Pimozide vs. Adderall for Tourette Syndrome and ADHD: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Pimozide

Adderall

Summary for Pimozide

Prescription only

Pimozide is an oral antipsychotic medication used for Tourette syndrome after other standard treatments haven't worked. It's thought to work by lowering dopamine levels in the brain, which helps to reduce tics. Generally, adults take more than one dose per day, while children 12 years and older usually take one dose at bedtime. Side effects include sleepiness, drowsiness, and difficulty moving muscles. Although the brand medication Orap is no longer available, the generic version still is.

Indications for Pimozide

Treatment of Tourette syndrome after other standard medications haven't worked

Pros and Cons for Pimozide

Pros

One of the few medications that's FDA approved to treat Tourette syndrome
Can be used in children 12 years and older
Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Generally not a first-choice treatment option
Not a good option for people with certain heart conditions
Interacts with a lot of medications

Common Side Effects for Pimozide

Adults:

Sleepiness (14%)
Inability to move muscles on your own (8%)
Restlessness (8%)
Drowsiness (7%)
Dry mouth (5%)
Behavior problems (5%)

Children:

Sleepiness (28%)
Behavior problems (28%)
Weakness (25%)
Headache (22%)
Drooling (14%)

Warnings for Pimozide

Movement problems
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Higher risk of infection
Heart rhythm changes

Summary for Adderall

Prescription only

Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

Indications for Adderall

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

Pros and Cons for Adderall

Pros

First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
Starts working within an hour after taking
Available as a lower-cost generic
Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD

Cons

Has a risk of misuse and dependency
A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))

Common Side Effects for Adderall

Upset stomach
Lower appetite
Weight loss
Nervousness
Changes in mood
Trouble sleeping

Warnings for Adderall

Misuse and addiction
Dependence and withdrawal
Serious heart problems
Aggressive behavior and psychosis
Slowed growth in children
Seizures
Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
Serotonin syndrome
Drug interactions

Prices with our coupons for Pimozide vs. Adderall

Pimozide60 tablets / 2mg

$50.54$148.07

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Amphetamine Salt Combo30 tablets / 20mg

$16.99$47.51

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Pimozide vs. Adderall

Pimozide

Adderall

Summary for Pimozide

Indications for Pimozide

Pros and Cons for Pimozide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Pimozide

Warnings for Pimozide

Summary for Adderall

Indications for Adderall

Pros and Cons for Adderall

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Adderall

Warnings for Adderall

Prices with our coupons for Pimozide vs. Adderall

Browse medications by letter

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Pimozide

Adderall

Summary for Pimozide

Indications for Pimozide

Pros and Cons for Pimozide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Pimozide

Warnings for Pimozide

Summary for Adderall

Indications for Adderall

Pros and Cons for Adderall

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Adderall

Warnings for Adderall