What's the difference between adderal and nuvigil?

Adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) and Nuvigil: Adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) is a stimulant. It is used for adhd and can also be used to augment antidepressant treatment. While Nuvigil can stimulate, it is not a stimulant per se. Additionally, Nuvigil is approved for shift-work and other circadian-rhythym disturbance-related reasons for daytime fatigue and poor focus. That being said, Nuvigil has also been used (although off-label) for adhd.

Different class : Adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) is a stimulant medication indicated for the treatment of adhd. Nuvigle is a non stimulant indicated for sleep disorders.

Many: Adderal is a mixture of amphetamine salts, a true stimulant causing release of Dopamine and possibly norepinephrine in the brain. As a result of how/where stimulants work they can be habit forming, although not an issue in those with adhd. There remains controversy on how provgil/nuvigil works, but is generally thought to "turn on" areas related to attention/alertness and not as likely habituating.

Very different meds: Adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) is FDA approved for the treatment and works by increasing the brain's dopamine and nor epinephrine levels. Nuvigil is not FDA approved for ADD, although there is strong literature supporting it for ADHD. I find it very effective. It works at the level of the hypothalamus, suppressing sleep input.