A significant portion of the population suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Normally, children or teenagers are diagnosed with this neurological disorder, which often lasts until adulthood. A few of the symptoms of ADHD include difficulty focusing, making decisions without considering the consequences, and excessive activity in unnecessary circumstances. Among the common causes of ADHD are brain injuries, premature delivery, and the use of alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy. Medications and therapy can both be used to treat ADHD. Ritalin and Adderall are the two most widely prescribed ADHD medications.
Ritalin vs Adderall
The main difference between Ritalin and Adderall is that Ritalin has a shorter duration of action and stays in the human body for a shorter time than Adderall, which has a longer duration and stays in the body longer.
The main component of Ritalin is methylphenidate. It is widely prescribed for the treatment of ADHD. This is a stimulator of the central nervous system. Its primary purpose is to change the number of natural substances in the brain.
Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine form Adderall’s main components. It is also a central nervous stimulant used to treat ADHD. Although it starts its action in the human body much later at around 3 hours and stays in the body longer.
Comparison Table Between Ritalin and Adderall
| Parameters of Comparison | Ritalin | Adderall |
| Basic component | Methylphenidate is the main component of Ritalin. | Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are the main components of Adderall. |
| Period of action | Ritalin is fast-acting that starts acting within an hour. | Adderall is slow acting that starts acting in about 3 hours. |
| Half-life | The half-life of Ritalin in the body is 3-4 hours. | The half-life of Adderall in the human body is 10-13 hours. |
| Most effective | Research shows that Ritalin is more effective in treating children and adolescents. | It has been found that Adderall is more efficient in treating adults. |
| Side effects | The most common side effects of Ritalin include weight loss, heart palpitations, insomnia, decreased appetite, growth suppression, increased sex drive. | The most common side effects of Adderall include irritability, aggressive behavior, dry mouth, increased blood pressure, shaking, blurry vision, decreased sex drive. |
| Dosage | The standard dosage of Ritalin is 20-30 mg. | The standard dosage of Adderall is 5-40 mg. |
What is Ritalin?
ADHD medications such as Ritalin are widely used to treat the disorder. It is mainly composed of methylphenidate. It is a central nervous stimulator. Its main function is to change the number of natural substances in the brain. Consumption of Ritalin helps an individual in paying more attention, improves behavior problems, and helps increase focus. Additionally, it helps to improve listening skills and organizational skills.
Ritalin is a fast-acting drug that starts working within the body almost immediately. It can reach its maximum effectiveness within an hour. Ritalin in the body has a half-life of 3-4 hours. Therefore, it and its effects are only retained for a very short period in the body. The effects of Ritalin on children and adolescents are more significant. Ritalin is typically taken in doses between 20 and 30 mg daily. This medication is usually prescribed to adults and children over the age of 6 years old. Some of the most common side effects of Ritalin include weight loss, heart palpitations, insomnia, decreased appetite, growth suppression, and an increased desire to mate.
Ritalin is sometimes addictive even though it helps many people. It is likely to be higher if you have a substance use disorder, such as an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Follow the prescription as prescribed to reduce the chance of addiction. Suddenly stopping this medication can cause withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes). You are more likely to experience withdrawal from methylphenidate if you have used it for a long time or taken high doses.
What is Adderall?
Adderall primarily contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. In terms of treating ADHD and narcolepsy, it is the most widely used drug. It is very similar to Ritalin in terms of function. Both are central nervous system stimulants. The main function of this substance is to modify the number of natural substances in the brain. The use of Adderall improves a person’s attention, improves their behavior, and helps them focus. It also improves their listening skills and their organizational skills.
It takes Adderall some time to start working in the body. About three to four hours are needed to reach its maximum effects. In the human body, Adderall has a half-life of 10-13 hours, meaning it and its effects last for a considerable amount of time. Adults are more likely to be helped by Adderall. The typical dosage is between 5 and 40 mg. Adderall can be prescribed for both adults and children of age 3 years or older. Irritability, aggressive behavior, dry mouth, shakiness, blurry vision, blurred vision, and decreased sex drive are some of the most common side effects of Adderall.
Main Differences Between Ritalin and Adderall
- The chemical component of Ritalin is methylphenidate, whereas that of Adderall is a combination of amphetamines and dextroamphetamine.
- The effect of Ritalin starts within an hour and lasts about three to four hours, while Adderall starts acting in about three hours and lasts about ten to thirteen hours.
- The effectiveness of Ritalin is greater when treating children and adolescents, while the effectiveness of Adderall is greater when treating adults.
- The most common side effects of Ritalin include weight loss, heart palpitations, insomnia, decreased appetite, growth inhibition, and increased sex drive, while the most common side effects of Adderall include irritability, aggressive behavior, dry mouth, increased blood pressure, shaking, blurry vision, and decreased sex drive.
- Ritalin can be taken in doses between 20-30 mg whereas Ritalin can be taken in doses between 5-40 mg.
Conclusion
ADHD affects millions of children worldwide every year. It is very challenging to treat this condition. ADHD children often perform poorly in school, suffer from low self-esteem, and have trouble making friends. Sometimes this disorder cannot be cured no matter what treatments an individual undergoes. In most cases, therapy and medication are recommended to patients with ADHD, but their main purpose is to help them deal with the symptoms better. Ritalin and Adderall are often prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. Despite their similarities in how they work in the body, they have some significant differences that must be considered before choosing one over the other. A wrong choice can have disastrous consequences. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult your physician before taking any such medication.
References
- https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/103/4/e43.short
- https://scholarspace.jccc.edu/honors_journal/vol3/iss1/2/