Strattera: Side effects, alternatives, dosage, uses, and more

This indirect effect on dopamine may explain why Strattera’s onset of action is more gradual compared to stimulant medications, often taking several weeks to reach full effectiveness. When comparing Strattera to stimulant medications like Adderall or Vyvanse, it’s important to note that the effectiveness can vary. Stimulants are often considered first-line treatments for ADHD due to their rapid onset of action and high efficacy rates.

For more information about the use of either drug in children, talk with your child’s doctor. Qelbree and Straterra are both used to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Strattera or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe the medication. Ask them about other medications that may be better options for you. Due to the risk of harm, doctors typically won’t prescribe Strattera if you have or have had pheochromocytoma.

To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers. Adults who consistently experience ADHD symptoms like difficulty focusing on work or maintaining concentration may also want to ask their health care provider about Strattera. Adverse reactions of Strattera may include nausea and fatigue, decreased appetite and drowsiness, according to the U.S.

  • Sometimes, Strattera is linked to liver or heart problems, mania symptoms, or erections that last longer than usual and may hurt.
  • Examples include melatonin and diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Simply Sleep).
  • Administration of STRATTERA with a standard high-fat meal in adults did not affect the extent of oral absorption of atomoxetine (AUC), but did decrease the rate of absorption, resulting in a 37% lower Cmax, and delayed Tmax by 3 hours.
  • This is one way Strattera is different from certain other ADHD treatments, such as Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate).

Adderall and Strattera are medications prescribed to treat attention disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Both drugs improve attention span and decrease hyperactivity and impulsiveness; however, the medications are very different. The main difference is that Adderall is a stimulant, and Strattera is not. Qelbree and Strattera have boxed warnings related to the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in certain people. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Symptoms

Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect. If you have questions about other possible side effects of Strattera and how to manage them, talk with your child’s doctor. For more information about the possible side effects of Strattera, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Strattera.

Approximately one-third of the patients met DSM-IV criteria for inattentive subtype and two-thirds met criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive subtypes. STRATTERA should not be taken with an MAOI, or within 2 weeks after discontinuing an MAOI. Treatment with an MAOI should not be initiated within 2 weeks after discontinuing STRATTERA. Some cases presented with features resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Atomoxetine can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk is increased in people with existing heart disease and with longer use of atomoxetine and higher doses. Do not take atomoxetine if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your healthcare provider. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

Strattera expiration, storage, and disposal

Weight loss wasn’t specifically reported as a side effect in adults in Strattera’s clinical trials. However, some of the drug’s common side effects, such as reduced appetite and nausea, may lead to weight loss. These side effects may cause some people to eat less food than usual and contribute to losing weight. STRATTERA is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor medicine.

The exact relationship between STRATTERA and seizures is difficult to evaluate due to uncertainty about the background risk of seizures in ADHD patients. STRATTERA capsules are not intended to be opened, they should be taken whole see PATIENT INFORMATION. The safety of single doses over 120 mg and total daily doses above 150 mg have not been systematically evaluated.

Questions about taking Strattera

For example, in a child weighing 30 kg (about 66 pounds), the starting dose may be 15 mg. Since Strattera doesn’t come in a 15-mg strength, the doctor will round down to 10 mg or up to 18 mg for your child’s starting dose. Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Strattera that’s right for you.

Safety and tolerability of stimulant and atomoxetine combination therapy

It may work by increasing the natural substance called norepinephrine in the brain. Atomoxetine is commonly used to treat attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can help to increase attention, as well as decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity. When you stop taking Adderall, norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain suddenly decrease. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that activates the brain’s reward system, while norepinephrine plays a role in regulating cognitive functions, attention, and mood. Studies show that people taking a prescription stimulant medication have a lower rate of substance abuse compared to those who were not taking the medication.

Strattera for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Rarely, you could have a serious allergic reaction to the medication that needs fast treatment. They’re generally mild and tend to go away as your body gets used to the medicine. Don’t stop taking Ritalin suddenly, especially if you’ve taken a high dose for a long time. Also called tapering, this can lessen the chances you’ll have withdrawal symptoms.

Strattera is used in adults and certain children to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In the four cases presented here; the combination of ATX with stimulants has apparently been safe and effective. We have obtained similar results thus far in 21 other cases with no significant adverse effects. Strattera is not a controlled substance and doesn’t affect dopamine levels the same way as stimulant drugs. And it doesn’t seem to cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. It can be difficult to deal with the symptoms of ADHD, but there are many effective treatments available.

Uncomfortable side effects such as blunting of affect can significantly interfere with treatment compliance, even when the regimen significantly improves target symptoms. The combination of ATX and OROS MPH alleviated this problem that had threatened to totally disrupt Frank’s treatment. This combined regimen developed in collaboration with Frank also resulted in better control of the wider range symptoms targeted for treatment.

Patients with structural cardiac abnormalities and other serious heart problems have experienced sudden death, stroke, heart attack, and increased blood pressure while taking Strattera. Adderall is the brand name for the combination of the drugs dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, and it acts on the central nervous system by boosting the number of dopamine and norepinephrine transmitters in the brain. Serious side effects may also occur in people using Qelbree or Strattera.

If your doctor has prescribed Strattera and you’re interested in using atomoxetine instead, talk with them. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home. Before approving coverage for Strattera, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug.

Drug treatment is not intended for use in the patient who exhibits symptoms secondary to environmental factors and/or other primary psychiatric disorders, including psychosis. Appropriate educational placement is essential in children and adolescents with this diagnosis and psychosocial intervention is often helpful. When remedial measures alone are insufficient, the decision to prescribe drug treatment medication will depend upon the physician’s assessment of the chronicity and severity of the patient’s symptoms. Some individuals may experience more significant side effects, such as increased heart rate or blood pressure, urinary retention, or changes in sexual function. It’s crucial for patients to report any persistent or concerning side effects to their healthcare is straterra a stimulant provider promptly.

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