Ritalin vs. Adderall for weight loss: What to know

Adderall and Ritalin are the brand names for two prescription medications that help treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They’re both forms of stimulant medications.

Both are prescription medications that can cause side effects — and weight loss is one of them. But you should never take these medications for this purpose unless a healthcare professional prescribes them specifically for this purpose and they can supervise you properly.

Stimulants for weight loss

Ritalin and Adderall can both lead to side effects, such as lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach, that cause changes in weight. But not all people who take these medications experience these adverse effects, so weight loss is not guaranteed. 

Adderall and Ritalin are prescription stimulant medications the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. They are not approved for weight loss. Do not take these medications for weight loss unless specifically indicated by a healthcare professional, who will closely monitor your use and reaction to the medication.

Experts have conducted some research that looks into the use of stimulant medications like these to treat obesity, particularly in managing hedonic appetite, which involves consuming food due to the pleasure effects in the brain rather than because of hunger or nutritional reasons, and they may have some benefits.

But they’re still not FDA approved for this purpose. There is a high risk of dependence or serious side effects, so you should only take them to treat obesity if a doctor prescribes them for that purpose and they will be monitoring you regularly.

The misuse of prescription stimulants is common, particularly among young adults and students. A 2021 study found that weight loss was a common reason for misusing stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin among young adults and adolescents in the United States.

Research has shown that stimulant medication in children can not only lead to weight loss but also stunted growth as adults. It’s important to take these medications only as prescribed by a healthcare professional, follow their instructions closely, and have regular check-ins.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

Adderall 

Adderall is the brand name for the medication that contains the active ingredients amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It’s FDA approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

Adderall is a stimulant medication. Its active ingredients work by increasing the brain chemicals associated with attention, control, and cognition. These chemicals are dopamine and norepinephrine.

Adderall is a prescription medication that can lead to adverse effects, such as changes in weight. Adderall can cause common and more serious side effects.

Common side effects include:

• weight loss
• headache
• dry mouth
• constipation
• diarrhea
• nausea

Serious side effects include:

• high blood pressure
• increased heart rate
• hives and rash
• heart attacks
• stroke
• dizziness
• numbness or weakness in your arms, hands, and feet
• swollen eyes, face, and throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• depression
• hallucination
• blurred vision or vision changes 
• seizures

It’s important that you talk with a healthcare professional immediately if you have any of these serious side effects.

Ritalin

Ritalin is the brand name for the medication that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate. Ritalin is a prescription medication FDA approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

Ritalin is a stimulant that works in the central nervous system by changing the amount of certain substances in the brain, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. These substances are linked to attention, control, and focus. 

Ritalin increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine, a brain chemical commonly associated with feelings of pleasure, also has a role in the process of motivation, which can lead to increased attention and focus on a task. 

A 2020 study found that methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Ritalin, works by making the brain focus its attention on the benefits of a task rather than the cost of completing such a task.

Ritalin can lead to common side effects as well as more serious ones.

Common side effects of Ritalin include gastrointestinal effects like weight loss, appetite loss, and stomach pain.

Ritalin can cause serious side effects as well. Talk with a healthcare professional right away if you experience any of these serious side effects while taking Ritalin:

• chest pain
• irregular heartbeat
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• extreme tiredness
• blurred vision and changes in vision
• changes in mood
• depression
• hallucinations
• hives and rash
• fever
• slow or difficult speech
• fainting 
• seizures

How to decide

To treat ADHD or narcolepsy, a healthcare professional will look into your health history, existing health conditions, and other factors before prescribing a medication.

Adderall and Ritalin have different active ingredients, but they both work by changing the levels of brain chemicals that increase focus, attention, control, and cognition. 

They both can lead to some weight loss, but this is usually due to unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and a lack of appetite.

Some research suggests that stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin can be used to manage obesity, but this evidence is not conclusive and the risks may outweigh the rewards. The drugs are not FDA approved for weight loss and should not be used in this way unless specifically prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.

A doctor will generally decide which medication to prescribe, but if you have any concerns about side effects, you can let them know and they will take that into consideration.

Summary

Adderall and Ritalin are the brand names for two prescription medications used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

These medications can lead to side effects, such as lack of appetite and weight loss. However, these medications should not be used to lose weight unless specifically prescribed by a doctor for this purpose. 

Adderall and Ritalin can cause other side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches. They can also lead to serious side effects, such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

If you have any concerns or questions about these medications and their possible side effects, talk with a healthcare professional.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.