Ritalin vs Adderall - What Is the Difference?

Before deciding which medication is best for you, it is important to talk to your doctor about different options. Ritalin and Adderall are two common medications prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Though the two share some similarities, there are also notable differences. Always talk to your doctor about potential side effects and doses before you start treatment with either medication.

Is Ritalin similar to Adderall?

In short, yes. Both Ritalin and Adderall are stimulants that doctors can prescribe to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Dosing, side effects, and drug/condition interactions may differ between the two drugs, so it is critical to talk with your doctor about potential risks before starting treatment with either medication.

Is Ritalin or Adderall stronger?

The answer to this question is subjective and will depend on the dose, as well as the patient’s individual health profile.

One of the main differences between Ritalin and Adderall is the ingredients. The main differentiating factor in terms of composition of the two drugs is that while Adderall is an amphetamine, Ritalin is not. For this reason, Adderall may be considered a “stronger” drug than Ritalin.

As always, talk to your doctor about which medication would work better for your specific health needs. Dosing may also affect the strength of your prescribed medication.

Does Ritalin help you focus?

One of the things Ritalin can help people with is focus. Ritalin is frequently prescribed to treat ADHD, a condition that can cause people to have a difficult time focusing or paying attention.

Disclaimer:Â this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit ourÂ Terms of Use page.

More about Adderall

Julia Quade

227 posts

Julia is a Web Content Writer for Drug Genius, where she is responsible for researching and writing about current medical topics, including pharmaceutical drug information. In 2017, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia with an emphasis in Magazine Editing. During her undergrad, Julia worked as an education reporter for the local city newspaper, the Columbia Missourian, and as a contributing writer for student-run Vox Magazine. She has also worked on various freelance projects since graduating. She currently resides in St. Louis.