Summary: New research has explored the potential side effects of the stimulant drug Ritalin on those without ADHD showed changes in brain chemistry associated with risk-taking behavior, sleep disruption and other undesirable effects.

No interactions were found between Adderall and Vicodin. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

RITALIN should not be taken if you or your child: are taking or have taken within the past 14 days an anti-depression medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAOI. are allergic to anything in RITALIN. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients.

Ritalin works sooner and reaches peak performance more quickly than Adderall does. However, Adderall stays active in your body longer than Ritalin does. Adderall works for four to six hours. Ritalin is only active for two to three hours.

As stimulant drugs, methylphenidate and the methylphenidate-based drugs can make you feel very ‘up’, awake, excited, alert and energised, but they can also make you feel agitated and aggressive. They may also stop you from feeling hungry.

How do I tell if stimulant drugs are working?

1. increased heart rate or blood pressure.
2. decreased appetite.
3. trouble falling or staying asleep.
4. irritability, as the medicine wears off.
5. nausea or vomiting.
6. headaches.
7. mood swings.

If 10 mg of Ritalin works better than 5 mg and as well as 15 mg, then the child should take only 10 mg. In certain cases, however, even 5 mg may make a child jittery or bring on a headache (both rare at 5 mg but possible). If such complaints persist for more than a day or two, no further Ritalin is offered.

The effects of Ritalin on the body It’s a brand-name prescription medication that targets dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to reduce common ADHD symptoms. Though Ritalin is a stimulant, when used in ADHD treatment, it may help with concentration, fidgeting, attention, and listening skills.

Studies show that stimulants work well on ADHD symptoms for about 80% of people who take them. About half of those people get the same results from either Adderall or Ritalin. But for the other half, one drug works better than the other.

Rebound is the brain’s reaction when a stimulant medication is wearing off. When the medication leaves the system too quickly, it causes ADHD symptoms to return, sometimes with a vengeance. The good news is that for some kids, this intense reaction usually lasts for only about an hour or so.

How should RITALIN be taken?

1. Take RITALIN exactly as prescribed.
2. RITALIN is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day.
3. Take RITALIN 30 to 45 minutes before a meal.
4. From time to time, your doctor may stop RITALIN treatment for a while to check ADHD symptoms.