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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 23, 2024.Both medications are for ADHD but which one is better? Direct comparison studies and placebo trials indicate that Ritalin and Adderall are effective in ADHD, although it is worthwhile noting that most trials are of poor quality and short duration. Ritalin and Adderall are both associated with sleep problems and a decreased appetite; in addition, Ritalin is more likely to cause stomach pain.Although both Ritalin and Adderall are used for ADHD they contain different medicines.Ritalin contains methylphenidate whereas Adderall contains a mixture of amphetamine salts (MAS). Although Ritalin and Adderall contain different ingredients, they are both classified as CNS stimulants and are thought to work in a similar way in ADHD - by increasing the concentration of two neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the brain.Not everybody responds equally to either Ritalin or Adderall so if one treatment is ineffective or intolerable it is appropriate to try another. Abuse or dependence potential is untested, but likely to be similar.See also: Drugs.com Compare Tool - Adderall vs RitalinMore detailed informationAre Ritalin and Adderall the same?Not as far as ingredients go. Ritalin is a brand name for methylphenidate and Adderall contains mixed amphetamine salts.1,2 Although they contain different ingredients, they are both classified as CNS stimulants and are thought to work in a similar way – by increasing the concentrations of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These two neurotransmitters transmit impulses between nerves, which helps improve ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. Methylphenidate is available as a generic and other brands include Aptensio, Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, and Quillivant.1The mixed amphetamine salts contained in Adderall are dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. Adderall is also available as a generic.2Do any studies directly compare Ritalin to Adderall?Yes. Several trials have
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