Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Ritalin vs. Adderall

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

Key takeaways

Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) are stimulant medications that treat ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder) and extreme sleepiness from narcolepsy. They’re different types of stimulants: Ritalin is a methylphenidate and Adderall is an amphetamine. Both medications are usually taken a few times a day. They also both come in long-acting forms that are taken once daily. There are more dosage forms of Ritalin available than Adderall. Both medications are controlled substances that can cause dependence and misuse. They have similar side effects, such as lower appetite, mood changes, and trouble sleeping.

  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
    Adderall
  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
    Adderall

  • Summary of Ritalin vs. Adderall

    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.

    Summary for Stimulant
    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 of Ritalin vs. Adderall

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

  • Pros and Cons of Ritalin vs. Adderall

    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
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    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 of Ritalin vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for

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

    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Weight loss
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Lower appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Nervousness
    •Changes in mood
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Ritalin vs. Adderall

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 Ritalin vs. Adderall

    Learn more about Methylphenidate
    Learn more about Adderall

Compare other ADHD and Narcolepsy drugs

Concerta vs RitalinDesoxyn vs RitalinEvekeo vs RitalinFocalin vs RitalinIntuniv vs RitalinMedrol vs RitalinNuvigil vs RitalinProvigil vs RitalinRitalin vs AdderallRitalin vs DexedrineRitalin vs FortestaRitalin vs KapvayRitalin vs MarinolStrattera vs RitalinVyvanse vs RitalinWellbutrin vs RitalinAdderall vs ConcertaAzstarys vs ConcertaConcerta vs Adderall XrEvekeo vs ConcertaFocalin vs ConcertaIntuniv vs ConcertaMedrol vs CortefMedrol vs DexamethasoneMedrol vs FortestaMedrol vs MarinolMedrol vs Prednisolone AcetateMedrol vs ProvigilStrattera vs ConcertaVyvanse vs Concerta
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.