Jennifer Preville

Professor Christina Steele

BIOL 293
2 May 2017
Ritalin and Adderall
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a disorder I have had since I was in elementary
school. Growing up, it was very difficult for me to sit and listen to my teacher because of how
easily distracted I was. To this day, I still have trouble sitting through lectures due to my short
attention span. Adderall is prescribed to me to treat the symptoms of the disorder. My research
will include how ADD/ADHD medication works to relieve these symptoms. A study I researched
analyzes ADD/ADHD drugs while focusing on the similarities and differences between the
properties of methylphenidate (MPH) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Adderall and Ritalin
are stimulants used to treat ADD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These
drugs function by modifying catecholamine levels in the nervous system for increased
stimulation (2-3).
ADD/ADHD is treated with psychostimulants which increase activity of the central
nervous system (CNS). The dopamine transporter (DAT) is the main area of exertion (3). Studies
advocate that a person with ADD/ADHD have a dopamine dysfunction and lack the normal
levels of the neurotransmitter. Dopamine plays a key role in improving ADD/ADHD symptoms.
It is biosynthesized in the body through an enzyme catalyzed reaction from which substrates are
converted to more complex products (5). After synthesis, a presynaptic action potential releases
dopamine into the synapse. In the nervous system, action potentials produce and travel along
neuron axons to activate synaptic connections. The regulation of dopamine is achieved through
cell to cell signaling via synapses (5,6). At a chemical synapse, a neuron releases
neurotransmitter molecules into the synaptic cleft that is next to another neuron. The molecules
bind to the receptors on the receiving cell of the synaptic cleft followed by the post synaptic area.
The neurotransmitters must clear out of the pre-synaptic area to accomplish signals. Dopamine
modulates the pre and post synaptic neurotransmission. MPH and amphetamines are chemical
compounds medically prescribed to increase levels of dopamine and similar neurotransmitters in
the brain (6).
Ritalin is a schedule II substance made up of Methylphenidate (MPH). Its molecular and
structural formula indicate that the chemical compound consists of carbon, hydrogen, and
nitrogen. The primary function is to act as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (7).
Ritalin is available in three different forms: immediate release (Ritalin), sustained release (Ritalin
SR), and extended release (Ritalin LA). All these forms of MPH are prescribed to a patient
depending on the severity of symptoms, body weight, and rate of metabolism. MPH targets the
DAT at the prefrontal cortex in the brain. To achieve its mechanism, the enantiomers d-threo-
methylphenidate and 1-threo-methylphenidate bind to the DAT. A norepinephrine-dopamine
reuptake inhibitor increases norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain by
partially blocking the DAT, preventing it from completely removing the dopamine from the
synapse (7). Stimulation of dopaminergic activity greatly increases levels of dopamine, which
increases attention and motivation, while decreasing distractibility and motor hyperactivity (8).
Adderall consists of amphetamine salts, dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. The
compound includes carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen elements. Like Ritalin, Adderall is available
in two different forms: instant (Adderall IR) and extended release (Adderall XR). It is also
classified as a schedule II substance by the FDA. Dextroamphetamine affects the central nervous
system by increasing dopamine levels and has a great impact on the prefrontal cortex of the
brain. Levoamphetamine affects the peripheral nervous system by increasing norepinephrine. To
treat ADD/ADHD symptoms, Adderall blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and
serotonin into the presynaptic neuron and increases the release of these monoamines into the
synaptic space (8). Amphetamine has the power to inhibit the enzyme that breakdown the
neurotransmitter monoamine oxidase. This leads to the growth of dopamine, norepinephrine and
serotonin. The capability of dextroamphetamine in Adderall rapidly increases levels of the
monoamine neurotransmitters in the synapse, reducing the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity,
and hyperactivity (8,9).
Despite small differences, MPH and Adderall are treatments for ADD/ADHD. Research
showed a dosage chart found MPH to be less potent while having a longer duration of action
therefore it is less intoxicating. On the other hand, amphetamines commence quicker followed by
a speed crash. The dosage chart therefore recommends a lower dosage of Adderall when
compared to Ritalin. Both medications are small molecules that travel through the BBB which is
very similar to how cocaine travels through the body. Dependency is possible for both substances
but the presence of amphetamines in Adderall propose a much higher risk. It has a greater ability
to interfere with the natural mechanism of DAT, causing much lower levels of dopamine in the
absence of the drug (12). Ritalin and Adderall are monoamine reuptake inhibitors of dopamine,
norepinephrine, and serotonin (12). When abused, these drugs have the same high risk of abuse
potential when compared to cocaine. However, these stimulants have been proven to be safe and
effective when taken for medical purposes.
 Sources
Kluwer, Wolters. "Adderall: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety Info." Drugs.com. Drugs.com,
11 Apr. 2017. Web. 02 May 2017. <https://www.drugs.com/adderall.html>.
Sherzada, Awista. "An Analysis of ADHD Drugs: Ritalin and Adderall." JCCC Honors
Journal 2nd ser. 3.1 (2011): n. pag. Johnson County Community College, 2012. Web. 2
May 2017. http://scholarspace.jccc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1021&context=honors_journal