Compare Ritalin vs. Provigil
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
Improves alertness.
Provigil (modafinil) is effective in improving alertness, but it interacts with some medicines and shouldn't be used long-term.
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4.2/ 5 average rating with 28 reviewsforProvigil
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.
- Provigil (modafinil) is a nonstimulant medication that improves alertness.
- Provigil (modafinil) is available in a cheaper, generic version.
- Provigil (modafinil) is good at decreasing excessive sleepiness in shift work sleep disorder.
- If you need to sleep in the daytime, this medication won't effect you.
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.
- Provigil (modafinil) can be habit forming, so it shouldn't be used for long-term treatment.
- Provigil (modafinil) is not a good choice if you have liver problems.
- May not be a good option if you are taking hormonal contraception like birth control pills.
Used for
- Narcolepsy
- Sleep apnea
- Shift work sleep disorder
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Major depressive disorder
- Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$48.96
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$25.98
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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
82%
saidit'sworth it
71%
saiditworked well
4%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Provigil (modafinil)?
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%
25possible side effects
- Headache34%
- Nausea11%
- Nervousness7%
- Stuffy nose7%
- Back pain6%
- Diarrhea6%
- Indigestion5%
- Difficulty sleeping5%
- Anxiety5%
- Dizziness5%
- Flu symptoms4%
- Dry mouth4%
- Loss of appetite4%
- Throat inflammation4%
- Chest pain3%
- High blood pressure3%
- Fast heart beat2%
- Palpitation2%
- Dilation of blood vessels2%
- Constipation2%
- Abnormal liver function2%
- Depression2%
- Burning/tingling sensation2%
- Drowsiness2%
- Lung disorder2%
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 allergic reactions
- Allergy to Provigil (modafinil)
- Heart problems
- History of heart problems
- Increased side effects
- Current kidney problems
- Current liver problems
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol or drugs