Most people who take medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) take a drug called a stimulant. Adderall and Ritalin are both in that category. They help control levels of two chemicals in your brain, dopamine and norepinephrine, that affect how well you focus.
Studies show that stimulants work well on ADHD symptoms for about 80% of people who take them. About half of those people get the same results from either Adderall or Ritalin. But for the other half, one drug works better than the other. This is because they work in different ways and can cause different side effects.
It usually takes some trial and error to find the drug and dosage that work best for you. If the first one you try doesn’t help enough or causes too many side effects, your doctor can switch you to another one.
What Are Ritalin and Adderall?
Ritalin and Adderall are prescription stimulant medications, which are both used to treat ADHD. Ritalin and Adderall are brand names for two different stimulant medications that are also available as dozens of other trade names. While there are many treatments available, stimulants are the most common medication used to treat ADHD.
Medications such as Ritalin and Adderall can’t cure ADHD but can help ease symptoms. Stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall help manage ADHD symptoms and improve your ability to pay attention, think, and engage in tasks. Both Ritalin and Adderall are designed to help your brain work better by controlling the levels of certain chemicals. The way they help your brain function is different, but there are many similarities between Adderall and Ritalin.
What Are the Active Ingredients of Ritalin and Adderall?
The active ingredient in Ritalin is methylphenidate, while in Adderall, it is a mix of amphetamine salts (specifically, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine).
Onset, Duration, and Dosing Forms
Ritalin is available in the following dosage forms (which are ways to take it):
- Tablets
- Extended-release capsules
Tablets are available in dosages of 5, 10, or 20 milligrams, and extended-release capsules (also known as Ritalin LA) are available in dosages of 10, 20, 30, and 40 milligrams. Ritalin begins working 20-60 minutes after you take it. The standard duration for Ritalin is three to five hours of immediate-release medication and seven to eight hours for extended-release.
Adderall is available in the following dosage forms:
- Tablets
- Extended-release capsules
Tablets are available in dosages of 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, 5, 6.25, 7, or 7.5 milligrams, and capsules are available in dosages of 1.25, 1.875, 2.5, 3.125, 3.75, 5, 7.5 milligrams. Adderall begins working 30-60 minutes after you take it. The standard duration for Adderall is four to eight hours for immediate-release and 8-12 hours for extended-release.
“Long-acting stimulants have a lot of benefits over short-acting versions,” says David Beckmann, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Thomas Jefferson University. “Not only are they more convenient and easier to remember, but the more gradual onset and decline of their effect tends to result in fewer side effects, since some people feel a “crash” as a short-acting stimulant wears off.”
How Long Do They Last?
Adderall is the brand name for a mix of two stimulants called amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. Ritalin is the brand name for a stimulant called methylphenidate.
Both medications come in two forms, short-acting and long-acting. You take the long-acting form in the morning, and it’s meant to last all day. The short-acting form lasts about four hours.
Some long-acting forms are capsules that hold two kinds of beads: One dissolves right away to give you one dose of the drug, while the other doesn’t go into your system until later.
The long-acting version of Adderall may last up to 24 hours, while the long-acting form of Ritalin lasts 6-12 hours.
What Are the Side Effects of Ritalin and Adderall?
The two drugs can cause some of the same side effects, such as:
- Fast heartbeat
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Raised blood pressure
- Stomach upset
- Skin rash
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight loss
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Tics
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Mood swings
- Hives
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Belly pain or nausea
They also come with warnings about the chance of heart problems, mental health problems, seizures, blurred vision, and circulation problems in your fingers and toes.
With Adderall, men may also notice changes in their sex drives, impotence, frequent erections, or erections that last longer than usual. Some people who take it might have hair loss or rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous condition in which muscles break down.
What Is the Abuse Potential for Ritalin and Adderall and How Are They Regulated?
“Both Ritalin and Adderall have a high potential for abuse, with the possibility of psychological or physical dependence,” says Jennifer Spence, MD, a family medicine specialist at Overlake Medical Center and Clinics.
The FDA classifies both medications as Schedule II controlled substances. That means while Ritalin and Adderall aren’t as chemically addictive as certain drugs, people can develop a dependence or psychological addiction to their benefits. To manage the possibility of abuse, both Ritalin and Adderall are regulated in a few important ways, says Spence, including:
- They are only available by prescription.
- They are often prescribed in limited quantities.
- They are tracked through state prescription monitoring programs.
You may be less likely to depend on these drugs if you use the long-acting forms, as they’re designed to release their medicine slowly.
If you’ve had a problem with drug or alcohol abuse in the past, talk to your doctor about whether you should take stimulant medications.
How to Choose Between Adderall and Ritalin
There is no formula for figuring out which medication will be best for you. Some people respond better to Ritalin, while others do better with Adderall.
“Choosing the right medication is a personal decision guided by a doctor,” adds Spence. “Doctors often try one medication first, monitor the effects, and may switch or adjust the dose as needed.”
Your doctor will help you consider things such as how well the medication works for you, how well you tolerate side effects, and whether you need to manage other health issues, like anxiety or insomnia.
“Before discussing any specific medications, you and your doctor should discuss your specific symptoms and concerns, and what treatment is most appropriate for you,” says Beckmann. “A confident diagnosis of ADHD requires a lot of information, and in many cases the risks and benefits favor starting with a non-stimulant medication, or behavioral changes without medication, rather than a stimulant like Adderall or Ritalin.”
What Is the Cost of Adderall and Ritalin?
Prices can vary widely, so check with your insurance plan to see what’s covered and compare prices at your local pharmacies. In general, the longer-acting forms of both Ritalin and Adderall are costlier than the shorter-acting forms. And the generic versions can cost much less than brand names.
How to Monitor for Long-Term Safety
“Stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall are generally safe when used as prescribed, but long-term use requires monitoring,” Spence says.
Recent studies have shown long-term stimulant use can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, including increased blood pressure and heart rate, says Beckmann.
“Adults should have a physical exam at least annually and keep an eye on their blood pressure,” Beckmann says. “Kids should also have their height and weight monitored regularly.”
If you’re taking Ritalin or Adderall, you should also expect to track their long-term safety through:
- Regular follow-ups, says Spence. Plan on checking in with your doctor every three to six months to chat about symptoms, side effects, growth (for children), blood pressure, and heart rate.
- Occasional drug holidays. Spence explains that some people might need to take breaks to reexamine the need for medication or lessen side effects. It can also help the medication work better by lowering the brain’s tolerance, says Beckmann.
- Mental health monitoring. She suggests watching for mood changes, increased anxiety, or dependency on the medication.
Takeaways
Ritalin and Adderall are common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. They function in slightly different ways, but there are many similarities between them. Both help manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your ability to think, pay attention, and focus on tasks. There is no set formula for finding out which ADHD medication will work best for different people. Your doctor can help you figure out which medication is a good fit for you.
Ritalin vs. Adderall FAQs
What are the top 3 ADHD medications?
Ritalin and Adderall are the two most common stimulant medications for ADHD. Some people manage ADHD with prescription nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or viloxazine. Others use antidepressants or behavioral therapy.
Is it bad to take Adderall without ADHD?
It is not advisable to take Adderall (or Ritalin) without ADHD, says Spence. You can develop a psychological addiction to Adderall, and there are serious risks that come with taking a nonprescription Adderall, including nausea, heart issues, dizziness, dry mouth, mood swings, or even sudden death.
Is Ritalin good for anxiety?
Ritalin is not prescribed for anxiety, but since individuals with ADHD often have higher levels of anxiety, sometimes treating ADHD can help ease anxiety, says Beckmann.
