I started on Adderall XR 30 mg a day. It didn't seem to last long enough through the day, except for the first two days. Now I'm on the generic regular form of Adderall 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg at 1 pm. It's been a week, and now it seems like it doesn't last as long.

Is this normal, or should I talk my doctor about using something different? I've heard Ritalin is short acting too, but you take it more a times a day.

I'm on Wellbutrin as well.

And what differences have you noticed between Ritalin and Adderall?

I was on ritalin a long time ago (6 years). It seemed stronger but had a **** of a rebound, crying anxiety and panic attacks...adderall for me has been easier and I feel more normal Month 3, rebound is still there just much more tolerable and I feel more blue and less panicky. I would never take ritalin again b/c side effects were way too much for me! but everyone is different

To answer your question, for me anyway, Adderall works and ritalin did not. Both have a very short effective period (between 4 to 6 hours). The XR versions generally will extend it to 8 hours, but not much more.

MM

I tried generic adderall for a short time and then tried generic ritalin. I didn't notice any difference in effectiveness in relieving symptoms, but the "adderall" made my stomach tie itself in knots. Very uncomfortable if it were to be a permanent feature. It is a listed side effect for some.

I don't notice a sharp drop once the "ritalin" wears off, but then I take a small dose: one 5 mg pill in the morning and another 5 mg pill in the afternoon.

I found this ADHD diagnostic site interesting. If you scroll down, you can read about dosages and medications:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20011015/1355.html