Ritalin vs Adderall: Uses, Differences, and Risks of Misuse

Introduction to ADHD Medications

People who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)  have lower-than-normal dopamine function, resulting in hyperactivity and lower attention spans. The medicine prescribed (Ritalin vs Adderall) for this condition acts as a stimulant to the nervous system which can cause a calming sensation while helping those with ADHD to focus, stay organized, and pay attention. 

Nowadays there is a whole list of medications that may be prescribed to people who have been diagnosed as having ADHD. In this article, we will be exploring the uses, side effects, and abuse potential of two of the most common of these medications: Ritalin vs Adderall. 

Ritalin: Overview, Uses, and Dosage

Ritalin is the brand name for the stimulant drug Methylphendinate. While it is usually prescribed to people with ADHD because it’s a stimulant, it is also sometimes used to treat narcolepsy and other similar sleep disorders. 

A person’s Ritalin dosage will be determined by their doctor. On average, an adult dose will be between 20 to 30 milligrams per day, but this varies from person to person and may change over time. It is prescribed to individuals as an oral medication in pill form that is usually taken by mouth two to three times per day, generally before a meal, so it doesn’t cause stomach problems. When taken on a regular schedule, it can help patients improve their organization, focus, and listening skills. 

It is never recommended to quit using Ritalin cold turkey. If you want to stop taking this medicine, speak to your doctor about a slow tapering-off schedule; otherwise, you may experience serious side effects to prescription drugs, like extreme mood changes or dangerous suicidal thoughts. 

 

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Adderall: Overview, Uses, and Dosage

Adderall is the brand name for the prescription stimulant medication amphetamine-dextroamphetamine salts. Like Ritalin, it is used to increase the ability of a person diagnosed with ADHD to pay attention, concentrate, and stay organized, and it may also be prescribed for certain sleep disorders.

The average Adderall dosage can be anywhere from 5 to 40 milligrams per day, split up into two or three doses throughout the day, taken at least 4 to 6 hours apart. There is also an extended-release tablet that can be taken once daily called Adderall XR. Each person reacts differently to the medication, so the daily dose will vary depending on their response. 

Comparing Ritalin and Adderall

When comparing Adderall vs Ritalin, we see that both are stimulants, taken orally, and produce similar results, but they are different in the way they work. The primary difference is the length of time they remain active in your body and the speed with which they start to work. 

• When you take Ritalin, it will kick in within 20-30 minutes and depending on the formulation, will last three to eight hours on average, with the extended-release formula lasting up to fourteen hours
• When you take Adderall, it may take 30 to 60 minutes to start working, but it will last four to ten hours on average, with the extended-release pill lasting ten to twelve hours

Neither medication is inherently better or stronger than the other. Everybody has a unique brain chemistry, so for some, Adderall is better, while for others, Ritalin is better. 

The Risks of Ritalin and Adderall Misuse

Both of these drugs are prescription medications, and their use needs to be monitored by a doctor. Not only do they have side effects that may affect your health over time, but they can also be habit-forming substances. If you think you have symptoms of ADHD, don’t self-diagnose and self-medicate. Instead, talk to your doctor, who can guide you. 

There is a common misconception, especially among teens and college students, that abusing ADHD medications will help them study harder or will make them better able to party all night and work all day. The truth is that because these medications are stimulants, they may cause a person to stay awake longer, but they will not increase focus in people who don’t have ADHD. It will, instead, put them at risk of dangerous side effects of ADHD medications like:

• Personality changes and aggressive behavior
• Mania and hyperactivity
• Psychosis with paranoia and delusional thinking
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Heart problems 
• Blood pressure issues
• Libido issues and impotence
• Malnutrition and excessive weight loss
• Memory problems
• Involuntary twitching and shaking
• Seizures
• Serotonin syndrome
• Overdose

For Ritalin vs Adderall, the risks are compounded when a person misuses these medications with other drugs or alcohol. These medications have a similar chemical makeup to methamphetamine (AKA crystal meth), and they will affect the brain’s dopamine and norepinephrine levels to the point where you feel down, depressed, tired, and confused when you don’t take them. This is a physical dependence, which can cause urges to compulsively use more of the drug, resulting in drug addiction.

Managing Side Effects of Ritalin and Adderall

Even when you are prescribed ADHD medications, you may find yourself experiencing side effects. 

• Common Ritalin side effects include back and chest pain, tiredness, shortness of breath, sweating, tingling or numb extremities, and, in some cases, priapism.
• Common Adderall side effects include loss of appetite, nervousness, mood swings, insomnia, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, and stomach aches. Some people start grinding their teeth or have menstrual cramps that are more painful than usual when on this medication as well.

You may wish to discuss your concerns with your doctor, who will go over the pros and cons of choosing Ritalin vs Adderall or other ADHD medications. They may recommend switching to another medication. Never stop taking these drugs on your own without talking to your doctor, as the withdrawal effects of quitting cold turkey can be dangerous. 

The Role of Behavioral Therapy in Conjunction with Medication

Medications can only do so much, and behavioral therapy can teach you how to regulate thoughts and behaviors while using clearer communication and better coping mechanisms. If you have ADHD, incorporating behavioral therapy into your treatment plan can help you take a lower dose of the medication, which will decrease your long-term risks of developing health problems or addiction.

When it comes to treating Adderall addiction and Ritalin addiction, behavioral therapy is an essential component of the treatment program. Addiction is an all-encompassing issue that results from compulsive behaviors, co-occurring mental and physical health disorders, social issues, stress, psychological issues, past trauma, and more. Learning how to heal the underlying issues and stop unhelpful thought patterns can lead to a longer-lasting recovery. 

Legal and Illicit Use of Ritalin and Adderall

While Ritalin and Adderall are legal prescription medications, abusing them is illegal. It may seem strange to think that the pill your doctor gave you can also be illegal, but it is classified as a Schedule II drug by the DEA because it has the potential for severe psychological and physical dependence. 

You should never take Ritalin or Adderall that hasn’t been prescribed to you or use it in a way that was not prescribed. That includes crushing the pills to snort or dissolve and inject the powder, mixing these medications with other drugs or alcohol, taking more than you were prescribed, or taking the pills more often than prescribed. 

Why Choose WhiteSands Treatment for ADHD Medication Misuse Recovery?

Quitting stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall is not recommended, not only because the side effects can be unsafe but due to the high probability of relapsing. At WhiteSands, we offer comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate therapy with medication-assisted treatment programs (MAT), so you can slowly and safely taper off your dosage of the medication while receiving helpful therapy that will shift the way you think and process your emotions and feelings, which will help you self-regulate, stay calm, and focus. 

If you have found yourself unable to stop abusing prescription ADHD medications or need help with tapering off Ritalin or Adderall, please call us today. WhiteSands is a safe, comfortable, and luxurious place to heal your body, mind, and spirit with comprehensive treatment plans customized to each client. Call us today at 877-855-3470 for more details on Ritalin vs Adderall and to get the help you need on your terms with our team of caring doctors, nurses, psychologists, and addiction specialists.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.