Both medications work in similar ways in the brain and have similar side effects. The primary difference is that Ritalin works quickly and reaches peak performance earlier than does Adderall, which stays in the system longer. “One molecule is not intrinsically better or to be preferred over the other,” says Dr.
Ritalin and Adderall, two medications that treat ADHD, are equally effective but act differently. Adderall stays in your body longer than Ritalin, but Ritalin works more quickly to reach peak effect.
Studies show that stimulants work well on ADHD symptoms for about 80% of people who take them. About half of those people get the same results from either Adderall or Ritalin. But for the other half, one drug works better than the other. This is because they work in different ways and can cause different side effects.
The instant release version of Ritalin is shorter-acting in most people, and its effectiveness ranges from 3 to 4 hours. Also, a 5 mg dose of Adderall is equivalent to around 10 mg of Ritalin.
Other stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD overseas but are not available in Australia (eg. Adderall). Some people get better results from dexamphetamine, while others get better results from methylphenidate.
In Australia, the psychostimulant medications mainly used to treat ADHD are dexamfetamine, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine. Methylphenidate is available as a short-acting preparation (e.g. Ritalin®) and as a long-acting or extended release preparation (e.g. Ritalin LA®, Concerta®).
'Due to its potential for abuse, Adderall is classified by the government as a Schedule II controlled substance, the same category as OxyContin,' it adds. And while the US healthcare system is obviously different to Australia, Dr Rakov has also seen a local rise in specific-ADHD clinics catering to diagnosis delivery.
It is thought that Adderall has a longer half-life than Ritalin and might minimize the loss of efficacy that occurs 4 or 5 hours after Ritalin ingestion. We compared two doses of Ritalin and Adderall in the treatment of ADHD in children in an acute study and assessed the medications' time courses.
Ritalin Tablets: The average daily dose is 20 to 30 mg, given in 2 to 3 divided doses. Some patients may require 40 to 60 mg daily, while for others, 10 to 15 mg daily will be adequate. Patients who are unable to sleep if medication is taken late in the day should take the last dose before 6 p.m.
In terms of non-stimulant medications, ADHD specialists recommend using atomoxetine as a first-choice medication for children and adults, followed by guanfacine or clonidine for children, and bupropion or nortriptyline for adults.
Ritalin works by increasing the amount of dopamine released in the striatum, a key region in the brain related to motivation, action and cognition.
Methylphenidate is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine by neurons. Ritalin works differently than Adderall — it blocks the reuptake of dopamine at the synapses, acting as a re-uptake inhibitor.
Stimulants are the best and most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. There are only two stimulant medications, methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta and other formulations) and amphetamine (the active ingredient in Adderall, Vyvanse and other formulations).
Stimulant alternatives to Adderall include Ritalin, Concerta and Daytrana (methylphenidate); Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine); and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine). Nonstimulant alternatives to Adderall include Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (Guanfacine) and Kapvay (clonidine).
For those who may be more prone to abuse stimulant medications, a physician may decide that Vyvanse is a better choice. Finally, physicians often prescribe medications based on their own experience and knowledge. They may feel that they see better results with Vyvanse compared to Adderall or other medications.
For people without ADHD, who may be tempted to take Ritalin or Adderall as a study drug, this can end up making them feel jittery and anxious, causing them to focus too much on smaller, less-important details, while losing the bigger picture.
Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended. Adults: Average dosage is 20 to 30 mg daily. Administer orally in divided doses 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals.
Ritalin 10 works quickly and its effect lasts approximately 4 hours. It is usually taken 1-2 hours before its maximum effect is required, and may be given more than once a day5. Some doctors may prescribe Ritalin 10 in addition to Ritalin LA to tailor treatment to an individual's needs.
Some studies have found that one of the main reasons college students take prescription stimulants—such as Adderall, a drug often prescribed for ADHD—is to reduce procrastination.
Adderall is available in both brand and generic. Adderall XR costs approximately $7.60 per capsule8, and a generic version is available for $4.65-5.33 per capsule. Ritalin tablets cost approximately 75 cents per 5mg tablet and $1.10 per 20mg tablet.
Ritalin is widely acknowledged for its potential to enhance concentration among individuals. Furthermore, it facilitates the enhancement of users' concentration on the given task, thereby governing behavioral tendencies such as impulsivity and contributing to the reinforcement of apt organization and attentiveness.
Alprazolam – indications for use
The approved indications for alprazolam, as listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, are: anxiety – short-term symptomatic treatment of anxiety, including treatment of anxious patients with some symptoms of depression.
Guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) is a newer medicine that can be used to treat ADHD in children and teenagers (aged 6-17 years) when stimulants or atomoxetine are not suitable or effective. It can also be used together with stimulant medicines.