Ritalin and Adderall are the two drugs, which have constantly been used for treating hyperactivity and impulsivity in an individual.

Therefore, there can be many reasons for hyperactivity and impulsivity. Thus, hyperactivity in an individual is developed due to brain disorders such as ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), injury in the brain. Damage of the nervous system, which leads to hyperthyroidism.

Here in this blog you will get a description of comparison between Ritalin and Adderall.

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin is the medicine used in the treatment of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and narcolepsy.

It belongs to the drug class of central nervous stimulants and is sold under the brand names of Ritalin tablets, Ritalin LA capsules.

The generic name of the drug is methylphenidate. Ritalin was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the US on December 5, 1955 for use.

Working of Ritalin

The ingredient present in Ritalin, methylphenidate, influences the chemicals present in the brain and results in hyperactivity and impulse control.

Things to avoid while consuming Ritalin?

While you are under the treatment of an expert medical professional there are certain things that you need to take care of, which are as follows:

  1. Drug abuse is most prominent with this drug due to its addiction forming habit; a certain dosage is prescribed by the healthcare professionals, according to the needs of an individual.
  2. Avoid using Ritalin if you have used MAO (Monoamine Oxidase) inhibitors in the last 14 days like (isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Linezolid or Methylene Blue injection).
  3. Misuse of the drug can even lead to heart attack, unexpected death in people with high blood pressure and heart disease.
  4. The drug is not found helpful in treating disorders such as psychosis, this can worsen the condition of an individual specifically if you have a medical history of depression.

Strength and Dosage

The medicine comes in various strengths and the 5 mg of the medicine is round in shape and yellow in color. Whereas, the 10 mg of the medicine is round in shape and green in color.

Various strengths of Ritalin are as follows:

Ritalin

  1. 5 mg
  2. 10 mg
  3. 15 mg

Ritalin LA

  1. 10 mg
  2. 20 mg
  3. 30 mg
  4. 40 mg

Dosage for adults suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder

  1. Immediate Release: An oral dose of 20 to 30 mg is split up into two or three doses per day 30 to 45 minutes prior meal. The maximum dosage of the medicine goes up to 60 mg per day.
  2. Extended Release: A 20 mg dosage of the medicine is suggested to consume and the maximum dosage goes up to 60 mg.

Side Effects of Ritalin

You need to immediately inform your doctor if you have allergic response to the consumption of Ritalin, which are as follows:

  1. Difficulty Breathing
  2. Swelling on various parts of the body including.
    • Face
    • Lips
    • Tongue
    • Throat
  3. Hives

Usual Side Effects of Ritalin

  1. Mood swings
  2. Anxiety
  3. Nervousness
  4. Trouble Sleeping
  5. Sweating
  6. Increased Blood Pressure
  7. Increased Heart Rate
  8. Decreased Appetite
  9. Dryness in the Mouth
  10. Stomach Pain
  11. Dizziness

What is Adderall?

The medicine is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Adderall is the combination of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine, that is also the generic name of the medicine.

Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis are the brand names of Adderall.
It belongs to the drug class of central nervous stimulants.

Working of Adderall

The ingredients present in the medicine that are Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine act on the chemical present in the brain and manages hyperactivity and controls impulsivity in an individual.

Things to avoid while consuming Adderall

There are certain things that are needed to be taken care of,, which are as follows:

  • Avoid using MAO inhibitors with Adderall. Therefore do not consume Adderall if you have used MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days.
  • You need to inform your healthcare expert if you have been abusing substances like drugs or alcohol. As the medicine has an accountability of abuse.
  • Stimulants can even cause adverse diseases such as heart attack, people with high blood pressure can even die unexpectedly.
  • The medicine is not prescribed to the people who have been suffering from psychosis or have a medical past of depression, bipolar depression or mental problem etc.
  • Other diseases such as glaucoma, overactive thyroid or coronary artery disease cannot be treated by Adderall.

Strength and Dosage of Adderall

The medicine is available in various strengths and the 30 mg of the medicine is orange as well in peach color and is round in shape.

Various strengths of Adderall are as follows:

  • 7.5 mg
  • 10 mg
  • 12.5 mg
  • 15 mg
  • 20 mg
  • 30 mg

Dosage of Adderall for Adults

An oral dosage of 5 mg is sufficient dosage one or twice in a day.

The regular dosage is to be increased gradually at 5 mg on the daily basis, this is the maintenance dose.

Maximum dosage of the drug is 40 mg per day i.e. suggested in very rare cases.

Side Effects of Adderall

  • Multiple episodes of seizure.
  • Symptoms of psychosis behavioral changes or lack of sensation
  • Indication of circulatory problems followed by cold, unreasonable wounds or change in the skin color.
  • Heart problem along with symptoms like pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, feeling that you may die.

Conclusion

These drugs must be consumed only if prescribed by a healthcare expert. Keep such kinds of medicines away from toddlers and children.