Excellent
unstarunstarunstarunstarunstar
staredstaredstaredstaredstared
based on 0 reviews
FSA & HSA
HSA and FSA accepted; no insurance needed.

Strattera for ADHD

Strattera (atomoxetine) is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms. It’s not a stimulant like many ADHD meds and may be better for some people.


Looking to see if Strattera for ADHD symptoms is a fit for you? Find an ADHD specialist on Klarity Health to find out with an appointment in as little as 24 hours.*


Find a provider

Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.

A hand holds several Strattera pills, ready for the day's ADHD treatment

Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.

Experienced ADHD specialists are ready to talk with you

Find your next ADHD provider on Klarity Health. Choose from top-rated licensed providers for an initial online consultation, ongoing support, and unlimited messaging.

icon

Please specify your state to see available providers near you

Medically reviewed by Dr. Paul Hetrick
A person holds Strattera pills, considering their daily dosage for ADHD management

What is Strattera for ADHD?

Strattera was the brand-name version of atomoxetine, the generic name for its active ingredient. It was the first non-stimulant approved for ADHD in 2002. Brand name Strattera was discontinued in November 2023. But generic atomoxetine is still available. 

Atomoxetine is a second-line drug for treating ADHD, meaning if a first-line drug, like Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) doesn’t work, your provider may turn to it instead. It’s also not a stimulant or controlled substance like stimulant ADHD medications, including Adderall and Ritalin (methylphenidate). It’s a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI). Yet while not a stimulant, for many people Strattera works as effectively as stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity.

Read Strattera reviews from research, providers, and patients.

How does Strattera for ADHD work?

Strattera is an NRI and increases the availability of a natural chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) and hormone in the brain called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine affects arousal, attention, focus, cognitive function, and stress responses. 

By increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain, Strattera works to counteract lethargy, fatigue, and ADHD symptoms, such as lack of attention, inability to focus, lack of motivation, low awareness, the ability to learn, and more. 

Learn more about Strattera for ADHD

A woman gestures a frame with her fingers, symbolizing a focused view, improved by Strattera

Who can take Strattera for ADHD?

Brand-name Strattera was approved for adults and kids ages 6 and older with an ADHD diagnosis. Atomoxetine still is approved for the same groups. 

Atomoxetine is a prescription medication. You need a prescription to get it. 

Atomoxetine is also used off-label (to treat something it’s not approved for) for depression. Learn more about ADHD and depression.

A man consults with a healthcare provider online, discussing Strattera for ADHD management

How to get a Strattera prescription online

Taking generic Strattera, atomoxetine, starts with getting a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider who determines that it’s a medically necessary part of your ADHD treatment plan. Providers who can prescribe medications include physician assistants (PAs), and ​​nurse practitioners (NPs), and medical doctors including psychiatrists (MDs).

Find a board-certified, licensed provider for an online or in-person appointment to discuss a tailored ADHD treatment plan that may include medication on Klarity Health. 

Once you have a prescription, your provider can send it to any online or local pharmacy or you can take or send it to a pharmacy yourself.

How to use Strattera and Strattera dosages

Generic Strattera, atomoxetine, is a capsule you take by mouth. It comes in 10-, 18-, 25-, 40-, 60-, 80-, and 100-milligram strengths. 

The dose your provider will have you take depends on age, weight, and your symptoms. Adults usually start with 40 milligrams a day. After a few days or weeks, your provider may have you increase to a target dose of 80 milligrams a day. The maximum dose is 100 milligrams a day. Never change your dose without first talking with your provider.

A mother and daughter share a joyful moment, showing improved interactions due to Strattera's effects on ADHD
A woman thinks about the side effects and warnings of Strattera

Strattera side effects and warnings

The most common side effects of atomoxetine that affected more than 10% of participants in clinical trials were abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, decreased appetite, headache, and drowsiness. Irritability, anorexia, constipation, dizziness, and rash also affected some participants.

Despite the side effect of reduced appetite, some people gain weight when taking Strattera. And 2% of adults lose weight. Learn more about Strattera and weight loss.

More serious, but less common side effects can happen when taking atomoxetine too, including increased blood pressure and heart rate or liver injury. Talk to your provider or pharmacists before starting Strattera so you’re aware of all potential side effects and warnings and know what to watch for. Also work with your provider to monitor any side effects you have. 

If while taking atomoxetine, you have negative side effects, consider reporting them to the FDA by visiting MedWatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Learn more about atomoxetine side effects.

What does Strattera cost?

Atomoxetine isn’t too pricey. Doses range in cost from $106 to $140 for 30 capsules — a one-month supply —  according to drugs.com and with its discount. 

Most health insurance plans cover atomoxetine. So, if you have insurance, you won’t likely pay the prices listed above. You’ll instead pay your drug co-pay. And, with or without insurance, you can take advantage of prescription or drug discount cards from GoodRx, drugs.com, SingleCareRx, WellRx, and others. The best price through GoodRX in Los Angeles was $28.02 for 30 capsules at the time of publication. 

How does Strattera compare to other ADHD medications?

The 2 biggest differences between Strattera and first-line ADHD medications are that first-line medications are typically stimulants, like Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). Some people do better on stimulants, some on non-stimulants. 

Stimulants work almost immediately. Where an NRI, like Strattera, may take 2 to 6 weeks before you start to notice a difference.

Stimulants calm ADHD symptoms, but they can also make people feel “high” and are controlled substances that can be misused and be addictive. Non-stimultants, like Strattera, are less likely to be abused. They’re effective for ADHD, but clinical trials show they may be less effective than stimulants, which is why it’s a second-line treatment. 

A non-stimulant, like Strattera (atomoxetine), may be best if you don’t respond well or are likely to become addicted to a stimulant. And your provider may consider having you use both a stimulant and Strattera or another non-stimulant at the same time. 

Adderall, Ritalin are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Both can have side effects including decreased appetite, nausea, fatigue, irritability, dry mouth, insomnia, and headache.


The best way to find out which ADHD medication may work best for you is to talk to your ADHD specialist.


Learn more about stimulant vs non-stimulant ADHD medications for adults with ADHD.

A man considers the benefits of Strattera compared to other ADHD medications

With Klarity Health, you’re in good company

Reviews from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity Health.

How it works

  1. Choose the right provider for you

    Providers on Klarity Health are licensed, board-certified, and offer a personalized approach to your unique online ADHD treatment needs. See detailed profiles for each provider and find an approach that’s best for you. (Costs for treatment options may vary.)

  2. Have your initial patient visit

    Your journey to reduced ADHD symptoms starts with an initial consultation. Your provider will work with you to recommend the right program for you and that may or may not include prescription medication and/or therapy.

  3. Work with your provider on your progress 

    Your initial ADHD consultation is just the beginning. You and your provider will follow up to make sure you’re doing okay and are reaching your goals. You stay on track with ongoing support from your provider(s) and medication refills if needed. 

  4. Access 24×7 support from Klarity Health

    If you have questions or need assistance, the friendly Klarity Health Patient Support team is there to help. Along with your provider, they’re committed to making sure you have the best care and support throughout treatment.

FAQs about Strattera

Latest posts about ADHD

See all posts

*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances like Adderall and Ritalin may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.

logo
All professional services are provided by independent private practices via the Klarity technology platform. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide any medical services.

PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063

100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063

logo
All professional services are provided by independent private practices via the Klarity technology platform. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide any medical services.
If you’re having an emergency or in emotional distress, here are some resources for immediate help: Emergency: Call 911. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 988. Crisis Text Line: Text Home to 741-741

PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063

100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063

If you’re having an emergency or in emotional distress, here are some resources for immediate help: Emergency: Call 911. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 988. Crisis Text Line: Text Home to 741-741
© 2024 Klarity Health, Inc. All rights reserved.