Ritalin Vs. Adderall

Ritalin Vs. Adderall

There are two prominent medication options for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) treatment: Ritalin and Adderall. In the United States, about 9.5 percent of children in the age group of 3 years to 17 years have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This neurological condition is not only for kids, and even adults can experience it.

According to an American Research Institute, about 60 percent of children with ADHD are likely to have symptoms as adults. People with this neurological disorder experience trouble in concentration and controlling impulses. They may also be fidgety and excitable. According to trusted reports, people in the United States prefer to buy Adderall online from the comfort of their homes.

Doctors often prescribe stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall (most common choices) to people with ADHD. These drugs have proven efficient in helping people focus and concentrate on tasks better. They are likely to reduce impulsive behavior, another hallmark of ADHD.

Ritalin and Adderall function in pretty similar ways to treat this medical condition. They also share the same adverse effects. However, some considerable differences might be vital for you to know.

Primary Differences and Similarities Between Ritalin and Adderall

• Generic Name: Both the drugs are available in generic form at a comparatively lesser price. The generic name of Ritalin is methylphenidate, while the generic name of Adderall is the salts it is composed of, i.e., amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
• Uses: Both the drugs are beneficial in treating ADHD and narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness).
• Form: Both the medications are available in short-acting tablets and long-acting capsules. You can order Adderall online in any form using our website.
• Strengths: Adderall tablets come in 5 mg, 10 mg, 7.5 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg, while Ritalin tablets are available only in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. On the other hand, Adderall XR, the extended-release capsules, are present in the strengths of 5 mg, 15 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg. While the long-acting Ritalin LA capsules 10 mg, 30 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg. The sustained release version of Ritalin comes only in the strength of 20 mg.
• Length of treatment: Since ADHD is a long-term medical condition, it requires continuous treatment for a prolonged period.
• Storage: Both should store the drugs at room temperature ranging from 68 degrees F to 77 degrees F (20 degrees C & 25 degrees C).
• Risk of Withdrawal: The risk of withdrawal after sudden discontinuation is likely to appear when you abruptly stop using any of these drugs.
• Potential Misuse: The potent effects of this drug can make anyone feel “high,” so some people also misuse it. Both Ritalin and Adderall have high misuse potential. Due to their addictive properties, people using them are likely to experience physical and psychological dependence.

How Do They Work?

Both Ritalin and Adderall are CNS stimulants that work by increasing the availability and activity of the brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in your central nervous system connections. It speeds up brain activity.

Ritalin works faster and reaches peak performance more rapidly than Adderall does. However, Adderall stays longer in the body than Ritalin does. But before placing an order, compare prices and buy the most pocket-friendly one.

Adderall works in the body for about four to six hours, while Ritalin stays active for two to three hours. It does not necessarily mean that Adderall is a better option; some individuals prefer the short-acting Ritalin as they can better control the timing of adverse effects, such as trouble sleeping (insomnia) and loss of appetite.

How Long Do They Last?

As we all know, both medications are available in short-acting and long-acting forms. If you take the long-lasting formulation in the morning, it is likely to last the whole day. At the same time, the short-acting version lasts about four hours only.

Some long-acting capsules are also available that hold two kinds of layers: half dissolve immediately and offer you one dose of the medicine. In contrast, the rest of the layers do not vanish from your system until later. The long-acting formulation of Adderall can last 10 to 12 hours, while the long-acting version of Ritalin lasts for about 6 to 12 hours.

Which of the drug is more likely to be abused?

Both Ritalin and Adderall contain addictive components and have the potential to be abused. There is a popular misconception among teenagers and young adults that prescription CNS stimulants can improve the ability of an individual to learn. So, people of that age group start to purchase these drugs to boost study performance.

Although prescription stimulates promote additional alertness and wakefulness, research has proved that students who abuse them have lower high school marks and college GPAs than those who do not. They do not appear to enhance learning or thinking ability in those without ADHD.

How should you take Adderall?

• Take Adderall exactly as per the prescription. However, your healthcare professional is likely to adjust the doses until you get the desired effect.
• One can take Adderall tablets (except Adderall 10 mg and Adderall 20 mg) two to three times a day. Doctors prescribe to take the first dose when you first wake up in the morning. They may recommend you take one or two more doses during the day within a time gap of 4 to 6 hours.
• You can take Adderall either with food or without food.
• From time to time, your medical healthcare professional may stop Adderall treatment for a while to have a medical check on ADHD symptoms.
• Your health expert may do regular medical checks to have a report of your blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking Adderall. They may check the height and weight of your children while taking this drug. The doctor may stop treatment from this medicine if they find a problem during these checkups.
• If you or your child take an excessive amount of Adderall or overdoses, call your health expert right away, or visit an emergency room.

How should you take Ritalin?

• Take Ritalin precisely as per the prescription. Your healthcare professional may adjust the doses until it fits right for you or your child.
• Usually, one can take Ritalin two to three times a day.
• It would be best to take Ritalin 30 to 45 minutes before a meal.
• From time to time, your medical healthcare professional may stop Ritalin treatment for a while to check your ADHD symptoms without medications.
• Your health expert may do regular medical checkups to have a report of your blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking Ritalin.

In case of an overdose due to excessive use for a prolonged duration, reach out to your medical healthcare professional.