a. What are the differences between how RitalinTM (methylphenidate) and Adderall

Question

a. What are the differences between how RitalinTM (methylphenidate) and AdderallTM (amphetamine) act on dopamine to produce the synaptic action in anti-ADHD/ADD medications.

Explain the different mechanisms of synaptic action, how they alter the synaptic efficacy, differences in half-life, side-effects, etc. and their interactions if they were taken together at the same time. You can draw a diagram or a table with 2 columns – (one column unique to Ritalin, one column unique to Adderall) – to identify the differences.

b. What are the similarities between how RitalinTM (methylphenidate) and AdderallTM (amphetamine) act on dopamine to produce the synaptic action in anti-ADHD/ADD medications.

1. Explain why they both have similar anti-ADHD/ADD property based on the hypothesis or theory of ADHD/ADD, i.e., what is the neurotransmitter deficiency in ADHD/ADD’s brain circuitry?

2. Which specific part of the brain do they both act on that treats ADHD/ADD symptoms similarly?

3. What is the physiological reason why they both produce similar improvement of symptoms of ADHD/ADD by these drugs? i.e., how does this neurotransmitter affect the executive function to reduce the impulsivity?

4. What are the side effects if they are overdosed or abused? Why are their side effects similar? [Hint: Which part of the brain produces these side effect when it is overdosed that causes either addiction or paranoia psychosis?

5. Why are they not addictive if they were medicated under the supervision of a physician? What makes them not addictive if they were administered correctly (based on the scientific principles that you have learned so far in this course)? [Hint: Kids who are on anti- ADHD/ADD drugs are not drug addicts if they are administered correctly. Explain why?]

Explanation / Answer

Adderall (dextroamphetamines) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are drugrs which are used in the treatment of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is a psychiatric condition. These drugs act on the central nervous system (CNS) and incrases its activity.

Ritalin contains methylphenidate and the Adderall contains amphetamines. Methylphenidate and amphetamines are similar in structure. Both psychostimulants targets the dopamine transporter (DAT) and the noradrenaline transporter (NET), and hence inhibits dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake , which raises dopamine and noradrenaline levels in the junction of neuron i.e. synaptic cleft of neuron.

Methylphenidate is less potent and longer in duration of action because it binds to the transporters of both dopamine and norepinephrine at the synapses of the neurons and hence prevents them from acting in contrast, amphetamines have a quick mode of action and it acts on prefrontal cortex rather than every part of the brain.

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