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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.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Paul Hetrick
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.
Who can take Strattera for ADHD?
Brand name Strattera is approved for adults and kids ages 6 and older with an ADHD diagnosis. Atomoxetine 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.
How to get a Strattera prescription online
Taking generic Strattera, atomoxetine, starts with getting a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. 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.
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 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.
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 is that first-line medications are typically stimulants, like Adderall and Ritalin. 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 can be misused and be addictive. Non-stimultants, like Strattera, are much 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.
The best way to find out which ADHD medication may work best for you is to talk to your ADHD specialist.
With Klarity, you’re in good company
Read through stories from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity.
How it works
Choose the right provider for you
Providers on Klarity 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.)
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.
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.
Access 24×7 support from Klarity
If you have questions or need assistance, the friendly Klarity 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
Is Strattera the same as Adderall?
No. Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) and a non-stimulant. Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Stimulants are controlled substances and can be addictive, which can cause people to misuse or abuse them. Non-stimulants don’t have the risk for addiction or abuse.
Stimulant vs non-stimulant aside, Strattera and Adderall can both work to relieve ADHD symptoms. Read more about how Strattera compares to Adderall.Who can prescribe Strattera?
Any healthcare provider licensed to prescribe medications can prescribe Strattera. Providers licensed to prescribe medications include physician assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs), and medical doctors including psychiatrists (MDs).
What does Strattera do to someone with ADHD?
Strattera is proven to help increase attention and reduce impulsiveness in people with ADHD. People who take it report feeling calmer and more balanced and focused than they feel without Strattera after the medication takes full effect. Read more about Strattera for ADHD.
What is the downside of Strattera?
The biggest downside to Strattera or another non-stimulant medication may be that they take longer to work than stimulants. While a stimulant works virtually immediately, Strattera and other stimulants take 1 to 4 weeks to start taking effect and may take up to 3 months to be fully effective. Also, not every medication works for everyone. And for some people, Strattera isn’t effective. And as with any medication, some people struggle with side effects as well.
How fast does Strattera work for ADHD?
For most people, Strattera can take 1 to 4 weeks before starting to noticeably affect ADHD symptoms. And it can take 6 to 12 weeks before it’s fully effective.
Does Strattera cause weight gain?
Strattera can cause some people to gain weight while it causes others to lose weight. In clinical trials for Strattera, 2% to 3% of participants reported losing weight. Learn more about Strattera and weight loss.
Does Strattera make you calmer?
Strattera does affect mood regulation. It can decrease irritability and emotional lability (extreme emotions and rapid emotional changes) to make you feel more balanced emotionally, more focused, and more calm.
Learn more about Strattera and ADHD medication
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Sources
DailyMed, LABEL: ATOMOXETINE- atomoxetine capsule, Mar. 2021, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f266ab7b-5a68-42b5-b204-e3249bea0aed
DailyMed, LABEL: Strattera – atomoxetine hydrochloride capsule, Feb. 2014, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b080e703-3fab-4914-8529-ffaa59da693d
drugs.com, Atomoxetine Prices, Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs, Jun. 2024, https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/atomoxetine
National Institute of Mental Health, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Sept. 2023, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
Journal of Psychopharmacology, Atomoxetine in patients with ADHD: A clinical and pharmacological review of the onset, trajectory, duration of response and implications for patients, David B Clemow et al, Sep. 2015, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269881115602489?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Everyone’s mental health journey is unique and results will vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.
How we reviewed this article: This article goes through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author.
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Phone:
Fax:
(855) 975-3008
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
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