The majority of people in the world who have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) prescribe medication called Stimulants. Among these medications,Adderall andRitalin are the most famous examples. Both help modulate the level of chemicals like neurotransmitters, dopamine, and norepinephrine in your brain, which effectively strengthen concentration.
Research tells us that these stimulants play a crucial role in managing ADHD symptoms among 80% of patients. 40% of these people see similar outcomes from either Adderall or Ritalin. However, for the remaining 40%, there is a notable difference in that one medication proves to be more effective than the other.
When misused both of these drugs can cause heightened neural activity in the human central nervous system which can cause several side effects. However, it is important to note that both Adderall and Ritalin carry a remarkable risk of drug addiction. But these are the things that cause similarity between these two medicines. But what are the certain differences between these two substances?? The differences can be explained by their different ways of working, and their side effects.
Adderall is a medicine which is a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Both parts collaborate and travel via the blood vessels to reach the cells in the brain. This enhances concentration, regulates impulsive actions, and boosts the production of dopamine and norepinephrine for sustained attention.
Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Both components work together and run through blood vessels to reach the brain cells. It is used for the treatment of both adults and children, who are diagnosed with ADHD. It can help people who are diagnosed with ADHD enhance their concentration, control hyperactivity, regulate impulsivity, and boost the production of dopamine and norepinephrine for sustained attention.
Ritalin is prescribed by doctors for the same treatment as Adderall. It is used to treat ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and narcolepsy. But unlike Adderall, Ritalin targets dopamine at synapses serving as a reuptake inhibitor. There are minor distinctions in their action which result in slight variations in effects on individuals.
Similar to any substance, consuming something more than the body needs can lead to side effects and poisoning. Similarly, an overdose of any stimulant can cause severe health issues. Side effects can be caused by taking improper doses or they can happen with the presence of any other drug. Some symptoms of an overdose of Ritalin or Adderall involve:
Nausea
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Anxiety
Depression
Stomach pain
Weakness
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Headache
Fear
Excitement
Irritability
Chest pain,
Breathing problem,
Lightheadedness,
Paranoia,
Numbness or pain in fingers or toes,
Cold sensation in your toes or fingers
Hallucinations
New behavior problems,
Unexplained wounds
Aggression,
Hostility
Heart rhythm disturbances: An irregular heartbeat is a negative reaction that indicates whether Adderall or Ritalin are misused or they are being used for some other purposes.
Psychological Problems: The problems discussed above like hallucination, anxiety, depression, mood changes, or confusion, Improper use of these medicines can cause these psychological problems.
Stroke Risks:Since these medicines work to speed up the body's system, they can lead to negative results like a faster heartbeat, and high blood pressure which increases the stroke risks.
How long do they last?Ritalin is the trade name of a stimulant known as methylphenidate while Adderall is the brand name for a stimulant comprising two substances amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These medications are available in many doses which remain active according to their doses.
Both medicines come in two forms: short-duration and long-duration medicines.
In comparison to that of Ritalin, the long-acting version of Adderall lasts longer than the Ritalin long-acting formulation medicines. Both medicines Adderall and Ritalin are available for instant release and extended-release versions. Adderall lasts for four to six hours, whereas Ritalin remains effective for two to three hours.
Adderall stays in the hair for two to three months, In urine, Adderall stays for 72 to 96 hours, In saliva it stays for 20 to 50 hours and in the blood, it stays for up to 46 hours.
Whereas Ritalin stays in the human body for 24 to 48 hours. In hair, it stays up for 90 days, In blood, it stays up for 24 hours and in urine, it stays up to 30 days.
Both medicines work comparably in the Central Nervous system and both have some similar side effects. The main difference between them is that Ritalin works faster thanAdderall and achieves its maximum peak performance sooner than Ritalin whereas Adderall stays for a more extended period in body than Adderall does.
Are these Stimulants addictive?The Food and Drug Administration classifies these medications as Scheduled II controlled substances which indicates that it is possible that they can be addictive, and you may rely on them.
If anyone has a history of drug or alcohol abuse, they should consult their physician if these stimulants are suitable for them to use.