1 year, 8 months ago
via adderallanswers.com
Ritalin vs. Adderall - what's the difference? Is one better than the other?
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M$1 Answer
In a study conducted in 1999 by William E. Pelham, PhD*, Helen R. Aronoff, MD, Jill K. Midlam, MA*, Cheri J. Shapiro, PhD*, Elizabeth M. Gnagy, BS*, Andrea M. Chronis, BS*, Adia N. Onyango, BS*, Gregory Forehand, BS*, Anh Nguyen, BS*, and James Waxmonsky, MD, there seemed to be, at that time, no comparison between Ritalin and Adderall done by any scientists or physicians in regards to treatment for child ADHD during the course of the day.
What they found out was that of course, the placebo was not effective, Adderall and Ritalin were then measured against each other. Various doses of each medication was administered, and it was noted that Ritalin, in lower doses compared less effective than Adderall at the same low doses. In higher doses, there was less incidence of difference in efficiency, but Adderall performed better in more of the testing on all levels than did Ritalin at controlling negative behaviors.
Fast forward 10 years to 2010, and you will find chemical changes that occur in the brain with both medications is similar, however, Adderall not only stops the cells from absorbing the dopamine and norepinephrine and allows it to stay in the functioning space of the brain, between cells, but it also gets absorbed into the brain cells to help enable the production of more dopamine.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are the brain chemicals that are responsible for thought processes, focus, and motivation. They are needed in the brain, but if absorbed into the cells, the brain does not use them. Because Adderall also helps cells to produce dopamine, it helps to extend the life of the medication in the child.
Ritalin, on the other hand, merely blocks the dopamine and norepinephrine from being absorbed, and does not have the added benefit of production of more dopamine to help with further concentration.
What they found out was that of course, the placebo was not effective, Adderall and Ritalin were then measured against each other. Various doses of each medication was administered, and it was noted that Ritalin, in lower doses compared less effective than Adderall at the same low doses. In higher doses, there was less incidence of difference in efficiency, but Adderall performed better in more of the testing on all levels than did Ritalin at controlling negative behaviors.
Fast forward 10 years to 2010, and you will find chemical changes that occur in the brain with both medications is similar, however, Adderall not only stops the cells from absorbing the dopamine and norepinephrine and allows it to stay in the functioning space of the brain, between cells, but it also gets absorbed into the brain cells to help enable the production of more dopamine.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are the brain chemicals that are responsible for thought processes, focus, and motivation. They are needed in the brain, but if absorbed into the cells, the brain does not use them. Because Adderall also helps cells to produce dopamine, it helps to extend the life of the medication in the child.
Ritalin, on the other hand, merely blocks the dopamine and norepinephrine from being absorbed, and does not have the added benefit of production of more dopamine to help with further concentration.
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