Not a doctor or pharmacist, who you probably should ask, but I think Adderall anf other amphetamine based medications are significantly different from Ritalin. Also, allergies are sometimes related to ingredients other than the drug itself. And maybe an allergist could help determine what specifically you are allergic to in a safer way than just trying another drug if it was that significant of a reaction.
this post was submitted on 20 Jan 2026
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FYI, I also did a quick search and it seems like Ritalin allergies are not exactly uncommon especially compared to amphetamine-based medications. Again, I'm not a doctor or pharmacist, just did some basic Googling.
Might as well give Adderall or even Dexedrine a try. Ritalin is not an amphetamine, I've heard its more akin to cocaine (ecgonine) than amphetamine
To the point Ritalin is often derided as kiddy cocaine or kiddy crac
I had severe reactions (although nowhere like yours) to the current generic versions of Ritalin, but never with the original.
I feel you.
I have been on adderall for years. Last year, bc of the crap quality of it, they tried me on ritalin and I reacted the same as you (angioedema for me). So, talk to your doc. Good luck!
Congrats! Concerta apparently gave me seizures as a child, its the only medication I'm aware of being allergic to
I've gotta say, I've been on atomoxetine for a year now and I love it! Just be aware the "standard adult" dose might be way too much for you (it was for me). When they started me on 40mg I felt like an emotionless robot. I could get stuff done but at the cost of my joy. I told this to my doc and he was like...maybe you just need less. I got the 10mg children's dose and now I am in so much control of myself I have no clue how I got anything done before hand (well I do know, it was self medication with caffeine and stress).