Compare Ritalin vs. Desoxyn
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a first-choice treatment for ADHD that comes in many different forms, but you need to take this medication more often than alternatives.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 526 reviewsforRitalin
Helps you focus and lose weight.
Desoxyn (methamphetamine) effectivly treats ADHD and obesity, but should not be used for long-term treatment.
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4.4/ 5 average rating with 19 reviewsforDesoxyn
Upsides
- First-choice medication to treat ADHD because it is cheap and effective.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) is used with counseling and other non-drug therapies to treat ADHD.
- Available as a generic medication.
- Available in many different forms: extended-release and immediate-release tablets, chewable tablet, and liquid.
- Preferred medicine for elderly with ADHD or narcolepsy because it is safer than alternatives for this population.
- Is a first-choice treatment for ADHD in both adults and children.
- Available as a generic, so it is cheaper than other brand name medications to treat ADHD.
Downsides
- Need to take Ritalin (methylphenidate) 2 or 3 times a day compared to other ADHD medications which you can take once daily.
- Can raise your blood pressure and pulse, so its not safe for people with heart problems.
- It's a controlled medication (CII), so you may need to get a new prescription each month from your doctor.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) may affect growth in children and teens in some cases.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) contains a mixture of active and inactive compounds (dexmethylphenidate and methylphenidate, respectively), which may not work as well for some people.
- Desoxyn (methamphetamine) is habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence.
- Not carried by all pharmacies, so you may have a hard time getting this medication.
- If you want to stop taking this medicine, talk to your doctor since suddenly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms.
- You'll have to check-in with your doctor often and get a new prescription monthly.
- Only lowers appetite for the first few weeks.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$46.10
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$189.80
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Reviews
526 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
42%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ritalin (methylphenidate)?
Leave a review19 reviews so far
84%
saidit'sworth it
79%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Desoxyn (methamphetamine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
17possible side effects
- Lowered appetite25%
- Headache22%
- Dry mouth14%
- Nausea13%
- Difficulty sleeping12%
- Anxiety8%
- Weight loss7%
- Dizziness7%
- Irritability6%
- Fast heartbeat5%
- Sweating5%
- Depression4%
- Stomach pain2%
- Loss of appetite2%
- Vomiting2%
- Blurry vision2%
- Aggressive behavior2%
The Desoxyn (methamphetamine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Abuse and dependence
- History of drug abuse
- Alcoholism
- Serious or life-threatening heart problems
- History of heart problems
- Aggressive behavior and psychiatric symptoms
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of bipolar disorder
- History of Tourette's syndrome
- Height and weight delay in children
- Children
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Circulation problems in the hands and feet
- Serious or life-threatening cardiovascular events
- History of heart problems
- Abuse and dependence
- History of drug abuse
- Aggressive behavior and psychosis
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of Bipolar Disorder
- Long-term growth suppression
- Children
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Drug interactions
- Taking MAO inhibitors and other serotonergic agents, as well as other medicines that can increase blood pressure