Ritalin vs. Adderall: how are they alike and how are they different? In fact, they have a lot in common. Both are effective for treating ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), but they contain different medicines. Both are stimulants, and misuse can lead to addiction. Fortunately, people who become addicted to these medications can find help in an Adderall addiction treatment program.
Both Ritalin and Adderall are labeled as controlled substances, and, like other stimulants, there is a potential for misuse. Treatment programs that address both addiction and the need for ADHD treatment typically offer the best chance for long-term recovery. Contact Promises at 844.875.5609 for more information about our approach to treatment for addiction to substances like Ritalin and Adderall.
What Are “Study Drugs?”
The term “study drugs” is frequently used to describe stimulants, especially prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin. For students with ADHD, these medications play an important role in academic life. They allow people with ADHD to concentrate for longer periods so they can focus on school work.
Study drugs work differently on people without ADHD. While Ritalin and Adderall help those with ADHD slow their minds and stay focused, people without a medical need become energized. As a consequence, study drugs may be misused to give people extra energy.
The use of stimulants when there is no medical need can lead to serious health issues. Short-term side effects include:
- Poor appetite
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
- Elevated blood sugar
- Digestive issues
- Panic attacks
- Hyperactivity
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Death from overdose
Life-threatening long-term side effects are also a threat. Stimulant misuse can damage all of the body’s major organs, including the brain.
Adderall vs. Ritalin — What’s the Difference?
Finding the right combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes to treat ADHD symptoms can take time. Doctors may prescribe either Adderall or Ritalin and then change course if the medication isn’t working.
Ritalin is a brand name for the substance methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is also available in generic form and in other brands, including Concerta, Metadate, and Quillivant.
Adderall is also a brand of medication. It’s made from amphetamine salts, including amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and dextroamphetamine saccharate. Generic Adderall is available.
Both drugs are classified as stimulants and work in similar ways. They increase the concentrations of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for communication between the nerves, which helps treat ADHD symptoms.
Trials directly comparing Adderall vs. Ritalin have not yet produced any statistically significant difference between the two substances. However, studies have shown that some people respond better to amphetamine-based drugs, while others respond better to methylphenidate.
Both medications have an equal chance of being misused. The biggest difference between these two medications may be cost. Even the generic form of Adderall is more expensive than Ritalin. However, because Ritalin doesn’t work for everyone with ADHD, cost is not the number-one factor when a doctor decides which medication to prescribe.
Other ADHD Treatments
The risk of misuse is a concern for many parents and young people with ADHD. Talk therapies are still considered an important element of ADHD treatment, and medications may be more effective when used in conjunction with therapy and lifestyle changes. Types of therapy that may be recommended include cognitive-behavioral therapy, ADHD coaching, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Take Charge of Adderall Addiction at Promises
Study drugs like Adderall and Ritalin are serious medications with a high risk for misuse. When it comes to Adderall vs. Ritalin, there are few differences. Though each drug is made from different substances, their effect on the brain’s production of dopamine and other “feel good” hormones is the same.
Misusing stimulants can lead to addiction and a long list of potential health problems, including addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to study drugs, treatment can help. Fill out our online contact form or call Promises at 844.875.5609 to learn about our Adderall addiction treatment program and take back your life.