Strattera for ADHD: is it right for you?

Struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and considering taking Strattera ADHD medication? Strattera, also known by its generic name, atomoxetine, is a non-stimulant option for treating ADHD.

Understanding what options are available and how they work can help you make informed decisions regarding ADHD treatment. This article explores what Strattera is, how it works, how it compares to other medications for ADHD, and more.

Ready to learn more about ADHD medication management? Find a provider on Klarity Health and schedule an appointment today. 

Why Strattera for ADHD?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Strattera (atomoxetine) in 2002, making it the first non-stimulant medication approved for treating ADHD symptoms in adults and kids ages 6 and older. 

Strattera is proven to help with ADHD by increasing attention and reducing impulsiveness. Compared to stimulant medications, like Ritalin, Strattera takes longer to start working but it’s still effective. It’s a good alternative if you don’t want to take stimulants or if they don’t work for you. 

Note that brand-name Stattera for ADHD is no longer available. As of November 2023, the drug manufacturer, Eli Lilly, discontinued all strengths of Strattera due to declining sales after the generic version came out in 2017. The generic drug, atomoxetine, is still available.

One reason to consider trying atomoxetine is because it’s available. Drug shortages have affected several ADHD medications in recent years, but not Strattera. Currently, the FDA isn’t reporting any shortages of atomoxetine (generic Strattera). Your pharmacy is likely to have it in stock. If not, they can typically get it within a few days.  

How Strattera works for ADHD and ADHD symptoms

Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication. It belongs to a drug class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs). There are several key differences between stimulant vs non-stimulant medications, such as:

• How they work: Stimulants calm ADHD by stimulating the central nervous system. They increase the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which is thought to reduce ADHD symptoms. Strattera, on the other hand, works by making more norepinephrine available in the brain. It doesn’t affect dopamine.

• How fast they work: Strattera takes longer to start working compared to stimulant medications. Stimulants start working within a couple of hours. But, for most people, it takes 1 to 4 weeks for Strattera to work. Studies suggest the medication is most effective after 6 to 12 weeks of treatment.

• Potential for abuse: An upside of Strattera is that it isn’t addictive. Stimulant medications, like Adderall, may be misused and can cause addiction or physical dependence. Due to these risks, stimulants are controlled substances, which means strict laws have been put in place to ensure they’re prescribed and dispensed appropriately. Strattera doesn’t have these risks, and it’s not a controlled substance.

If you’ve tried other ADHD medications, you may wonder how Strattera compares. Next, we compare Strattera to some stimulant medications for ADHD.

How does Strattera compare to other ADHD meds

According to many Strattera reviews, it works just as well as other ADHD medications. Take a closer look at how they compare based on their approved uses, cost, and clinical trial results. 

Adderall vs Strattera 

There are several differences when comparing Adderall vs Strattera. The table below highlights some key differences.

*Costs shown are for the generic versions, without insurance, according to estimates from drugs.com and with their discount card.

There are other differences to be aware of if you’re considering switching from Adderall to Strattera. For example, you need to take Strattera every day for it to work effectively. With Adderall, some people take “drug holidays” where they skip the medication on weekends or vacations. This approach is an option with Adderall because it starts working within a few hours after you take a dose. But Strattera needs to build up in your system over a couple of weeks and requires daily dosing to maintain its effect. 

Strattera vs Ritalin

Comparing Strattera and Ritalin is a lot like comparing Strattera to Adderall. The table below highlights some notable differences.

*Costs shown are for the generic versions, without insurance, according to estimates from drugs.com and with their discount card.

If you’re considering a switch from Ritalin to Strattera, keep in mind that you’ll need to take Strattera every day for it to work. Like Adderall, some people take drug holidays with Ritalin, skipping their doses on weekends or holidays when they’re less likely to need the medication for controlling ADHD symptoms. 

Head-to-head studies comparing the efficacy of Ritalin vs Strattera have had mixed results. One study looked at the effect of these treatments in adults ages 18 to 50 years with ADHD. After 8 to 10 weeks, both groups showed improvement in ADHD symptoms. Notably, Strattera was shown to be more effective than Ritalin after 4 to 5 weeks of use. A review of multiple studies also compared methylphenidate to Strattera in children and adolescents with ADHD. The reviewers found that Ritalin and Strattera had similar effectiveness. 

Your results may be different from clinical studies. A healthcare provider can help determine which ADHD medication is suitable for you. 

Strattera alternatives

Strattera isn’t the only non-stimulant medication for ADHD. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to atomoxetine, ask a healthcare provider about the following non-stimulant ADHD medication options:

• Kapvay (clonidine)
• Intuniv (guanfacine)
• Qelbree (viloxazine)

What dose of Strattera do I take?

Strattera comes as an oral capsule. The available strengths include 10, 18, 25, 40, 60, 80, and 100 milligrams. 

The dosage of Strattera can be different depending on your age, body weight, and how well it works for your ADHD symptoms. The starting dosage for adults and adolescents over 154 pounds is 40 milligrams per day. Smaller starting doses (10–25 milligrams) are typical for people weighing 154 pounds or less. Starting with a lower dose (10–40 milligrams) gives your body time to adjust to the medication. 

After a few days or weeks, your provider may increase your dose to 80 milligrams per day. This is the target dose that’s effective for most people, but some people may need a further increase to the maximum dose of 100 milligrams. You may need a lower dose if you have liver problems or if you take certain medications that interact with atomoxetine. Talk to a healthcare provider to see what dose is right for you.

Most people take Strattera as a single dose daily in the morning. Your provider may suggest taking Strattera twice a day, with the first dose in the morning and the second dose in late afternoon or early evening. You can take Strattera with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole without opening them.

What side effects does Strattera have?

Like other medications, side effects can happen with Strattera. Some of the more common side effects include: 

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite 
• Abdominal pain 
• Drowsiness 
• Constipation 
• Dry mouth 
• Erectile dysfunction
• Dizziness 
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure

You may experience weight loss with Strattera. In a clinical study, 2% of adults lost weight while taking Strattera. While the exact amount of weight loss wasn’t reported, Strattera isn’t likely to cause much of a weight change for adults, and it isn’t used to help people lose weight. 

Children and adolescents taking Strattera for ADHD may experience some weight loss or slowed growth, especially when treatment starts. Long-term studies suggest that kids’ growth tends to catch up over time, with weight gain seen after 9 to 12 months of Strattera treatment. It’s recommended to monitor the height and weight of kids and teens taking Strattera.

What else do I need to know about Strattera?

Strattera isn’t a safe option for everyone. This medication may cause rare but serious side effects, such as mental health changes and liver damage. It also has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. 

It’s unsafe to take Strattera if you have pheochromocytoma (a rare condition that causes tumors in the adrenal glands and leads to high blood pressure), a certain type of glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), or had an allergic reaction to it in the past. Before taking Strattera, tell your prescriber about your health history, pregnancy status, and breastfeeding plans if applicable. 

It also has several drug interactions, especially with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and medications that affect blood pressure, such as decongestants. Share a list of your current medications and supplements with your healthcare provider, so they can make sure Strattera is safe for you.

Is Strattera right for you?

• Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication. It’s an effective treatment for ADHD. The FDA approved it in 2002 for treating ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. 
• Strattera is an alternative for those who can’t tolerate or prefer not to take stimulants, like Adderall or Ritalin. It takes longer to start working but is effective in increasing attention and reducing impulsiveness. Unlike stimulants, Strattera isn’t addictive. 
• Despite the brand Strattera being discontinued, the generic atomoxetine remains available without reported shortages. Consult a healthcare provider to determine if Strattera is the right ADHD medication for you. 

Talk to a healthcare expert about Strattera

There are many options for treating ADHD and choosing the right medication for you is important. Ready to start treatment, or find better options to treat your ADHD? Find a provider on Klarity Health in as little as 24 hours.*