Two medicines, side by side
Methylphenidate vs amphetamine
Methylphenidate and amphetamine are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of methylphenidate since 1955 and of amphetamine since 2016. Pharmacies paid $0.158 per methylphenidate 10 mg tablet and $0.449 per amphetamine sulfate 10 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026). Methylphenidate's other strengths are brand-only: $2.43 per mL (Quillivant XR 25 mg/5 mL suspension). Amphetamine's other strengths are brand-only: $2.76 per mL (Dyanavel XR 2.5 mg/mL suspension).
Check it at the source: the methylphenidate FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 31, 2026); the amphetamine FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 20, 2026).
Highlights of the methylphenidate record
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) · label of July 31, 2026
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Methylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including Methylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage ( 10 )], and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.
Used for
From the label: indicationsMethylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 to 15 years of age. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 5, 1955
- Generic labelers
- 31 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.158 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- In shortage
- Recalls
- 55
Highlights of the amphetamine record
Amphetamine (Dyanavel) · label of August 20, 2026
WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION AMPHETAMINE SULFATE TABLET HAS A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE AND MISUSE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, INCLUDING ADDICTION. MISUSE AND ABUSE OF CNS STIMULANTS, INCLUDING AMPHETAMINE SULFATE, CAN RESULT IN OVERDOSE AND DEATH (SEE OVERDOSAGE)], AND THIS RISK IS INCREASED WITH HIGHER DOSES OR UNAPPROVED METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION, SUCH AS SNORTING OR INJECTION.
Used for
From the label: indicationsAmphetamine Sulfate Tablets USP are indicated for: Narcolepsy Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity as an integral part of a total treatment program which typically includes other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a stabilizing effect in children with behavioral syndrome characterized by the following group of developmentally inappropriate symptoms: moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- January 27, 2016
- Generic labelers
- 13 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.449 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Methylphenidate label of July 31, 2026, Amphetamine label of August 20, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do methylphenidate and amphetamine differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class central nervous system stimulants.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: methylphenidate since 1977; amphetamine since 1976 (Drugs@FDA).
| Methylphenidate | Amphetamine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | ADHD | ADHD |
| Pharmacologic class | Central Nervous System Stimulant | Central Nervous System Stimulant |
| How it works (label) | Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | December 5, 1955 | January 27, 2016 |
| First generic approved | December 23, 1977 | February 26, 1976 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 31 labelers | 13 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.158 per tablet (Methylphenidate 10 mg tablet) | $0.449 per tablet (Amphetamine sulfate 10 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -14% | +14% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | In shortage | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 55 | 0 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 73,102 | 8,452 |
| DEA schedule | CII | CII |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Amphetamine label, warningsIf concomitant use of Amphetamine Sulfate Tablets with other serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors is clinically warranted, initiate Amphetamine Sulfate Tablets with lower doses, monitor patients for the emergence of serotonin syndrome during drug initiation or titration, and inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to methylphenidate
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions