Ritalin LA vs. Aderall

[RaquelMonique]

I began Ritalin recently. But would like to know the differences between that aderall because majority of the people I know prefer aderall.

How can I talk to my doctor about this?

[Birdwatcher19]

Hi. Ritalin is methylphenidate, and Adderall is mixed amphetamine salts. They work pretty similarly but use a slightly different mechanism to increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. I take Ritalin and prefer it to Adderall, which is what I was prescribed when I was first diagnosed. These medications affect everyone differently, so all that matters is whether what you’re taking is helping you or not. If it’s not, just let your doctor know what symptoms you are still struggling with and that you’d like to try a different medication. It’s pretty common for people to try several before finding the one that works the best for them. Good luck.

[adhdazedandconfused]

My 16 year old started on Adderrall and it caused her severe mood swings. She swicthed to Vyvanse which is in the same Adderrall family but a little softer on the moods. It didn't really improve her quality of life and she began having tics, so her Dr. prescribed Strattera instead which is a non-stimulant and is long acting, so fewer highs and lows. It really didn't help her much either. I begged him to try her on Focalin, which is in the Ritalin family and after just a couple of days we could tell a HUGE difference, and her mood is great, no noticeable side effects. So true that it just depends on your brain's wiring.

[Hopeful_123]

The only real way to tell the difference between the two is to take them for a trial period of a few weeks to see how each one works for you personally. I would let your doctor know your having some questions whether the Ritalin is the better choice and that u would like to be placed on Adderall to see which one works best for you. I would keep some notes about your mood , time management, over all daily functioning with each of them so you have something to compare instead of relying on your memory. Hope this helps.