Many people in the USA suffer from the problem of ADHD. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a behavior disorder and at least 1 in 20 children suffer from ADHD. we will discuss the comparison of Adderall VS Ritalin medicines.
People with ADHD are often given stimulants. Stimulants balance the level of certain chemicals in the brain, which improves the effectiveness of the brain and the power to focus.
Both Adderall and Ritalin drugs fall in the category of CNS stimulants and are used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. In this article, we will look at the differences between Adderall and Ritalin drugs.
COMPARISON BETWEEN ADDERALL AND RITALIN DRUGS
Adderall
Adderall is available in both generic form and brand-name medicine. It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug and its main ingredients are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Brand-name Adderall is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, while its generic variant is manufactured by many companies including Lannett, Teva, Mallinckrodt, and others.
Adderall is approved by the FDA in the United States and is classified under the category of Schedule II controlled substance for its high potency of abuse and misuse.
Ritalin
Ritalin is a brand-name drug and contains an active ingredient Methylphenidate. It is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It is a CNS stimulant that helps in improving focus and impulse control. The manufacturers of Ritalin are Novartis, Noramco, and others.
Ritalin is approved by the FDA for treating ADHD in patients above the age of 6 years. It is classified under Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA in the USA for its possibility of dependence and abuse.
Mechanism of Drug Action
Adderall
Adderall stimulates the neurotransmitters in the brain, especially norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine. It redistributes the dopamine and increases its availability in a process called neurotransmission.
It blocks the monoamine transporters and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It also activates the opioid and glutamate system. This whole process contributes to the treatment of ADHD in the patients by improving their attention and focus.
Ritalin
Ritalin increases the level of norepinephrine and dopamine in the synaptic cleft. It also increases the release of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a very crucial role in improving impulse control and attention in patients.
Additionally, Ritalin can also help in reducing anxiety and boosting mood by its agonist activity at serotonin type 1A receptors.
Uses
Adderall
Adderall is a prescription medicine used to treat ADHD in patients above the age of 6 years and narcolepsy in adults. It improves the individual’s ability to focus and pay attention.
Off-label uses of Adderall include treatment of depression, weight loss, bipolar depression, etc. However, it is not approved by the FDA for these off-label uses.
Ritalin
Ritalin is a prescription medicine used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It improves attention, focus, and impulse control. It can improve the condition of sleep disorders.
The off-label uses of Ritalin include the treatment of terminal cancer, depressive disorders, and others. However, Ritalin is not approved by the FDA for these off-label uses.
Doses and Dosages
Adderall
Adderall – immediate-release tablets (IR) –
- 5 mg
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
Adderall extended-release (XR) –
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 25 mg
- 30 mg
Dosage
For adults, the recommended initial dose of Adderall IR should be 5 mg to 10 mg per day and the maximum dose can be 40 mg per day. For narcolepsy, a dose of 10 mg per day is administered and the maximum dose can be 60 mg per day.
Children with ADHD are administered a dose of 5 mg to 10 mg per day which is increased after examining their condition. Adderall is not recommended to treat narcolepsy in children that are under the age of 6 years.
Ritalin
Ritalin immediate-release tablets (IR) –
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
Ritalin sustained release (SR) –
- 20 mg
Ritalin extended-release (XR) capsules –
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
- 40 mg
Dosage
For treating ADHD, the recommended initial dose for adults is 20-30 mg per day and the maximum dosage can be 60 mg per day. For children above 6 years, the prescribed starting dose is 5 mg twice every day and the maximum dose can be 60 mg. A doctor may prescribe doses depending on the patient’s condition.
For narcolepsy, the recommended starting dose for adults is 20-30 mg per day, and for children, it is 5 mg two times a day. The maximum dose can be 60 mg per day for both adults and children depending on their health conditions.
Side Effects of the Drugs
Adderall
Common side effects of Adderall
- Dizziness
- Low appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Feeling drowsy
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea
- Mood swings
- Nervousness
Ritalin
Common side effects of Ritalin
- Fatigue
- Pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Back pain
- Priapism (painful erection)
- Sweating
- Rashes
Precautions
- Adderall and Ritalin are prescription medicines and should be taken as per the doctor’s advice only, otherwise, it can result in overdose and dependency.
- Individuals must read the labels behind both the drugs to avoid the chances of serious aftereffects of the medicines.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take either of these drugs without the health professional’s advice.
- Adderall and Ritalin should be consumed for the shortest duration of time possible because these drugs can be addictive and dependent.
- Adderall and Ritalin can interact with other drugs causing serious side effects, so it is advised to check the list of the drugs before consuming them.
- These drugs should not be chewed or crushed and should be kept out of children’s reach.
