Compare Ritalin vs. Dexedrine
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
Treats attention deficit disorder.
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) is an effective medicine for treatment of ADHD, but often abused for recreational purposes.
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4.3/ 5 average rating with 28 reviewsforDexedrine
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.
- Recommended as a first-choice treatment of ADHD.
- Available as generic version.
- For more flexible dosing schedule, Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) is available in short and long formulations.
- If you have difficulty swallowing pills, Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) is available as a liquid.
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.
- Taking Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) can decrease your appetite.
- If taken late in the day, Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) can cause insomnia.
- People who take high doses of Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) are more likely to have anxiety, restlessness, or irritability.
- Requires a new prescription from your doctor every month.
- Not a good option if you have a history of seizures.
- Can be habit-forming so make sure you use it only as prescribed.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
- Extended release
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$48.84
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$115.37
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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 review28 reviews so far
89%
saidit'sworth it
79%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)?
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 Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) 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
- Abuse and dependence
- History of drug abuse
- Serious or life-threatening heart problems
- History of heart problems
- Aggressive behavior and psychosis
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of bipolar disorder
- Long-term growth suppression
- Children
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Serotonin Syndrome (rare, life-threatening)
- Using other medicines that increase serotonin levels in the brain