Hi, I don't really post here much as you can see from my # of posts, but felt like I should add something. Ritalin is Methylphenidate, which is not an isomer of crystal meth. There are only 2 isomers of methamphetamine, the + and the - (or d and l). Ritalin has nowhere near the abuse liability or addiction potential of methamphetamine. It is however a variation on the amphetamine molecule and carries most of the same side effects. I was on ritalin for several years and discontinued due the the side effects. For me these were panic attacks, inceased anxiety, and loss of appetite. I personally find that adderall has fewer of these side effects as well as (for me anyway) less of a stimulant effect (although I believe many other people experience the opposite feeling that adderall is the stronger of the 2). Adderall has it's side effects as well, which for me were basically the same as for ritalin, only less intense. I seldomly take either one anymore, but fortunately my add is quite mild and I can generally keep myself focused without them...unless there is a major deadline at work or something that required 110% mental concentration for extended periods of time. Any amphetamine will probably help with add, but you need to weigh that against the side effects, which can be fairly substancial. One good thing is that the amphetamine family of drugs in general poses very little physical addiction liability. The psychological addiction however can be quite profound depending on your personality, dosage, and length of time using. Stimulants might help your condition, but you should do enough research to know what you are getting into. Also certain people should avoid this class of drugs completely, particularly those with certain mental illnesses such as mania or schitzophrenia. A friend of mine was prescribed both ritalin and adderall from her doctor (or maybe she went to more than 1 doc...I didn't ask). I have long suspected she is a touch manic or may have some other underlying mental illness that generally doesn't (or didn't) pose much of a problem. Last time I saw her she was almost incoherant, lashing out at people, very anti-social, paranoid, etc. Anyway, I guess my point is that for some people they are benifical, others they can do more harm than good, and (as with any drug) know what you are doing before going that route. Sorry if this is long winded, but I actually feel like I haven't even started to scratch the surface of what to consider regarding amphetamines as a medical treatment.