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Compare Ritalin vs. Androgel

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

  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
    Testosterone gel
  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
    Testosterone gel

  • Summary of Ritalin vs. Androgel

    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 Testosterone replacement
    Prescription only

    Testosterone gel is used to treat low testosterone in adult males. It's convenient to use because you only have to apply it to your skin once a day. But compared to other forms of testosterone, there's a higher risk of exposing others to the medication through skin-to-skin contact.

  • Indications of Ritalin vs. Androgel

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

  • Pros and Cons of Ritalin vs. Androgel

    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 Testosterone replacement
    Pros
    •Works well to replace testosterone in your body
    •Applied once a day to your skin, so it's easy to use
    •Available in tubes, packets, or as a pump
    •Some brand names are available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Can cause skin irritation
    •Need to avoid skin-to-skin transfer to other people
    •Need to wait hours before you can shower, swim, or bathe
    •Have to follow specific instructions on where and how it can be applied

  • Common Side Effects of Ritalin vs. Androgel

    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
    •Skin irritation
    •Skin rash
    •Itchiness
    •High red blood cell count
    •Enlarged prostate
    •Acne

  • Warnings of Ritalin vs. Androgel

    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
    •Early puberty or development of male features
    •High red blood cell count and blood clots
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, and dependency
    •Worsening symptoms of enlarged prostate and prostate cancer
    •Liver problems
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (edema)
    •Breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)
    •High calcium in the blood

  • Prices with our coupons for Ritalin vs. Androgel

    Learn more about Methylphenidate
    Learn more about Testosterone gel

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