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Compare Provigil vs. Ritalin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Provigil (modafinil) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are both stimulant medications. Both medications are approved to treat extreme sleepiness from narcolepsy. Provigil is also approved to treat sleepiness from obstructive sleep apnea and shift work disorder. And Ritalin is approved to treat ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Provigil is taken once a day for narcolepsy, while Ritalin is usually taken a few times a day. In general, Provigil is a first-choice medication for narcolepsy. While both medications are controlled substances, Provigil is considered less likely to cause dependence and misuse than Adderall.

  • Modafinil (Provigil)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  • Modafinil (Provigil)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

  • Summary of Provigil vs. Ritalin

    Summary for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Prescription only

    Modafinil (Provigil) helps improve wakefulness in adults with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. This wake-promoting medication comes as a tablet that’s taken by mouth. For adults with narcolepsy or sleep apnea, you take a dosage once daily in the morning. And for those with shift work disorder, you take your dosage 1 hour before the start of your work shift. Common side effects include headache and nausea. Modafinil (Provigil) is a controlled substance because of its potential for misuse.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness) in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It works by raising the levels of certain chemicals in your brain to keep you focused and awake. The dosage is typically 2 to 3 times per day because it's an immediate-release form of methylphenidate. Side effects of this medication include low appetite, nervousness, and trouble sleeping.

  • Indications of Provigil vs. Ritalin

    Indications for
    •Improve wakefulness in adults with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Provigil vs. Ritalin

    Pros and Const for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Can start to work after about 1 hour of taking
    •Might be less likely to feel anxious or jittery than with common stimulants for these sleep issues
    Cons
    •A controlled substance, so there are specific rules for getting it filled at the pharmacy
    •Interacts with many medications, like omeprazole (Prilosec), warfarin (Coumadin), and hormonal birth control
    •Not approved for children
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice medication to treat ADHD in adults and children.
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available as an oral tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid
    Cons
    •Is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence
    •Shouldn't stop taking this medication suddenly without talking to your provider first because of greater risk for mood changes
    •Can negatively affect growth in children

  • Common Side Effects of Provigil vs. Ritalin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (34%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Feeling nervous (7%)
    •Runny nose (7%)
    •Back pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Anxiety (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Indigestion (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (5%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects might differ depending on the formulation. In general:

    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Weight loss

  • Warnings of Provigil vs. Ritalin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Serious rash and skin reactions
    •Sleepiness and trouble focusing, thinking, and reacting
    •Unusual changes in mood and behavior
    •Heart problems
    •Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart problems
    •Changes in behavior or thoughts
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Provigil vs. Ritalin

    Learn more about Modafinil
    Learn more about Methylphenidate

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