What Is Strattera Atomoxetine? Side Effects and More

Strattera received FDA approval on November 26, 2002, for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Strattera generic is now available under the active ingredient name atomoxetine. Tricyclic antidepressants, including desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane) and imipramine (Tofranil), may also help improve ADHD symptoms in children and adults who don’t respond to stimulants. Kapvay, the extended-release formulation of clonidine, is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 to 17. Kapvay is taken to reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity, and distractibility.

Mixing Medications: Stimulants and Nonstimulants

• If during the course of treatment, we decide that a stimulant medication would be beneficial, then we can add it on later and fine tune the regimen from there.
• Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) treat ADHD symptoms by increasing central nervous system activity.
• Strattera is taken orally, with or without food, once or twice daily.
• Because stimulant medications can significantly disrupt sleep, we advise that parents not give children these medications after 2pm.
• These include ADHD with accompanying tic disorders (such as Tourette Syndrome), for example.
• Strattera can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, sexual side effects, and reduced appetite.
• If you’re taking Strattera, you may wonder whether you need to avoid or limit certain foods.

Below we outline the differences between stimulant and non-stimulant medications. During treatment, your doctor should check vital statistics including blood, strattera non stimulant heart, and blood pressure; or evaluate height and weight. If any problems are found, your doctor may recommend discontinuing treatment. You don’t need to completely avoid any specific foods while taking Strattera.

It usually takes longer to see results from nonstimulant medications than from stimulant drugs. In adults and children with both ADHD symptoms and depression, antidepressant medications called tricyclic antidepressants have been found to be useful. Another type of antidepressant called monoamine oxidase inhibitors is also occasionally used. Learn about the difference between norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Strattera for ADHD: A Comprehensive Guide to This Non-Stimulant Medication

Your heart rate, blood pressure, height, and weight may also need to be checked often. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine. However, these medications are known to have more difficult side effects in some people (especially those with heart problems), which may limit their use. An immediate-release form of guanfacine (Tenex) is also prescribed off-label though it’s not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD.

ADHD Treatment Overview: Non-Stimulant Medications (Strattera) and Other ADHD Drugs

• In contrast, the effects of Adderall may be felt as soon as 30 minutes to one hour.
• They’re also helpful for people who have ADHD and depression, anxiety, or another mood disorder.
• Therefore, children and teens taking this medicine need to be monitored for suicidal thinking and ideations.
• Some individuals find that a combination of Strattera with a low dose of a stimulant provides optimal symptom control.
• As a result, it is vitally important that the severity of side effects be lowered by dividing the dose through the day.
• Strattera has also been found to improve quality of life and decrease emotional instability among both children and adults with ADHD.
• Adolescents may appreciate Strattera’s lower abuse potential compared to stimulants, especially in high school and college environments where stimulant misuse can be a concern.

By clicking REVIEW MY CASE, you agree to our privacy policy and disclaimer. After submitting, you will be contacted by one or more of Drugwatch’s trusted legal partners (including autodialed and prerecorded calls or text/SMS messages). Your consent to text messaging is not required for a case review and you may opt out of text messages at any time by texting STOP. Although these are the common side effects, this is not a complete list. They might not be a good fit if you have a history of low blood pressure or if you or a family member has had a heart problem.

ADHD Medication Overview: Stimulants, Nonstimulants & More

If blood tests show evidence of liver damage, the drug should also be stopped. It’s worth noting that Guanfacine for kids is another non-stimulant option that might be considered, especially for children with predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD presentations. When considering Strattera against other non-stimulant options like Intuniv or Tenex, each medication has its unique profile.

In one research study, although Strattera reduced hyperactive symptoms and inattention in adults, 40% of participants reported significant ADHD symptoms. Strattera can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, sexual side effects, and reduced appetite. Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re interested in trying Strattera to manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. Strattera has also been found to improve quality of life and decrease emotional instability among both children and adults with ADHD. A review published in 2015 found that around 50% of adults with ADHD continued to experience these positive effects six months after they stopped taking the drug.

Strattera fills this crucial gap, providing hope and relief for those who have struggled to find an effective ADHD treatment. It can be difficult to deal with the symptoms of ADHD, but there are many effective treatments available. Strattera, a non-stimulant medication, is safe and effective overall for both children and adults with ADHD. Strattera may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts among adolescents and children taking it, but it’s rare.

Consequently, parents often have epic bedtime battles with their kids’ ADHD symptoms. Data from a Rhesus monkey trial as well as a human abuse study showed that, unlike many stimulant medications, Strattera does not have reinforcing effects. During one double-blind study, stimulant drug abusers did not prefer Strattera significantly more than the placebo. These results confirm that there is a reduced risk of abuse, lack of tolerance, and dependency with this drug vs. stimulants. Some non-stimulant medicines may be appropriate for children who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and certain coexisting conditions.

Other side effects in children include dizziness, moodiness, and tiredness. Venlafaxine (Effexor and Effexor XR) is a newer antidepressant that boosts the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Antidepressants seem to improve attention span, impulse control, hyperactivity, and aggressiveness. Children and teens who take them are often more willing to take direction and are less disruptive.

Is Strattera Better Than Adderall? Is Strattera the Same as Adderall?

People with ADHD have been found to have low levels of norepinephrine on average. Clonidine ER (Kapvay) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv) are approved for children ages 6 to 17. Studies show they lower distractibility and improve attention, working memory, and impulse control. People who have ADHD and take nonstimulant medications may see their symptoms improve after several weeks. So, nonstimulant medications may not be appropriate for people who need immediate ADHD symptom management.

Studies were also conducted to determine how long Strattera continues to be effective after a patient discontinues use. This suggests that starting on Strattera could be a useful strategy for a patient who has concerns about ADHD, but for whom we don’t have enough information yet to warrant prescribing a stimulant. If during the course of treatment, we decide that a stimulant medication would be beneficial, then we can add it on later and fine tune the regimen from there. Adolescents may appreciate Strattera’s lower abuse potential compared to stimulants, especially in high school and college environments where stimulant misuse can be a concern.