Ritalin and Adderall can help treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Doctors also sometimes prescribe these medications to people with narcolepsy.
Ritalin and Adderall are the brand names for two different types of stimulant medication. According to the
In this article, learn about the differences between the two common stimulants Ritalin and Adderall. We also cover the side effects and safety of each drug.
Although Ritalin and Adderall are both stimulants, they contain different active ingredients.
The drug in Ritalin is methylphenidate hydrochloride, while Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
Both medications are effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. According to the
However, Ritalin and Adderall can also have significant side effects, and the long-term effects of taking the drugs remain unknown.
According to the authors of a
For adults with ADHD, the researchers concluded that amphetamines, such as Adderall, are generally best.
This meta-analysis took into account the effectiveness of each of the drugs for treating a person’s ADHD symptoms as well as their safety.
However, the authors noted the urgent need for more research to assess the long-term effects of both drugs.
A doctor may prescribe Ritalin or Adderall to a person with ADHD as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
According to the charity Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), a comprehensive treatment plan will include:
- education about ADHD and its causes
- education about diagnosis and treatment options
- behavioral therapy to teach a person how to manage the symptoms of ADHD
- medication, such as Ritalin or Adderall
- general mental health counseling for the individual and their family
- changes to a person’s education to account for their ADHD
The
For children under the age of 6 years, they only recommend behavioral therapy as it is as effective as medication. ADHD medication typically has more side effects in young children.
A doctor would not generally advise a person to take Adderall and Ritalin together.
There is little research on how these medications interact with each other. As the drugs work in a similar way, taking them both could increase the chances of a person developing significant side effects or other complications.
Although the medical community generally sees Ritalin and Adderall as safe drugs when a person takes them according to a doctor’s instructions, they can both have some significant side effects.
The
- decreased appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- tics, which are sudden, repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds
- changes in personality, including anxiety and irritability
- stomachaches
- headaches
If a person experiences any of these side effects, they should speak to their doctor.
The dosage for both Ritalin and Adderall can vary between individuals. According to CHADD, a doctor will often determine the correct dosage for a person through a trial introduction of the medication.
The doctor will begin by prescribing a small amount of one of the medications. They can then steadily increase the amount to reach a balance between the effectiveness of the drug and the extent of its side effects.
Complications can arise when a person takes either Ritalin or Adderall.
According to the
- is very anxious, agitated, or tense
- has glaucoma
- has tics, Tourette’s syndrome, or a family history of Tourette’s syndrome
- has recently taken an antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
- is allergic to any of the ingredients in Ritalin
- has heart problems or high blood pressure
- has another mental health condition
- experiences seizures
- gets circulation problems in their toes or fingers
The FDA warn that Adderall can cause complications if the person taking it has:
- hardening of the arteries or heart disease
- high blood pressure
- hyperthyroidism
- glaucoma
- a tendency to be very tense, agitated, or anxious
- a history of drug misuse
- recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
- experienced any issues with other stimulant medications
- another mental health condition
- tics or Tourette’s syndrome
- liver or kidney problems
- thyroid problems
- seizures
If a person is taking another medication, they should ensure that their doctor is aware in case it can have an adverse interaction with either Ritalin or Adderall.
Research shows that Ritalin and Adderall are effective and generally safe if a person takes them according to a doctor’s instructions. However, the longer-term effects of taking stimulants are less well-known.
It is essential for someone taking stimulants to have regular checkups with a doctor. The doctor can help monitor any side effects and determine whether the individual’s current dosage is still appropriate.
Stimulants for ADHD are most effective when they are part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and education for both the person with ADHD and their primary caregivers if they are a child.