Sterling Heights, MI
A 22-year-old female asked:
What's the difference between ritalin (methylphenidate) and adderal?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Brad Goldenberganswered
Neonatology 38 years experience
Inside, outside: Ritalin (methylphenidate) goes into brain cells and stops them from taking up dopamine and norepi, which are associated with focus, motivation and pleasure. That increases the amount of them in the space between cells. Adderall does the same thing. It also, however, goes inside cells and makes them pump out dopamine. It not only blocks the reuptake of the substance but also acts to increase its levels directly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Melissa Gowansanswered
Pediatrics 17 years experience
Active ingredients: Both are central nervous system stimulants but they have different active ingredients: Ritalin (methylphenidate) - Methylphenidate. It blocks the reuptake of norephinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) into presynaptic neurons (TMI?). Adderall - Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Promote release of catecholamines (NE and DA primarily) from their storage sites.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Mcgranahananswered
Pediatrics 26 years experience
Similar medicines: Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall are both stimulant-class medications commonly used to treat adhd. They both have similar potential side effects but if used as directed are considered to be safe and effective. Encourage you to talk with your doctor further about these medications.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Dr. Alan Ali commented
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Adderall is of the Amphetamine group of stimulants. Ritalin is in the Methylphenidate group.
Feb 16, 2013
Similar questions
Idaho Falls, ID
A 23-year-old male asked:
Why would my doctor start me on ritalin (methylphenidate) first over adderral?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Oscar Novickanswered
Pediatrics 60 years experience
ADHD: It was probably the doctors choice. Both drugs work well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
What are the differences in dosage between ritalin (methylphenidate) and adderall?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arthur Hoffmananswered
Psychiatry 59 years experience
Little: Both should be titrated to each patient.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 24, 2017
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