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Ritalin Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Ritalin Adderall Vyvanse
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine) Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Prescription only

Prescribed for ADHD, Narcolepsy. Ritalin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Adderall is a combination of four different amphetamine salts and may be used to improve attention, focus, or reduce impulsive behaviors in children over the age of 3 and adults with ADHD. It can... View more

Prescription only

Vyvanse is a stimulant used for the treatment of ADHD to reduce symptoms such as impulsiveness and hyperactivity and to increase attention. It can also help increase the number of binge-free days per... View more

More about Ritalin (methylphenidate) More about Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine) More about Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Ratings & Reviews

Ritalin has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 221 ratings on Drugs.com. 57% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 18% reported a negative effect.

Adderall has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 496 ratings on Drugs.com. 65% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 17% reported a negative effect.

Vyvanse has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 963 ratings on Drugs.com. 65% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 15% reported a negative effect.

View all 221 reviews

View all 496 reviews

View all 963 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

See also: Ritalin side effects in more detail.

See also: Adderall side effects in more detail.

See also: Vyvanse side effects in more detail.
Generic Availability

Lower cost generic approved

Lower cost generic approved

Lower cost generic approved
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 100 tablet
Dosage 20 mg
Per Unit* $1.89
Cost* $189.32

View all Ritalin prices

Quantity 100 tablet
Dosage 5 mg
Per Unit* $11.39
Cost* $1,138.63

View all Adderall prices

Quantity 100 capsule
Dosage 30 mg
Per Unit* $13.71
Cost* $1,370.62

View all Vyvanse prices

Get free Discount Card

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Dosage Forms Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral tablet, chewable
Brand Names
Other methylphenidate brands include: Aptensio XR, Concerta, Cotempla XR-ODT, Daytrana, Jornay PM, Metadate CD, Methylin, Methylin ER, QuilliChew ER, Quillivant XR, Relexxii, Ritalin LA View more Other amphetamine / dextroamphetamine brands include: Adderall XR, Mydayis

N/A
Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

4 hours

34 hours

1 hour
CSA Schedule ** View glossary of terms
2
High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
2
High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
2
High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 198 drugs are known to interact with Ritalin:

  • 20 major drug interactions (92 brand and generic names)
  • 167 moderate drug interactions (709 brand and generic names)
  • 11 minor drug interactions (33 brand and generic names)

A total of 203 drugs are known to interact with Adderall:

  • 38 major drug interactions (142 brand and generic names)
  • 157 moderate drug interactions (829 brand and generic names)
  • 8 minor drug interactions (28 brand and generic names)

A total of 370 drugs are known to interact with Vyvanse:

  • 99 major drug interactions (307 brand and generic names)
  • 262 moderate drug interactions (1334 brand and generic names)
  • 9 minor drug interactions (27 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with... View more
  • Using amphetamine together with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects such... View more
  • Using lisdexamfetamine together with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects... View more
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

December 05, 1955

January 19, 1960

February 23, 2007
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A
More Information
Patient resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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