Aricept vs. Adderall

• Are Aricept and Adderall the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Aricept?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Adderall?
• What Is Aricept?
• What Is Adderall?
• What Drugs Interact with Aricept?
• What Drugs Interact with Adderall?
• How Should Aricept Be Taken?
• How Should Adderall Be Taken?

Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to reduce symptoms in mild to moderate dementia like that found in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts) is an amphetamine used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

Aricept has been researched as a possible treatment for ADHD and may be used off-label for this indication.

Common side effects of Aricept include:

• feeling unwell (malaise),
• appetite loss,
• weight loss,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• muscle cramps,
• tiredness,
• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• shakiness (tremor),
• itchy skin,
• nausea,
• vomiting, or
• diarrhea.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Aricept including painful urination, seizures, chest pain, and GI symptoms of tarry or bloody stools and vomiting blood or material that resembles "coffee grounds."

Common side effects of Adderall include:

• nervousness,
• restlessness,
• excitability,
• irritability,
• agitation,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• fear,
• anxiety,
• agitation,
• tremor,
• weakness,
• blurred vision,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• dry mouth or unpleasant taste in the mouth,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• stomach pain,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• fever,
• hair loss,
• loss of appetite,
• weight loss,
• loss of interest in sex,
• impotence,
• difficulty having an orgasm,
• increase blood pressure,
• increased heart rate, and
• heart palpitations.

Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) is a cholinesterase inhibitor that reduces or prevents acetylcholine breakdown in brain tissue. Aricept is used to treat mild to moderate dementia like that found in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Aricept is not a cure; it reduces symptoms.

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine. It is used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Adderall may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.

Adderall should be used as a part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies.

Adderall is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.

Adderall is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep Adderall in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Adderall may harm others, and is against the law.

Tell your doctor if you or your child have (or have a family history of) ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs.

Aricept may interact with many drugs; tell the physician if you have a history of breathing problems, heart disease, fainting, seizures, GI diseases or urinary problems because they may get worst with this drug. Aricept is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Aricept safety and effectiveness has not been studied in the pediatric population.

Tell your doctor if you or your child are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can Adderall be taken with other medicines?

Tell your doctor about all of the medicines that you or your child take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Adderall and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes the doses of other medicines will need to be adjusted while taking Adderall.

Your doctor will decide whether Adderall can be taken with other medicines.

Especially tell your doctor if you or your child take:

• anti-depression medicines including MAOIs
• blood pressure medicines
• seizure medicines
• blood thinner medicines
• cold or allergy medicines that contain decongestants
• stomach acid medicines

Know the medicines that you or your child take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not start any new medicine while taking Adderall without talking to your doctor first.

Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) is available for oral administration in film-coated tablets in doses of 5, 10, or 23 mg of donepezil hydrochloride.

Take Adderall exactly as prescribed.

Your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.

Adderall tablets are usually taken two to three times a day. The first dose is usually taken when you first wake in the morning. One or two more doses may be taken during the day, 4 to 6 hours apart.

Adderall can be taken with or without food.

From time to time, your doctor may stop Adderall treatment for a while to check ADHD symptoms.

Your doctor may do regular checks of the blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking Adderall. Children should have their height and weight checked often while taking Adderall. Adderall treatment may be stopped if a problem is found during these check-ups.

If you or your child take too much Adderall or overdoses, call your doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.