving it to his wife, Margarita, whose nickname was Rita. It positively affected Rita’s low blood pressure, so he named the drug after his wife, i.e., Ritalin.
Initial medical use of Ritalin was on depressed and anxious elderly patients. Later it was used in hyperactive children to make them calm down. Just like Adderall, it also has a long-acting version available in the market, Ritalin LA.
Ritalin Vs. Adderall: Differences and Similarities
Differences
Chemical Composition
The main difference between Ritalin and Adderall is in their active ingredient responsible for their therapeutic properties. Adderall’s chemical composition comprises a mixture of four amphetamine salts (D-amphetamine sulfate, D-amphetamine saccharate, D, L-amphetamine aspartate, and D, L-amphetamine sulfate), whereas Ritalin chemically contains
Mechanism of Action
Amphetamines (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, namely dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They do so by various mechanisms, including stopping the metabolism of these neurotransmitters and disrupting their transport in the brain, so their effects last for a longer duration. Amphetamines also promote the release of dopamine from synaptic vesicles, whereas methylphenidate might not stimulate this effect.
Duration of Action
Another important difference between Ritalin and Adderall is their duration of action. Ritalin is a short-acting drug, which reaches its peak concentration in the body in 1-2 hours with a half-life (the amount of time it takes a drug’s active component to reduce by half) of 2 to 3 hours. In contrast, Adderall has a longer half-life of about 6 hours and reaches its peak concentration in 2 to 3 hours.
As a result, their doses are adjusted accordingly. Adderall is prescribed in a single or twice daily dose, while Ritalin requires multiple dosing throughout the day to sustain its therapeutic effects.
However, now these drugs also have slow-released versions available, namely Adderall extended-release (Adderall XR), Ritalin sustained release (Ritalin SR), and Ritalin extended-release (Ritalin LA). Ritalin SR has been discontinued now by its parent company. These drugs lower the multiple dosing issues as they remain effective in the body for a long time. Adderall XR effects last 10 to 12 hours, whereas Ritalin LA manages the symptoms for 8 to 10 hours.
Available Dosages
Adderall is available as 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg, 20mg, and 30mg oral tablets. Adderall XR comes in the form of oral capsules in these doses: 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 25mg, 30mg. As far as Ritalin is concerned, it is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg oral tablets. Ritalin LA is available in 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, and 40mg oral capsules.
Every medication has its advantages and drawbacks. Contact MEDvidi prescribers to get a prescription and know more about your medication.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The
The generic version of Ritalin (methylphenidate) usually costs $31 for a month’s supply. The branded version of Ritalin costs anywhere from $18 to $53, depending on the dosage, while branded Ritalin LA costs around $170 for a month’s supply.
Insurance plans, including Medicare, usually cover the generic versions of Ritalin and Adderall. For complete details about the coverage of these drugs, contact your insurance provider.
*Note: These are average wholesale prices of Adderall and Ritalin, and the final price of the medication may be higher or lower depending on your insurance plan and pharmacy.
Similarities
There are a host of similarities between Adderall and Ritalin. Both of them:
- belong to the to the class of drugs called CNS stimulants;
- are listed in Schedule 2 by the FDA, making them highly controlled substances;
- are approved by FDA for treating ADHD and narcolepsy;
- should be stored at room temperature between 68℉ and 77℉;
- are prescribed for short-term or long-term treatment, depending on the patient’s symptoms;
- have a high potential for abuse and withdrawal side effects;
- can be prescribed online at MEDvidi for adults if the physician deems them necessary to treat the condition.
The dosage is chosen depending on one’s diagnosis, symptoms, health aspects, and other factors. Consult with a specialist today!
Summary of Main Ritalin and Adderall Features
Features | Ritalin | Adderall |
|---|---|---|
Drug Class | CNS stimulant | CNS stimulant |
Mechanism of Action | Increases neurotransmitter levels | Increases neurotransmitter levels |
Chemical composition | Methylphenidate | Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine salts |
Available forms | Ritalin Ritalin LA | Adderall XR |
Available Dosages | Ritalin (5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets) Ritalin LA (10mg, 20mg, 30mg, and 40mg capsules) | Adderall (5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg, 20mg, and 30mg tablets) Adderall XR (5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 25mg, and 30mg capsules) |
Age of Use | 6 years and older | 3 years and older |
Duration of Action | Ritalin — 2 to 4 hours Ritalin LA — 8 to 10 hours | Adderall — 4 to 6 hours Adderall XR — 10 to 12 hours |
Average Cost (per month’s supply) | Generic version ($31) Brand version ($18 to $170) | Generic version ($45 to $184) Brand version ($113 to $236 |
Ritalin Vs. Adderall: Uses
Both Adderall and Ritalin are primarily indicated for ADHD. In addition, they are also approved by the FDA to treat narcolepsy. Let’s look at how these drugs help manage these and other conditions.
ADHD
ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that is quite common in the US. According to a
The primary symptoms of ADHD are divided into three categories: hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. Based on the type of ADHD, a person may present with predominantly hyperactive/impulsive symptoms or inattentive symptoms, or a combined presentation of both.
Adderall and Ritalin are both effective in controlling and managing all types of ADHD symptoms in about
As far as dosage is concerned, the usual starting dose of Adderall for ADHD is between 5 mg to 40 mg once or twice a day, taken in the morning and noon. On the other hand, Ritalin is usually prescribed for ADHD as 20 mg or 30 mg tablets two to three times a day at the start, to be taken in the morning, noon, and afternoon. In contrast, Adderall XR and Ritalin LA can be taken once daily as their effects last longer.
Note: Dosages are determined separately for each patient, depending on their therapeutic needs, and can change with treatment. Always contact your doctor for any questions on the dosage.
At MEDvidi, from our expert you can get prescribed online ADHD medication, which enhance the effectiveness of your treatment.
Narcolepsy
Behavior modification is used along with pharmacological therapy with modafinil to treat this condition. Stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin are usually the second-line drugs if the above-mentioned medication fails to manage narcolepsy symptoms. They help keep people wakeful during the day and increase their motor activity.
Besides these approved uses, there are also some off-label uses of these drugs.
Depressive Disorders
Ritalin and Adderall may be used for treating depressive disorders. Some of the patients that might benefit from these drugs as augmentation of antidepressant therapy include:
- Patients with treatment-resistant depression.
- Elderly patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of standard antidepressants.
- Patients with comorbid depression and ADHD.
- Patients with severe depression in which ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) is contraindicated.
- Depressed patients with extremely low levels of energy.
They are usually used for a short term (2 to 4 weeks) for depression because tolerance develops quickly against their antidepressant properties.
Post Brain Injury
Brain injury can be caused by tumors, trauma,
The symptoms of depression may slightly vary from one person to another, and a diagnosis can be made only after a comprehensive evaluation.
Fatigue
Fatigue can develop due to a whole host of medical conditions. Stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall are being
In addition, these drugs may also be used in patients with
Obesity
Adderall and Ritalin have anorexia-inducing effects as they suppress appetite. As a result, they may be used to help with weight loss and treat obesity. However, this appetite suppressant effect lasts only a couple of weeks of their use. Therefore, considering the side effects, stimulants are generally not recommended for weight loss unless there is an absolute need for their use.
Bipolar Disorder
Stimulants are usually employed as second or third-line medications for managing bipolar disorder. A
Uses of Ritalin and Adderall | FDA-Approved Use | Off-Label Use |
ADHD | ✅ | ❌ |
Narcolepsy | ✅ | ❌ |
Depression | ❌ | ✅ |
Fatigue | ❌ | ✅ |
Obesity | ❌ | ✅ |
Bipolar Disorder | ❌ | ✅ |
Encephalopathy | ❌ | ✅ |
Ritalin Vs. Adderall: Side Effects and Interactions
The side effects of Ritalin and Adderall are almost the same, and their intensity differs from one person to another. Common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Palpitations
- Increased sweating
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fast heartbeat
Apart from these common ones, Ritalin and Adderall also cause some rare and severe side effects disclosed below.
Seek help if you experience any side effects from the medication you take. Contact us to get your treatment plan adjusted.
Heart Issues
Stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall increase the heart rate and blood pressure. This puts the patients at extra risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke, especially in those who already have a pre-existing heart condition or high blood pressure. According to a
Psychiatric Problems
People taking Adderall or Ritalin in high doses for a long time can experience psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. In addition, these drugs can also cause severe anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia. Hence, they are carefully used in patients already dealing with other mental health problems.
Movement Disorders
Ritalin and Adderall are linked to the development of movement disorders, such as tics and Tourette syndrome. However, this adverse effect is usually self-limiting and resolves on its own within seven to ten days. Ritalin may be associated with tics that persist for several months before resolving.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Ritalin and Adderall can decrease the blood flow to the arms, hands, legs, and feet. This effect is usually negligible; however, in some cases, these drugs can lead to peripheral vascular disease (PVD) development. PVD can result in tissue loss and even amputation if not treated timely.
Drug abuse and dependence are serious problems that require professional help. Contact our doctors if you feel mentally unwell.
Serotonin Syndrome
Since stimulants (and some other serotonin-enhancing drugs like antidepressants) increase serotonin levels in the brain, they can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Its symptoms include restlessness, dizziness, delirium, seizures, etc. However, at therapeutic dosages, this risk is minimal.
Drug Overdose
At normal treatment doses, Ritalin and Adderall usually do not cause serious complications. However, due to their potential for abuse, there is a risk of ingesting an overdose of these drugs, which can be fatal. Severe symptoms of stimulant overdose may present with rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, confusion, delusion, tremors, panic attack, convulsions, and coma.
Drug Abuse and Dependence
Ritalin and Adderall have a high risk of drug abuse in people who take them at high doses for a long time for non-medical reasons. It can cause physical and psychological dependence, which can spiral into addictive behavior. It is particularly seen in college students who use it to maintain focus during study sessions and illicit drug users.
Common Side Effects of Ritalin and Adderall | Rare and Serious Side Effects of Ritalin and Adderall |
|---|---|
|
|
Note: This is not a complete list of side effects caused by Ritalin and Adderall. For any queries related to the side effects, please contact your doctor and pharmacist.
Consult with a licensed doctor in your state to know the contraindications of the prescribed medication.
Drug Interactions of Ritalin and Adderall
Ritalin and Adderall similarly interact with many drug classes. Stimulants increase the plasma levels of drugs by decreasing their metabolism. These include tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants, phenytoin, warfarin, primidone, etc. They may also decrease the effectiveness of certain antihypertensives such as lisinopril, losartan, etc. Here is a list of some of the common drug interactions of stimulants.
Drug | Drug Class | Possible Reaction with Adderall and Ritalin |
|---|---|---|
Isocarboxazid Phenelzine Selegiline | MAOIs | Hypertensive crisis |
Halothane Isoflurane Desflurane | Anesthetic agents | Cardiac instability (irregular rhythm) |
Amlodipine Lisinopril Losartan | Antihypertensives | Decreased efficacy of antihypertensives |
Bisoprolol Metoprolol | Beta Blockers | Cardiac problems |
Trazodone Fluoxetine Sertraline | Antidepressants | Serotonin syndrome |
Adderall may also cause problems in measuring corticosteroids in the body as they may elevate their levels.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all the possible drug interactions of Adderall and Ritalin. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
Tell your prescriber if you take or recently stopped taking any medications. This information will help to choose the most suitable treatment that will be safe for you.
Contraindications of Ritalin and Adderall
There are some absolute and relative contraindications to using Ritalin and Adderall. Absolute contraindication means using a specific treatment carries life-threatening risks in some patients and should be avoided. Absolute contraindications of both stimulants include:
- Having structural cardiac defects such as patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect (ASD).
- Suffering from narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Struggling with moderate to severe substance abuse disorder.
- Past known allergy to stimulants.
- Using MAOIs currently or discontinued their use within the last 14 days.
On the other hand, relative contraindications limit the use of a particular treatment with extreme caution in some patients. Relative contraindications of Ritalin and Adderall are:
- Having been diagnosed with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia because stimulants can precipitate maniac symptoms.
- Suffering from a severe tic or Tourette syndrome.
- Having unstable hypertension. Blood pressure should be controlled first before starting stimulant medications.
Ritalin Vs. Adderall: FAQs
The effectiveness of Ritalin and Adderall in controlling ADHD symptoms is the same in most cases. According to a
It is unclear how Ritalin and Adderall interact with each other, as no interactions have been established between these drugs. However, it does not imply that Ritalin and Adderall do not interact with each other at all and are safe to use together. As both the drugs work to produce the same effect, there is a risk for serious complications such as an overdose. Hence, doctors do not recommend taking them together.
Yes, it is possible to switch from Ritalin to Adderall and vice versa if a particular medication is not working out or causing significant side effects. It should be done under a doctor’s advice with proper dose adjustments.
Generally, Adderall is twice as
The use of Ritalin and Adderall during
Taking Ritalin or Adderall with alcohol can potentiate nervous system side effects like irritability, drowsiness, anxiety, and memory deficits. Therefore, drinking alcohol with stimulants is not recommended.
Ritalin and Adderall are heavily regulated substances; therefore, a doctor’s prescription is necessary before buying them at pharmacies. In addition to in-person visits to a doctor’s office, you can also get a prescription for Ritalin and Adderall using telehealth services. At MEDvidi, our doctors may prescribe Ritalin and Adderall online if certain conditions are met.
Final Words
Ritalin and Adderall are potent stimulant medications for ADHD treatment and some other medical conditions. There are minor differences in their cost, forms, dosages, and drug interactions. They are highly controlled drugs due to their risk for misuse. However, when used in therapeutic doses under a doctor’s guidance, they effectively control ADHD symptoms in most cases.
Our Medical professionals are experienced in creating personalized treatment plans for adults with ADHD. For any questions related to ADHD medications, including Ritalin and Adderall, you can book an appointment and talk to one of our doctors anytime.
