What are the differences between Adderall and Ritalin?
In the US, 9.5 % of children between the ages of 3 years and 17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD, i.e., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD is not just for kids, though. About 60 % of children with ADHD will still have the same symptoms as adults. Patients with ADHD have trouble controlling impulses and concentrating. They can be excitable and fidgety. Doctors usually prescribe stimulant drugs to patients with ADHD. Two common choices are Ritalin and Adderall.
These medicines can help a person concentrate and focus on tasks better. They can also reduce impulsive behavior, which is another hallmark of ADHD. Ritalin and Adderall work in similar ways to cure ADHD. They also have the same side effects. But they have significant differences. Please read this blog to learn more about these drugs and the differences between them.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a medicine commonly used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD. Hence, you can buy Adderall online if you have ADHD or narcolepsy. Adderall was introduced in 1995 by Richwood Pharmaceuticals. In 2002, a slow-release capsule known as Adderall XR also became available as an alternative to the original immediate-release tablet.
Adderall is a CNS stimulant drug of the phenethylamine class. It is generally effective and well-tolerated in managing the symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy. This drug is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Adderall comes in capsules with various dosage options, each with different color combinations –
- 5 mg circular capsules (clear and blue )
- 10 mg oval capsules (blue and blue )
- 15 mg oval capsules (blue and white )
- 20 mg round capsules (orange and orange )
- 25 mg oval capsules (orange and white )
- 30 mg circular capsules (natural and orange )
These capsules have their dosage imprinted on the pills. You can buy Adderall online if you have ADHD because Adderall is an effective drug to treat this condition.
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ) and to manage symptoms of narcolepsy in children and adults. It is a prescription medicine that targets and influences dopamine and Norepinephrine in your brain to minimize the most common ADHD symptoms. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects attention span, pleasure, and movement, and Norepinephrine is a stimulant.
Though Ritalin is a stimulant drug, when used in ADHD treatment, it can help with fidgeting, attention, concentration, and listening skills. It stimulates the body and mind in adults and may calm children down. But it is not usually recommended for children younger than six years old.
What are the differences between Adderall and Ritalin?
As discussed above, both Ritalin and Adderall are CNS or central nervous system stimulants. They act by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitters dopamine and Norepinephrine in your CNS connections. It speeds up your brain activity. However, the following are the differences between Adderall and Ritalin –
- Ritalin acts sooner and reaches peak performance more rapidly than Adderall does.
- But Adderall stays active in the body longer than Ritalin does. Adderall acts for 4 to 6 hours. Ritalin is only active for 2 to 3 hours. Thus, you may buy Adderall online to manage your ADHD symptoms for several hours.
- Adderall has a longer half-life compared to Ritalin. The average half-life of Adderall is 10 to 13 hours, and that of Ritalin is 3 to 4 hours.
- Adderall doses are available starting at 5 milligrams and going up to 30 milligrams, with several incremental options in between. When compared to Ritalin doses, there are only 5 mg, 10 milligrams, and 20 mg tablets available.
What are the similarities between Adderall and Ritalin?
The following are the similarities between Adderall and Ritalin –
- Adderall and Ritalin are both brand-name drugs used to treat the symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy.
- Both these drugs are available as short- and long-acting tablets and capsules.
- Adderall and Ritalin are CNS stimulant medicines.
Is Adderall or Ritalin more effective?
Adderall and Ritalin are almost equally effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy. However, Ritalin acts sooner than Adderall.
Important warnings and precautions for using Adderall and Ritalin –
Adderall may pass into breast milk, which means the medicine can pass to your child when you breastfeed them. Some research shows that Ritalin might also pass from mother to child through breast milk. These medicines can cause side effects in your child. Talk to the doctor if you take Ritalin or Adderall. For your child’s safety, you can need to decide whether to stop using your drug or to stop breastfeeding.
Also, avoid consuming alcohol while you use these drugs. Patients having a history of severe anxiety, Tourette syndrome, aggression, glaucoma, and OCD must inform their doctor about the same before starting these drugs. These CNS stimulants can cause severe ill effects or even death in patients with congenital heart problems. Hence, patients should consult their doctor if they have a heart disease history.
What are the common side effects of Adderall and Ritalin?
Since Adderall and Ritalin work in the same way, these medicines cause similar side effects. The common side effects of Adderall and Ritalin can include the following –
- trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and dry mouth
- anxiety, increased heart rate, and irritability
- headache and dizziness
Severe side effects shared by Adderall and Ritalin can include the following –
- addiction and heart rhythm problems
- psychosis, which can cause you to see things that are not real or to feel like bugs are crawling on your skin
- Raynaud’s syndrome or slowed growth in children
As research suggests, taking Ritalin or Adderall over a long duration may cause premature aging of body organs. Because these drugs are potent CNS stimulants, they are controlled substances, which means the federal government regulates them. There are high chances of physical dependence, abuse, and addiction among patients taking Adderall and Ritalin.
Drug interactions of Adderall and Ritalin –
Adderall and Ritalin interact with specific other drugs. Make sure you tell the doctor about all of the prescription and OTC medicines, herbs, and supplements you take. This way, the doctor could watch for drug interactions. The drugs that can interact with Adderall and Ritalin can include MAOIs, antidepressants, antihistamines, acidifying agents, anticonvulsants, alkalizing agents, high blood pressure drugs, etc.
Leave a Reply