In this context, we learn the difference between Adderall and Methylphenidate. Adderall and Methylphenidate are two medicine that treats ADHA, and are equally effective but work in a different way.
Methylphenidate is known by the name Ritalin. The generic name of Ritalin is Methylphenidate.
Adderall works longer as compared to Ritalin, but Ritalin works quicker as compared to Adderall.
Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are present in Adderall whereas Ritalin consists of Methylphenidate.
Adderall starts work in 30-60 minutes and Ritalin, when the doctor finds the right dose according to your disease level, will start to work in 20-30 minutes.
Know about Adderall vs Methylphenidate:
Adderall:
There are four salts in Adderall, D-amphetamine saccharate, D-amphetamine sulfate, D, L-amphetamine sulfate, D, L-amphetamine aspartate, and two drugs amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine.
Adderall is mostly used to increase your focus and reduce impulsivity, and for treating narcolepsy and ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). It improves your activity of attention paying, focus activity, and control behavior.
After taking Adderall you get rid of your sleeping diseases
Methylphenidate:
Methylphenidate is used to treat patients who are suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), and attention deficit disorder (ADD). It belongs to the family of medicine called central nervous system(CNS) stimulants.
Methylphenidate is used to treat narcolepsy of ADHD by increasing focus and reducing discomfort ness in adults and children who are overactive and can not concentrate for a very long time.
Methylphenidate for treating Narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a disease where a person suffers from an uncontrollable desire for sleep or a sudden attack of deep sleep.
This medicine is used as a total part of a total treatment program that includes social, educational, and psychological treatment
Available Strength of Adderall and Methylphenidate
Adderall
- Adderall 5 mg
- Adderall 7.5 mg
- Adderall 10 mg
- Adderall 12.5 mg
- Adderall 15 mg
- Adderall 20 mg
- Adderall 30 mg
Adderall extended-release (XR):
- Adderall XR 5 mg
- Adderall XR 10 mg
- Adderall XR 15 mg
- Adderall XR 20 mg
- Adderall XR 25 mg
- Adderall XR 30 mg
Methylphenidate:
Short-acting, immediate-release tablet:
- Methylphenidate 5 mg
- Methylphenidate 10 mg
- Methylphenidate 20 mg
Ritalin SR (sustained release):
Ritalin LA (Long-acting) extended-release capsule:
- Ritalin LA 10 mg
- Ritalin LA 20 mg
- Ritalin LA 30 mg
- Ritalin LA 40 mg
All strengths are taken according to the health condition of the patient. These all medicinal strengths are prescribed by the doctors according to their patient’s health conditions. Do not take any medicine without consulting the doctor.
How to take Adderall and Methylphenidate?
Adderall
When you start taking Adderall, Read the medication guidelines given by your doctor. Take this medicine with or without food as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may change your doses depending on your health conditions. Please take this medicine at the same time on a regular basis, if you get late to take this medicine then you may have to suffer from trouble sleeping.
What happens if I miss a dose:
Take medicine as soon as possible, if this is the time of your second dose do not take two-time doses at a single time, then skip the missed dose.
If you skip the doses you may suffer from medical symptoms like
- Depression
- Cramps
- Vomiting
- Mood swings
Methylphenidate:
Take Methylphenidate after taking a prescription from your doctor. Follow all prescriptions that is mentioned on your prescription label, and on your medicine. Your doctor may change your dose according to your health conditions.
You can take this medicine with and without taking food, but make sure to take it at a fixed time on a regular basis.
Swallow the capsule whole without chewing it.
What happens if I miss a dose:
Do not take the double dose at a single time. You can take precautions with your doctor. If you miss the dose take it, if possible. Do not take your missed dose after 5:00 p.m., as this may conflict with your sleep.
What should we have to avoid while taking Adderall and Methylphenidate?
Adderall
Avoid these things if you are taking Adderall
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol with stimulants like Adderall, and Vyvanse may be dangerous for your health. The combination of Alcohol and Stimulants can lead to serious problems like Alcohol poisoning and heart problems. Alcohol may make stimulants less effective.
- Sugar
- Honey
- Candy
- White rice
Methylphenidate:
- Grapefruit
- Grapefruit juice
- Alcohol
Avoid taking these medications with Methylphenidate:
- Vasopressors
- Blood thinners
- Antipsychotics
- Anti-seizure medications
- SSRI or tricyclic antidepressants
Combining these medicines with Methylphenidate may be dangerous for your health, do not take these drugs without out doctor’s prescription.
Side effects of Adderall and Methylphenidate
Side effects of Adderall and Methylphenidate are the same. Both medications may slow childhood growth.
Each drug can produce side effects that the other drug doesn’t.
Adderall side effects:
- Loss of Appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Nervousness and Mood swings
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
Adderall is known for its fewer side effects. Its side effects include cramps, constipation, teeth grinding, confusion, and loss of coordination.
Methylphenidate side effects:
- Sweating
- Increased blood pressure
- Mood changes anxiety
- Feeling nervous or irritable
- Trouble sleeping;
- Fast heart rate
- Fluttering in your chest;
- Weight loss
- Vomiting,
- Headache
These are not complete side effects others may occur like hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
You can take a prescription from your doctor.
Adderall and Methylphenidate last?
Adderall
Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine are the two medicines with the mixture of these medicines Adderall XR 5 mg is prepared. This medicine is available in two forms short-acting and long-acting. You take the long-acting pills of Adderall in the morning and it will work up to the evening. The short-acting pills of Adderall will work for 4 hours.
The long-acting pills are in capsule form that hold two kinds of beads: Half dissolve right after swallowing the capsule and give you a dose of pills.
Methylphenidate:
Methylphenidate like Concerta lasts anywhere from 10 to 14 hours. The lasting time of Methylphenidate depends on various factors, including which type of medicine is being used and which formulation of medicine is taken. There are two types of Methylphenidate in the market immediate-release and extended-release. The medicine remains in the body longer. Primarily both are excreted in urine.
Summary:
In this Blog, we understand the difference between Adderall and Methylphenidate including their Strength of Doses, Uses, Side effects, and effects.
Medications like Adderall and Methylphenidate should be given to the patient carefully after understanding his history of drug dependence or alcoholism.
This medicine requires more supervision, and excessive or wrong use may cause depression and many health problems.
Overuse of these medicines may unmask the symptoms of the disorder.
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