Which is better: adderall or ritalin?

adderall is great i have adhd since a few years ago (im 12) and it works great

I had the same experience with my 10 year old son. He tried Vyvance (and Adderal-ish product, not official I am sure haha) and as the dose increased became more and more emotional and full of rage. When switched to Concerta (Ritalin-ish) and now plain Ritalin because of cost he did not experience those effects. There are also non-stimulant medications that treat ADHD and maybe you could start there with a child that young?? My son's pediatrician said treatment is a trial and error game at first because different medication and different doses effect everyone differently. She recommended stimulant meds for us because my son has a weight problem and she said it would also help suppress his appetite.

I am over 50 & have been using ritalin for years. It works well for me with little side effects. Weight loss is not a problem at all with ritalin. I think that is just a thing put into peoples head. My only side effect is it is so expensive.

Late to the party as usual (lol).  

So I've probably had adhd since a child, but didn't get diagnosed until recently (41y/o female).  I was put on Ritalin IR and started slow and worked my way up to 30 mg 2x a day.  It worked great for my impulsivity and just okay for my focus, but had some side effects I couldn't deal with.  I had a great deal of anxiety, clenching of teeth and a few other semi-serious side effects.  It seemed to stay in my system for a long time, even while I was taking a low dosage.

My shrink changed me over to Adderall and I'm now on 15 mg. 2x a day, and not sure if that is a lot or not. My focus is pretty better than the Ritalin, but it's c**p for the impulsivity.  I'm tired all the time, very hungry and eat non stop, and my memory has gone out the door.  I know exactly when the drug is worn off, which is right about at 2.5 to 3 hours.   I'm frustrated because Adderall has very little side effects for me, other than the dreaded constipation, but it doesn't help me as much as the Ritalin.  

I wish I could combine them and I would have the perfect med.  Geez, I haven't heard anyone say they wanted to take a nap while taking Adderall *sigh.  Maybe there is no hope for me?

I beg to differ. I think Ritalin lasts far longer than Adderall and most studies back this up. And I feel almost no speed effects from Ritalin whereas I greatly feel the speed effect of Adderall. However I have only taken the generic Adderall vs using the name brand Ritalin. I was not able to find a pharmacist that carried name brand Adderall.

I too am over 50 on ritalin for years. It works wonderful for me also. I agree the cost is way to high. I have been considering adderal because of this even though I know it will not work as well for me.