Popularity

According to a report by Express Scripts. the largest pharmacy benefits management company in the U. S. the market share of various types of ADHD drugs is as follows:

Side Effects

Adderall may cause a temporary decrease in growth rate but does not affect eventual adult height. It may decrease appetite, leading to weight loss. It can cause insomnia, headaches. increased muscle tension, irritability, and anxiety, as well as an increased risk of cardiac problems.

The most common side effects of Ritalin are nervousness, drowsiness and insomnia. Less common side effects include abdominal pain, loss of hair, chest pain, appetite loss, blood pressure change, dizziness, euphoria, headache. hypersensitivity, nausea, and somnolence. It can slow growth rate in adolescents. Studies suggest that 6% of children who use Ritalin become psychotic after months or years of use; these symptoms fade after they stop taking the drug. Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder typically have earlier onset of the disorder if they took Ritalin in childhood.

Dosage

Adderall is available in either tablet or extended-release capsule form. The tablets are usually meant to be taken 2-3 times every day at 4-6 hour intervals. For individuals aged 6 or over, dosage begins with 5mg once or twice daily and can be increased by increments of 5 mg every week. The dose rarely exceeds 30 mg. The capsule is taken once a day in the morning and should be swallowed whole, or opened and the contents sprinkled on apple sauce. Adults taking the capsule usually receive a dosage of 20 mg a day, while children and adolescents usually start with 10 mg a day before the dosage is increased.

A comparison of popular ADHD medications Focalin, Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin.

Ritalin is available in immediate-release tablets, intermediate-acting extended release tablets, or long-acting extended release capsules. The regular tablets are taken two to three times a day, preferably 35 to 40 minutes before meals. All should be taken before 6pm. The intermediate-acting release tablet should be taken once or twice a day, in the morning and early afternoon, 30 to 45 minutes before food. The long-acting extended release capsule is taken once a day in the morning. All must be swallowed whole or split open and sprinkled onto apple sauce. The average dosage is 20 to 30 mg per day, but some people may receive up to 60 mg.