What is the difference between Ritalin SR and Adderall XR?

Question by chigliak_0426: What is the difference between Ritalin SR and Adderall XR?
I plan to switch from Dexedrine (r) 15mg tid to either Ritalin SR or Adderall XR 20mg tid = 60mg total daily. I also want to know from people who have used Ritalin IR (immediate release) dosing of 20 tid = 60 mg total daily.

I prefer answers from members who have actually *used* the drug rather than regurgitated information from the internet. I have done my fair share of research to create my own library.

So far, I have read that Ritalin, and Ritalin SR preparations have more or a dopaminergic (i.e., dopamine agonist) effect than amphetamines, e.g., Adderall and Dexedrine. I cannot explain this very well in laymen’s terms, but, if you have used medications that inihibit reuptake of a certain chemical, then you know where I am going with this (e.g., anti-depressants, ect).

To summarize, I am torn between the dopamine reuptake inhibiting Ritalin/Ritalin SR and Adderall XR dosing at 20mg tid. Adderall has a longer T1/2 (half-life) than Ritalin. Dexedrine T1/2 is 12-48 hrs

Best answer:

Answer by Rachel L 5555
I have used both for ADHD. I personally like the Adderall better, but Ritalin has been around for a long time and has a good safety record. I would really go by what works best and has the least side effects for you, everyone is different. Sorry I don’t have a definitive answer for you but my preference is Adderall.

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