What is Adderall/Ritalin?

Adderall and Ritalin are both central nervous stimulants which affect chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

Adderall contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Ritalin contains methylphenidate. Both medications are used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Common names include Beans, Copilots, Red Pep, Red Dexies, Wake-Ups, Eye Openers, Lid Poppers, Diet Coke, Study Buddies and Smarties.

What does Adderall/Ritalin look like?

Ritalin comes in small pills, about the size and shape of aspirin tablets. They are pale yellow, pale green or white depending on the strength. Adderall comes in white, blue, peach or orange pills or capsules depending on the strength and manufacturer.

How is Adderall / Ritalin abused?

Both drugs are taken orally, snorted or cooked down and injected.

How does Adderall/Ritalin affect a person?

Both medications work to restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain for people diagnosed with ADD and ADHD.

What are the health effects/risks of using Adderall/Ritalin?

Common side effects include headaches, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, anxiety, increased heart rate, difficulty sleeping or staying asleep and changes in sex drive.

Long-term abuse or high doses of these medications can cause muscle weakness/numbness, dizziness, slowed speech, chest pain, blistering or peeling skin, changes in vision, aggression, paranoia, mania or seizures.

Symptoms of overdose include panic attacks, hyperventilation, cardiac rhythm abnormalities, hallucinations, uncontrollable tremors, profound confusion or delirium, vertigo, loss of consciousness and coma.