Strattera for ADHD: Effectiveness Explained

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. By Vincent Iannelli, MD Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified is strattera a non stimulant pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Atomoxetine is the active ingredient in the non-stimulant ADHD medication sold under the brand name Strattera. A possible side effect of Strattera is urinary retention, which can actually be an advantage for children who have enuresis (problems with bedwetting).

Strattera: ADHD Medication Resources

• Because atomoxetine does not have a potential for abuse, it is not classified as a controlled substance.
• Jay is a grateful recovering alumnus, having been a patient at Cumberland Heights in 1989.
• Her core belief is that love is more powerful than the wounds we have experienced, and, in fact, can cause us to become our strongest at those places.
• During treatment, your doctor should check vital statistics including blood, heart, and blood pressure; or evaluate height and weight.
• It also covers how they compare in terms of efficacy and risk for abuse.
• If an individual needs ADHD medication only occasionally, for example, to improve focus and attention for a short period, taking Strattera may not be the best option.

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD. It is in the class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Because atomoxetine does not have a potential for abuse, it is not classified as a controlled substance. Another treatment option for ADHD in adults, children, and adolescents is what’s called “non-stimulant medications.” Strattera (atomoxetine) was the first non-stimulant medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD in adults and children over the age of six.

Unlike its stimulant counterparts, Strattera works differently in the brain, offering an alternative for those who may not respond well to or prefer to avoid stimulant medications. This innovative approach has opened new doors for ADHD management, particularly for individuals who experience adverse effects from stimulants or have co-existing conditions that make stimulant use problematic. Strattera is a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to help improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Possible side effects

It’s worth noting that Strattera can be combined with other therapies for enhanced effectiveness. Some individuals find that a combination of Strattera with a low dose of a stimulant provides optimal symptom control. Others may benefit from combining Strattera with behavioral therapies, cognitive training, or other non-pharmacological interventions. Strattera’s 24-hour coverage is another significant benefit, providing consistent symptom control throughout the day and night.

The Rise of Non-Stimulant Alternatives

Keep people safe from potentially harmful drugs, medical devices and procedures by informing them of medical conditions, severe side effects and ways to take action. Food and Drug Administration approval for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults and children over 6 years of age. Additional Strattera drug information indicates it can take four to six weeks to work and may be most effective after six months of use.

Is Strattera better than Ritalin or Adderall?

• The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.
• Strattera, conversely, may take several weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect.
• All events happened in children 12 years of age or younger, and all happened during the first month of treatment.
• 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.
• Strattera has also been found to help with conditions that often co-exist with ADHD, like anxiety and oppositional defiant disorder (a pattern of aggression, disobedience, and a lack of respect for authority).
• The most common adverse reactions were itch, muscle spasms, and rash.

Strattera works on the neurotransmitter (chemical in the brain that transmits nerve impulses) called norepinephrine. Like the stimulant drugs, Strattera is effective in treating and controlling ADHD symptoms, but it is not a controlled substance and people are less likely to abuse the drug or become dependant on it. Interactions with other medications are another important consideration. Strattera can interact with certain antidepressants, particularly MAO inhibitors, and caution is advised when combining it with other drugs that affect norepinephrine levels. It’s crucial for patients to inform their healthcare providers about all medications, supplements, and herbal products they are taking. The differences between Strattera and stimulant medications extend beyond their neurochemical targets.

For children, Strattera offers the advantage of once-daily dosing, which can be particularly helpful for school-age children who may struggle with taking medication during school hours. However, parents and caregivers should be vigilant about potential side effects, particularly changes in appetite or mood. When comparing Strattera to stimulant medications like Adderall or Ritalin, several key differences emerge. Stimulants typically provide more rapid symptom relief, often within an hour of taking the medication. Strattera, conversely, may take several weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect.

SNRIs treat ADHD and other mental health conditions by increasing norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that helps you stay alert and maintain control in high-stress situations. People with ADHD have been found to have low levels of norepinephrine on average. Strattera may be prescribed as part of a person’s ADHD treatment regimen.

Both Strattera and Adderall are available in different dosing ranges as well as in brand name and generic forms. Adderall tends to work quickly to relieve symptoms, while Strattera can take several weeks to reach its full efficacy. Strattera and Adderall come in a few different forms and dosage options.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. This medicine has caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect. You should not use Strattera if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, an adrenal gland tumor, heart disease, coronary artery disease, or moderate to severe high blood pressure. The above is not a complete list of all possible drug interactions. If side effects are bothersome, or do not go away, talk to your doctor.