Ritalin vs. Adderall for ADHD: 8 Differences to Consider

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition that affects attention, focus, and energy. Luckily, ADHD is manageable with a variety of treatment options, including medications.

Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. Ritalin and Adderall are part of the same drug class, but they’re not interchangeable. In this article, we’ll highlight eight key differences between Ritalin versus Adderall, and we’ll discuss several points to consider if you’re prescribed one of these medications.

1. Ritalin and Adderall are both stimulants, but they contain different ingredients

Ritalin and Adderall are both stimulants, which are considered first-choice medications for ADHD in adults and children. Ritalin contains methylphenidate, and Adderall contains two amphetamine forms: d-amphetamine (dextroamphetamine) and l-amphetamine.

There may be some differences in how Adderall and Ritalin work, but their major mechanism of action is the same: increasing how much dopamine and norepinephrine are available for your brain to use. These two chemicals improve your ability to focus and maintain attention. They also improve impulsivity control.

2. Ritalin and Adderall come in different forms

Adderall is available as immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (ER) capsules (Adderall XR, Mydayis). Ritalin, however, is available in several more forms, including:

• IR tablets (Ritalin)

• IR chewable tablets

• IR oral solution (Methylin)

• ER capsules, such as Ritalin LA, Jornay PM, and Metadate CD

• ER tablets, such as Concerta, Methylin ER, and Relexxii

• ER chewable tablets, such as Quillichew EW

• ER oral suspension (Quillivant XR)

• ER patch (Daytrana)

Different forms of these medications are approved for different age groups, and they aren’t necessarily interchangeable with one another. For example, IR Adderall is approved for ADHD in kids age 3 and older, while Ritalin is approved for kids age 6 and older.

Talk to your prescriber if your ADHD medication form isn’t working for you. There may be other options to try.

3. Ritalin starts working more quickly than Adderall

Ritalin and Adderall start working within 30 to 45 minutes after taking a dose. But you may feel the effects of Ritalin sooner. This is because it peaks in the blood more quickly — within 2 hours. Adderall blood levels usually peak a little later, about 3 hours after taking a dose.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• ADHD medication overview. Two main groups of ADHD medications — stimulants and nonstimulants — are available to treat this condition.

• Adderall IR vs. Adderall XR: Learn about the short- and long-acting forms of Adderall, including how long they last, how they’re taken, and whether it’s OK to combine them.

• Concerta vs. Ritalin: Learn what’s the same and what’s different about these two forms of methylphenidate.

Overall, the differences in how quickly these medications start working is small. This isn’t typically a deciding factor in choosing which medication is better for you.

4. Adderall lasts longer in the body, but both medications are available in extended-release forms

Adderall lasts longer than Ritalin. This is because Adderall has a longer half-life than Ritalin. A half-life is the amount of time it takes for the body to get rid of half of the total amount of medication in the blood.

Adderall’s half-life is 10 to 14 hours. Ritalin’s half-life is 2 to 3 hours. But keep in mind that how long Ritalin or Adderall lasts in your body is not the same as how long their effects last. Ritalin typically works for 3 to 4 hours. Adderall usually works for 4 to 6 hours.

Both Ritalin and Adderall come as ER pills designed to last longer than their IR counterparts. ER versions of Ritalin last 8 to 12 hours, while ER versions of Adderall last about 12 to 16 hours.

5. You may need to take Ritalin more often than Adderall

Ritalin is typically taken 2 or 3 times a day, while Adderall is typically taken 1 or 2 times a day. This makes sense, since we know that Adderall lasts longer in the body than Ritalin. But the ER versions of Adderall and Ritalin are typically taken once a day (since they last longer in the body than their IR counterparts).

Your prescriber will help you find a stimulant dose that improves ADHD while minimizing unwanted side effects, such as lowered appetite, insomnia, and headache.

6. Ritalin may be preferred in children, while Adderall may be preferred in adults

Overall, methylphenidate has been more widely studied in young children. A thorough review of over 130 studies found that Ritalin may be preferred for kids and teens, while Adderall is recommended for adults.

Guidelines recommend Ritalin as a first-choice medication for young children under age 6 if ADHD is significantly affecting a child’s life and behavioral interventions aren’t effective enough on their own. In older children, teens, and adults, Adderall and Ritalin are both considered first-choice medications. But Adderall is more commonly prescribed in adults since research suggests it’s more effective.

7. They may have different side effects

Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall generally have the same side effects. Common examples include:

• Decreased appetite and weight loss

• Trouble sleeping

• Stomach upset

• Mild increases in heart rate and blood pressure

Ritalin and Adderall may rarely cause severe effects, such as misuse or heart problems. Growth problems are also possible in kids and teens. But we don’t have a lot of good research directly comparing Ritalin’s and Adderall’s long-term side effects.

Mood changes may be more likely from Adderall than Ritalin. One large review of almost 3,700 kids with ADHD found irritability was more common with Adderall than Ritalin. The rare risk of psychosis may be higher with Adderall. This severe mental health condition may involve hallucinations and extreme behavior changes.

Adderall side effects may linger for a longer time than Ritalin side effects. This is because an Adderall dose stays in your body longer than a Ritalin dose. Timing your medication dose correctly can go a long way in avoiding stimulant side effects. For example, taking your stimulant with a meal can help prevent you from skipping meals due to reduced appetite.

8. They may have different drug interactions

Ritalin and Adderall have many drug interactions in common. For example, it’s best to avoid alcohol with both medications. Ritalin and Adderall can also interact with medications that increase heart rate or blood pressure and medications that increase serotonin. And taking either medication with caffeine can make you more jittery and restless, since caffeine is also a stimulant.

But Adderall also has distinct drug interactions. For example, Cytra-K (potassium citrate / citric acid) can make Adderall last in your body longer. This raises the risk of side effects. On the other hand, vitamin C supplements can decrease Adderall levels in the body. This makes Adderall less effective.

Ritalin and Adderall can also interact with medications not mentioned here. That’s why it’s best to give your healthcare team a list of the medications you take before starting Ritalin or Adderall. This will help them check for interactions.

Can you take Ritalin and Adderall together?

No, these medications aren’t taken together for ADHD. Taking multiple stimulants isn’t a good idea because it raises your risk of side effects.

If you’re taking Ritalin or Adderall but it doesn’t seem to be helping, tell your prescriber. They may recommend increasing your dose. Or they may switch you to a different ADHD medication. In fact, if Adderall doesn’t work for you, Ritalin might (and vice versa).

Keep in mind that some people need a short-acting and long-acting stimulant to control ADHD symptoms. For example, you or your child may take Adderall XR once every morning, and an additional dose of Adderall IR later in the day. And nonstimulant ADHD medications, such as Intuniv (guanfacine ER) or Nexiclon XR (clonidine ER) may be used alongside a stimulant too.

How to save on Ritalin and Adderall

Ritalin and Adderall are available as brand-name medications. But you can also find them as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you navigate ways to save on your prescription.

• Save with GoodRx: Generic Ritalin’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $14.11 with a free GoodRx discount. Generic Adderall’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $16.99 with a free GoodRx discount.

• Use exclusive savings: Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a 30-day supply of brand-name Relexxii at an exclusive cash price as low as $88.

• Save with a copay savings card: If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $0 for Relexxii, $4 for Concerta, or $12 for Daytrana using a savings card from the manufacturer. Dyanavel XR (amphetamine ER) may cost as little as $25. Other copay savings cards are also available.

Keep in mind that Ritalin and Adderall are controlled substances. Not all pharmacies accept GoodRx coupons for controlled substances.

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Written by:

Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Daphne Berryhill, RPh, has two decades of experience as a clinical pharmacist. She spent most of her career in the Chicago area practicing in-home infusion.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS, is a clinical pharmacotherapy specialist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in New York City. His favorite part of the job is working with preterm newborns because they are strong and mighty despite their size.

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