How much Do They Last? Adderall is the brand name for a mix of two energizers called amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. Ritalin is the brand name for an energizer called methylphenidate. The two medications come in two designs, short-acting and long-acting. You take the long-acting construction close to the start of the day, and it's expected to endure for the duration of the day. The short-acting construction suffers around 4 hours. ...