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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)

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Methylphenidate

(Ritalin)

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Summary for Provigil

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.

Indications for Provigil

Pros and Cons for Provigil

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Provigil

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

Warnings for Provigil

  • 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

Summary for Ritalin

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 for Ritalin

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

Pros and Cons for Ritalin

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 for Ritalin

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

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

Warnings for Ritalin

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Modafinil30 tablets / 200mg
$22.28$136.82
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Methylphenidate90 tablets / 10mg
$19.86$134.99
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