• Mental Health

Ritalin and Adderall: Key Differences, Side Effects, and More

Published: April 16, 2025
Updated: April 18, 2025
4 mins

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder most often associated with hyperactivity in young kids. Still, symptoms may become more prominent at different points in your life, even as an adult. 

The most common symptoms of ADHD are trouble focusing, impulsive behaviors, and hyperactivity. But ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people may experience some or none of these symptoms before getting an ADHD diagnosis.

Fortunately, there are medications and behavioral therapy to help manage ADHD symptoms. Ritalin and Adderall are common medications prescribed to those with ADHD to alter the amount of chemical substances in the brain.

Both Ritalin and Adderall treat similar conditions. However, there are small differences in how each drug works. For example, while both drugs are effective in treating ADHD, Ritalin immediate release tablets may start working sooner than Adderall. The following article will break down the side effects, dosage requirements, costs, effectiveness, and key differences between these ADHD medications.

What Medications are Commonly Used to Treat ADHD?

A healthcare provider may prescribe a medication and recommend behavioral therapy to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall) are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. They work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

ADHD medication may significantly change your behavior and mood. Some people may prefer nonstimulant medications to avoid the risk of side effects. Nonstimulant medications work the same way but without the presence of methylphenidate and amphetamine salts.

The following nonstimulant medications may also help you manage ADHD:

• Clonidine (Kapvay)

• Guanfacine (Intuniv)

• Atomoxetine (Strattera)

Non-stimulant medications are more often prescribed to children. However, they may not work as effectively as stimulants in some children and adults.

What are the Active Ingredients in Ritalin and Adderall?

Nonstimulant medications may not be as effective as stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall. Both non-stimulant and stimulant medications help improve your attention span and balance your mood. Generally, stimulant medications are more often prescribed than non-stimulant medications because they’re stronger. However, there is an increased risk of misuse with stimulants.

What is the main ingredient in Ritalin?

Methylphenidate is the main ingredient in Ritalin. Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant that changes the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Other uses of methylphenidate include managing narcolepsy and cancer-related fatigue. Ritalin is available in immediate-release and extended-release tablets, capsules, and liquid forms.

What is the main ingredient in Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication made of several amphetamine salts. Amphetamines work similarly to other central nervous stimulants to increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Adderall also treats both ADHD and narcolepsy. It’s available as an immediate-release tablet, extended-release capsule, and liquid form.

What is the Proper Dosage for Ritalin?

On average, the maximum amount of Ritalin prescribed is 60 milligrams (mg) daily. Typically, healthcare providers prescribe most adults an average of 20 to 30 mg split into two to three doses a day. A licensed provider may prescribe children smaller doses, around 5 to 10 mg daily.

What is the Proper Dosage for Adderall?

Adderall dosage may vary based on age and the condition being treated. Most children older than three start with a 10 mg dosage. A healthcare provider may gradually increase the dosage by 5 mg over time. For adults with ADHD, a healthcare provider may start you off with 5 mg. The maximum dosage for Adderall to treat ADHD is 40 mg.

Is Ritalin Stronger than Adderall?

Ritalin immediate-release tablets may begin working in your system as soon as two hours after ingesting them and last for around four to six hours. On the other hand, Adderall tablets are more likely to peak around three hours after taking them and last between four and six hours on average.

How quickly either medication begins to work in your body also depends on the brand of medication you take. For example, Ritalin LA (long-acting) and Adderall XR (extended release) are more likely to take anywhere from five to seven hours to start working in the body.

What are the Side Effects of Adderall and Ritalin?

Both Adderall and Ritalin have similar side effects. You may experience any of the following side effects from taking stimulant medications:

• An increase in blood pressure

• Headache

• Weight loss 

• An increase in heart rate

• Abdominal pain

• Dry mouth

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

Health experts do not recommend ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall for those who are pregnant or considering pregnancy. Be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider if you experience serious symptoms like fever, muscle tightness, or hallucinations.

Is it Possible to Become Addicted to Ritalin or Adderall?

Ritalin and Adderall are both classified as controlled substances because there is a risk of becoming dependent on these medications. Health experts have found that stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin have a risk of misuse and addiction.

However, misusing Adderall or Ritalin is more likely to do more harm than good. Misusing these medications may increase your risk of addiction and overdose. Be sure to only use Adderall or Ritalin as directed by your healthcare provider.

Is Adderall More Expensive than Ritalin?

Generic versions of Adderall and Ritalin are often less expensive than brand-name versions. A healthcare provider may recommend generic versions of either medication based on your insurance coverage status. Some health insurance providers may require prior authorization before prescribing Adderall or Ritalin.

Adderall is often slightly pricier than Ritalin, depending on where you pick up your medication. Still, there are options for making prescription ADHD medication more affordable, including discount cards and patient assistance programs.

What Drugs Interact with Adderall and Ritalin?

Be sure to let a healthcare provider know any other medications you are taking before starting Adderall or Ritalin. These medications may interact with the following medications:

• Seizure medications

• Decongestants

• Antidepressants

• Blood pressure medications 

• Stomach acid medications

• Blood thinners

A healthcare provider may not prescribe Ritalin or Adderall if you have a history of substance abuse, heart complications, or mental health conditions like severe anxiety.

How Do You Know Which Medication is Right for You?

The best way to treat ADHD is with a combination of both medication and behavioral therapy. A healthcare provider may suggest one medication over another based on your health profile. 

Globally, Ritalin is more likely to be prescribed for ADHD. Still, Adderall can be just as effective. Those who have a busier lifestyle may prefer Adderall because they typically don’t have to take as many doses.

Where Can I Learn More About ADHD Treatment?

Mental health can be difficult to navigate on your own. Fortunately, there are many options for personalized treatment. ADHD treatment is unique to each individual.

At LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider can provide guidance when looking for the best ADHD treatment plan for you. LifeMD works with insurance plans that cover mental health services for at least 95% of our patients. Still, there are tips and alternative options for care for people without health insurance.

Get started today to take the first step towards feeling like your best self.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

Connect with a doctor now!

Join Now