Ritalin vs. Adderall: Everything Parents Should Know

Is one better than the other? Are they both bad? Let's break it down.

Ritalin vs. Adderall: Everything Parents Should Know

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in children. While most ADHD patients are diagnosed as kids, the symptoms persist well into adulthood in over half of those diagnosed.

As awareness surrounding the disorder has grown, more adults are recognizing signs of ADHD in themselves. Regardless of when one is diagnosed, the symptoms are similar, including all of the following:

Trouble paying attention
Hyperactivity
Impulsive behavior
Unnecessary risk-taking
Struggling to stay on task at school or work
Challenges with building and maintaining relationships

All of these symptoms have a profound effect on an individual's life. Untreated, ADHD can hold a person back from reaching their full potential in school or their career. Fortunately, there are many more tools available to manage ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, exercise, biofeedback, special diets and medication.

While parents are understandably apprehensive about taking the medication route, a combination of medication and therapy often yields the best outcomes. One of the first questions that arises when weighing options is whether Ritalin vs. Adderall is the best choice.

What Are Ritalin and Adderall Used For?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.

About 9.5 percent of kids between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Because of this, researchers have had plenty of opportunity to learn the best and safest approaches for treating it.

Ritalin and Adderall are two of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. These stimulant medications help kids and adults alike to concentrate and limit impulsive behavior.

Both medications work in similar ways, but they do have a few differences.

Ritalin vs. Adderall: How Do They Work?

When trying to settle the Ritalin vs. Adderall debate, it's important to note that they function in very similar ways to treat ADHD. They're brand names of the two most common classes of ADHD medication: methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall).

Both medications are central nervous system stimulants. By increasing the availability of two key neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine, both medications speed up brain function. That's why both Ritalin and Adderall are also used to treat narcolepsy, a disorder that causes a person to fall asleep unexpectedly during the day.

Ritalin and Adderall mostly differ in how long they take to work, and how long the effects of the medication last. Ritalin kicks in and reaches peak performance faster than Adderall. It's only active for about two to three hours. Adderall, on the other hand, takes longer to take effect, but it lasts for four to six hours once it does.

Is One Better Than the Other?

Small boy scratching his head and looking confused

In reality, there isn't a one size fits all ADHD treatment. The good news? Over 80 percent of people with ADHD respond well to one medication or the other. Of those 80 percent, half respond equally well to either class of medication. The other half performs better on one or the other.

Often, this preference comes down to which medication makes it easier to balance lifestyle and side effects. Some prefer Ritalin because its shorter lifespan makes it easier to control side effects.

For example, a student on Ritalin can have an effective evening study session and still fall asleep a few hours later. For those who struggle to remember to take their medication, the longer-lasting Adderall might be a better choice.

There are non-stimulant options, too, but these tend to be less effective.

How Effective Are These Medications on Kids and Teens?

Psychiatrist sitting with a young patient

Since roughly 80 percent of kids with ADHD who are prescribed stimulant medication like Ritalin or Adderall experience a significant reduction in symptom severity, doctors consider both medications to be extremely effective.

It can take some trial and error to find the right dose, but most patients find it much easier to function normally once the right balance is achieved.

What Potential Side Effects Are There From Taking Ritalin vs. Adderall?

Tired and sleepy student trying to write notes

As mentioned above, there are two different classes of ADHD medication:

Methylphenidate-based medications: Ritalin, Methylin, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana Patch
Dextroamphetamine-based medications: Adderall, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine.

Some people respond well to either class, but others are more sensitive to the subtle differences between the two. Some people even notice a difference between short-acting formulas, which are released rapidly and last for around four hours, and long-acting formulas, which release medication slowly and last for 12 hours or more.

The side effects of any stimulant ADHD medication include:

Insomnia
Appetite suppression
Social withdrawal
Moodiness as the medication wears off, known as a rebound effect

Occasionally, ADHD medication also causes small, involuntary muscle movements, or tics. If side effects are pronounced or bothersome, your doctor may recommend changing the dosage, changing the medication schedule, or switching medications.

Some people luck out and find the perfect medication and dosage on the first try. Others can take a few months to find one that works well for them. When you or your child begins taking medication for ADHD, expect frequent check-ins with your doctor until the ideal prescription and dosage is established.

After that, visits every six months are usually sufficient.

Do ADHD Medications Delay Growth?

Female doctor measuring height of girl in clinic

If you've heard that ADHD medication like Ritalin and Adderall stunts growth, there's a grain of truth there. Some children notice a reduction in growth when they begin taking stimulant medication. By the second and third year on the medication, however, their growth returns to its typical level.

Interestingly, this side effect rarely appears in girls. In boys, delayed growth can be avoided simply by skipping medication on weekends and while on summer vacation.

Even when taken daily, however, ADHD medication only affects growth temporarily. Kids who take it will still end up the same height as they would if they weren't medicated at all. They just might notice a temporary slowdown as their body adjusts.

Are ADHD Medications Safe?

Methylphenidate central nervous system stimulant

If ADHD medication wasn't considered safe, it wouldn't be prescribed to over 2.6 million Americans. The side effects associated with it are usually mild. The risk of serious health complications are low, as long as it's not combined with other medications that might interact with it, like certain blood pressure medications and antidepressants.

The benefits of ADHD medicine are well-documented, and for most people with ADHD, the benefits drastically outweigh the risks. Still, it's important for stimulant ADHD treatment to be closely monitored by a doctor, particularly during the first year of treatment.

Always disclose every medication and supplement you or your child is taking to reduce the risk of harmful drug interactions.

There’s a Stigma Surrounding ADHD Medication, but There Shouldn’t Be

Happy psychologist and little boy smiling at each other

As safe and effective as ADHD medication is, those who take it often face damaging stigmas. People hear the word "amphetamine" and jump to the conclusion that ADHD meds will lead to drug addiction. This is actually the opposite of the truth. Concerns about future substance abuse risk have been debunked by over 14 studies.

Some also assume that ADHD is an excuse for unruly children whose parents are too lazy to discipline them. If family members or friends imply something along these lines, encourage them to educate themselves about ADHD and the benefits of medication.

Trust your instincts. If you notice signs and symptoms of ADHD in yourself or your child, don't let what others think prevent you from seeking out testing and treatment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the only conversations you need to worry about are the ones between yourself and your doctor.

Instead of basing your decisions on rumors and fear, find a healthcare provider you trust to help you make informed decisions about treating and managing your ADHD.

Are Taking Ritalin, Adderall Or Other ADHD Medications Worth the Risk?

Medication isn't the only option, but it's often the most effective one. It's not much different than wearing contacts to correct vision, or using an inhaler to manage asthma. The medicine found in inhalers is usually a steroid, but no one would accuse a kid with asthma of drug abuse, would they? Of course not.

Just like an inhaler, Ritalin and Adderall help people to manage a treatable condition, and their lives are usually better for it. Both of these medications help kids and adults with ADHD to avoid distractions and control their behavior.

Without it, many people with ADHD struggle to achieve their goals and navigate the normal tasks of daily life. At best, they find school or work to be frustrating and excessively taxing. At worst, their symptoms lead to low grades, trouble holding down a job, and even depression or anxiety.

Medication isn't for everyone, but there's no harm in trying it. If it doesn't have the desired effects, one can simply stop taking it. For some context, here's some accounts of what going on ADHD medication is really like:

"My 7 yo is on ADHD medication and improved significantly after starting. I mean significantly, he got an award for being the most improved in the entire school." —Silverrainn, Reddit
"I was diagnosed with ADHD at 6 and put on Ritalin and then Adderall almost immediately. At 33 years old I am still on my Adderall even at 28 weeks pregnant. I stopped taking it between the ages of about 26-29 and I have a lot of really rocky memories from that time. Lots of job jumping, bills not being paid, hits to my credit, a car got repoed, just really major unmanageable things. I got put back on when I started a new job working for the state that required my undivided focus and attention. My life is a million times better on it. My bills are always paid, I’ve been with the same job for 5 years, my focus and attention to detail is incredible. My supervisor can tell me something that needs to be done on a Wednesday on Monday and I remember to do it. ADHD meds are life changing for a person who has that condition." —Agirlwithanaccount, Reddit
"One of my best friends has ADHD there’s no way he’d be as successful as he is now without meds. He’s gotten two graduate degrees simultaneously and ADHD medicine was a huge part of that success. He began meds as a child and has had moments in his life where he hasn’t taken them (like once forgot them for a 2 week Boy Scout trip) and him and all of us around him have seen the effects of being off medicine and how taking it is really fundamental for his daily success." —9311chi, Reddit
"Going on Adderall has been the single greatest thing I’ve done for myself. For me, I could never have a clear head. It was like there was always a TV and radio and restaurant full of people chatting going on in the background, but when I started medication it was like all the chatter stopped. It was like I could finally think. I’m on a very low dose, but it has done wonders for my quality of life." —48mermaidavenue

Choosing Ritalin vs. Adderall Might Come Down to Trial and Error

Parents and child getting an ADHD diagnosis

The point of taking Ritalin or Adderall is to reach optimal levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Too much, however, can stress out the brain, making it appear like your ADHD is even worse. More isn't always better.

Your doctor will help adjust the dosage of either medication until the right balance is struck. If neither seem to work, there are several other stimulant and non-stimulant alternatives to try before giving up on medication altogether.

Be patient, because most people do find a medication that works for them.

If You or Your Child Decides To Stop Taking ADHD Medication, Do It with Help

Happy little girl telling story to child psychologist during therapy session in cozy modern office

Stimulant medication, including both Ritalin and Adderall, is unlikely to cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it. Nevertheless, it's wise to talk with your doctor before taking your medication less frequently or stopping it altogether.

They can advise you the safest way of proceeding, and help you to manage any resurfacing ADHD symptoms after the fact. While withdrawal symptoms are unlikely, if your ADHD diagnosis was correct, it's common to experience an increase in appetite and a return of your original symptoms when you stop medication.

Does that mean someone who starts ADHD medication is doomed to stay on them for the rest of their life? Not at all. While on medication, many people with ADHD learn to better manage their symptoms through behavioral training.

When they go off of Ritalin or Adderall, they have tools to handle their symptoms that they lacked before. Others find they only need medication in adulthood during particularly stressful periods of life, like starting a new job.

Whether you take Ritalin, Adderall, a non-stimulant medication or take a non-medicinal approach, the important thing is to find a treatment that works.