Posted by 
Ritalin and Adderall are different types of stimulant medication that doctors can prescribe to treat ADHD. The drug in Ritalin is methylphenidate hydrochloride, while Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
Both medications are effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Between 70–80 percent of children with ADHD have fewer ADHD symptoms when they take these fast-acting medications.”
However, Ritalin and Adderall can also have significant side effects, and the long-term effects of taking the drugs remain unknown.
According to the authors of a 2018 meta-analysis, methylphenidate — the drug in Ritalin — is usually best for children or adolescents with ADHD. For adults with ADHD, the researchers concluded that amphetamines, such as Adderall, are generally best.
This meta-analysis took into account the effectiveness of each of the drugs for treating a person’s ADHD symptoms as well as their safety. However, the authors noted the urgent need for more research to assess the long-term effects of both drugs.
A doctor may prescribe Ritalin or Adderall to a person with ADHD as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. According to the charity Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), a comprehensive treatment plan will include:
- education about ADHD and its causes
- education about diagnosis and treatment options
- behavioral therapy to teach a person how to manage the symptoms of ADHD
- medication, such as Ritalin or Adderall
- general mental health counseling for the individual and their family
- changes to a person’s education to account for their ADHD
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a combination of behavioral therapy and medication for children aged 6 years and older. For children under the age of 6 years, they only recommend behavioral therapy as it is as effective as medication. ADHD medication typically has more side effects in young children.
There is little research on how these medications interact with each other. As the drugs work in a similar way, taking them both could increase the chances of a person developing significant side effects or other complications.
The NIMH note that these side effects include:
- decreased appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- tics, which are sudden, repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds
- changes in personality, including anxiety and irritability
- stomachaches
- headaches
If a person experiences any of these side effects, they should speak to their doctor. The dosage for both Ritalin and Adderall can vary between individuals. According to CHADD, a doctor will often determine the correct dosage for a person through a trial introduction of the medication.
The doctor will begin by prescribing a small amount of one of the medications. They can then steadily increase the amount to reach a balance between the effectiveness of the drug and the extent of its side effects. Complications can arise when a person takes either Ritalin or Adderall.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Ritalin can cause complications if the person taking it:
- is very anxious, agitated, or tense
- has glaucoma
- has tics, Tourette’s syndrome, or a family history of Tourette’s syndrome
- has recently taken an antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
- is allergic to any of the ingredients in Ritalin
- has heart problems or high blood pressure
- has another mental health condition
- experiences seizures
- gets circulation problems in their toes or fingers