What's the Difference Between Ritalin vs Adderall?

When you’re choosing an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication for your child, the information available online can quickly become overwhelming. You might have questions like, “What’s the best medication for ADHD?” or, “What’s the difference between all of these options?”

There are many ways to treat childhood ADHD and improve mental health. Stimulant medications are prescription drugs that have been found in the research to be the most effective in the treatment of ADHD. Many kids attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms improve (such as impulsivity) with stimulant medications, but different types of prescription stimulants work better for different kids.

There are only two types of stimulant compounds that are used for ADHD treatment: methylphenidate and amphetamine. There are many brands of medication that use these two active ingredients, but the most popular are Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine).

Here’s a simple guide on everything you need to know about both Ritalin and Adderall, including their similarities and differences.

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin is a stimulant ADHD medication that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate hydrochloride. Other brand-name ADHD medications, including Concerta and Quillivant, also contain this ingredient. Ritalin is available in generic form as methylphenidate hydrochloride.

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant (CNS). It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals, like dopamine, that are available in your brain. This lessens ADHD symptoms like restlessness and distractibility. Ritalin is also sometimes used for narcolepsy.

Ritalin is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children over the age of 6.

Ritalin is available in both short-acting tablets and long-acting formulations. Normal (short-acting) Ritalin tablets are available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets. The long-acting capsules (Ritalin LA) are also available in 30mg, 40mg, and 60mg.

Typically, people take extended-release medication less often throughout the day (sometimes only once a day). The short-acting form of Ritalin works for around 2 to 3 hours, while the extended-release stays in the system for up to 12 hours. It takes between 30 and 60 minutes to start working, so parents may want to choose medication times carefully to manage symptoms.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is the brand name for another type of stimulant ADHD medication. The main ingredient in Adderall is two stimulants amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which is the same ingredient found in other ADHD medications like Evekeo and Vyvanse. Adderall is available in generic form as amphetamine or mixed amphetamine salts.

Like Ritalin, Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant. The two medications work in the same way, by increasing the levels of brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. This makes it easier for people with ADHD to focus better and have more self-control, among other effects.

Adderall is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children over the age of 6.

Adderall is available in short-acting and extended-release forms. Short-acting Adderall tablets are available in doses between 5mg and 30mg. Extended-release Adderall is available in up to 36mg. Short-acting Adderall can be effective for up to 6 hours, while extended-release can work for up to 12.

Adderall vs. Ritalin

Both Ritalin and Adderall are stimulant ADHD medications. They have different active ingredients, but affect your brain in the same way. They’re also about equally effective, and help kids with ADHD. Of these kids, some people find more success with Ritalin, some with Adderall, and others have equal success with both.

In other words, Adderall and Ritalin are more similar than they are different. But your child’s physician may need to try a few different medications before finding the best fit for your child.

Duration

One of the main (and only) differences between Adderall and Ritalin is that Ritalin often starts working faster, but Adderall stays in the system for longer. Short-acting Ritalin is effective for 2 to 3 hours, while Adderall works for up to 6 hours.

Extended-release versions of both medications last longer, for up to 12 hours — but Adderall XR (extended-release) may still last longer than Ritalin LA.

That doesn’t mean that Adderall is necessarily the better choice for your child. Some people prefer Ritalin for the fast-acting benefits and to be better able to time when side effects might occur.

Drug interactions

Both Ritalin and Adderall can interact with other medications. They should also be avoided if you live with certain health conditions.

Both Adderall and Ritalin can have a dangerous and possibly fatal interaction with a type of antidepressant medication called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). All stimulants, including both Adderall and Ritalin, can make high blood pressure medicine less effective.

Adderall can also have interactions with other antidepressants and antihistamines, among other medications. Acidifying agents like citric acids can make Adderall less effective. Alkalizing agents, like sodium bicarbonate, can increase Adderall’s potency.

Ritalin can have negative interactions with anticoagulants, anticonvulsives (seizure medication), and other types of antidepressants.

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Side effects of Adderall and Ritalin

Both Ritalin and Adderall are safe and approved for kids over 6 years old. But all medications carry the risk of side effects, especially in higher doses. Stimulant medications, including Ritalin and Adderall, typically come with the same side effects. Common mild side effects of Ritalin and Adderall include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Delayed growth (although research has found this isn’t a long-term effect)
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Upset stomach
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Diarrhea
• Headache
  

If these side effects are severe, it might be a sign that your child is on too high of a dose. The right medication, at the right dosage, should not change your child’s personality or make them feel like a “zombie.” If your child complains that the side effects are very uncomfortable, or if you notice unexpected changes in their behavior, then talk to your prescriber.

All stimulant medications, including both Ritalin and Adderall, can also cause something called the rebound effect for some kids. As the effects of the medication wear off (usually towards the end of the day), you may notice withdrawal symptoms and that your child’s ADHD symptoms worsen.

They could also get more irritable and agitated. Your prescribing doctor can help you adjust the doses and timing of medication so that this becomes less likely to happen. It is often a good idea to make sure your child is in a non stressful environment when this “rebound effect” kicks in.

Risks and precautions

Both Adderall and Ritalin can cause more serious side effects, but these are far less common. Certain kids, who live with certain other conditions, may not be able to safely take stimulant medications for ADHD.

If you are considering having your child prescribed with a stimulant ADHD medication like Ritalin or Adderall, talk to your doctor if your child:

• Has psychotic episodes or a psychotic disorder
• Has bipolar disorder
• Has heart disease or high blood pressure
• Has tics or Tourrette’s
• Has a history of drug or alcohol abuse, especially with stimulants
  

Many parents worry that stimulant medications will cause their child to develop addiction problems. Although all stimulants carry an inherent risk of abuse, there is no evidence to suggest that kids with ADHD who take stimulant medications are at higher risk of developing substance use disorder.

You may have also heard that stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall can cause delayed growth in children and adolescents. Decades-old research found that delayed childhood growth was possible with stimulants, but we now know that this effect isn’t permanent. Adults who took stimulant medications as children are no smaller than adults who didn’t.

Cost

Understandably, cost is a big concern when choosing the right medication for your child. This is especially important for something like ADHD medication, which is a long-term treatment option.

Both Ritalin and Adderall are available in generic forms. Generic medications typically cost much less than their brand name forms. In general, Ritalin and Adderall cost about the same.

Takeaway

There’s no right answer on whether Ritalin or Adderall is the “better” medication. The right medication for your child will be based on what is the most effective for them while having the least severe side effects. What might work best for another child may not work for yours.

In general, Ritalin and Adderall are both equally effective, cost about the same, and come with similar side effects and risks. You could also try other natural remedies for ADHD symptoms.

The best thing you can do is talk to your child’s pediatrics doctor or healthcare provider about your observations and concerns. They can provide medical advice and help you make the right decision about which medication to start with. If one doesn’t work, you can try the other (or another treatment such as behavioral therapy); there is no irreversible decision when it comes to medication.

This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice. Please consult with your or your child's prescribing doctor before changing, starting, or stopping a medication routine.