Drugwatch.com partners with Physicians’ Review Network Inc. to enlist specialists. PRN is a nationally recognized leader in providing independent medical reviews. Board-certified physicians medically review Drugwatch.com content to ensure its accuracy and quality. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. The medicine from inside the capsule can be dangerous if strattera non stimulant it gets in your eyes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken capsule.
As with all medications, follow your Strattera prescription instructions exactly. Strattera is taken orally, with or without food, once or twice daily. For updated information about dosages, interactions, and precautions, see the Strattera drug monograph on WebMD. You’ll know Strattera is working when you start to notice changes or improvements in your ADHD symptoms.
Strattera is a non-stimulant; it is not considered a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Doctors can choose from a range of drugs, including stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medicines. Therefore, children and teens taking this medicine need to be monitored for suicidal thinking and ideations. This chart allows you to closely compare stimulants and non-stimulants. You can use it to discuss medication options with your child’s doctor.
Is Strattera the only non-stimulant ADHD medication?
- Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.
- This non-stimulant medication also has some anti-depressive effects.
- The recommended dosage of Strattera varies depending on the patient’s age, weight, and individual response to the medication.
- Although atomoxetine is only FDA-approved for treating ADHD, it is sometimes used off-label to treat adult patients with treatment-resistant depression.
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD.
Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine. The effects of Strattera on children under 6 and on the elderly have not been studied. Physicians should monitor these vital signs closely during treatment. Call your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Strattera.
Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder
Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. 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. As noted above, parents must be vigilant for any worrying change in mood, behavior, or personality if their child has been prescribed Strattera. Atomoxetine is the active ingredient in the non-stimulant ADHD medication sold under the brand name Strattera. By Vincent Iannelli, MD Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified 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.
- According to information provided by the drug’s manufacturers, it can take four to eight weeks for Strattera to reach the maximum therapeutic effect.
- Stimulants typically provide more rapid symptom relief, often within an hour of taking the medication.
- Taming the whirlwind of an ADHD mind doesn’t always require a stimulant jolt—enter Strattera, the quiet revolutionary in the quest for focus and clarity.
- This mechanism of action sets Strattera apart from stimulant medications like Vyvanse or Adderall, which primarily work by increasing dopamine levels.
Like all medications, Strattera can cause side effects, and it’s essential for patients and healthcare providers to be aware of these potential effects. Common side effects of Strattera include nausea, decreased appetite, fatigue, and mood swings. In most cases, these side effects are mild and tend to diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Strattera, on the other hand, affects dopamine levels indirectly through its action on norepinephrine.
Health Conditions
This gradual onset can be advantageous for those who experience anxiety or jitteriness with stimulants. Strattera’s 24-hour coverage is another significant benefit, providing consistent symptom control throughout the day and night. This can be particularly helpful for adults who require sustained focus during long workdays or for children who struggle with early morning or late evening ADHD symptoms.
Non-Stimulant Medications Available for ADHD Treatment
The primary mechanism of action for Strattera involves the selective inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake in the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in attention, focus, and impulse control. By increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft, Strattera helps improve communication between neurons, potentially enhancing cognitive function and reducing ADHD symptoms.
Understanding Strattera and Its Mechanism
If your child was diagnosed with ADHD, check out our blog on what to do next. Strattera has an FDA warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. If your child is taking this medication, reach out to their doctor right away if you notice any concerning changes in their behavior.
ADHD Medications: Comparison Chart of Stimulants & Non-Stimulants
The titration process is an essential aspect of Strattera treatment. Gradual dose increases allow the body to adjust to the medication and help minimize side effects. Typically, doses are increased at weekly intervals, but this can vary based on individual response and tolerability. ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. They work more quickly, often within an hour, and are somewhat more effective in managing symptoms. The effects of non-stimulants, in contrast, last longer—up to 24 hours.
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 compared to other ADHD medications, Strattera’s effectiveness is generally considered comparable to that of stimulants, albeit with a different side effect profile and onset of action. While stimulants may provide more immediate symptom relief, Strattera’s effects build over time, potentially leading to more stable and consistent improvement.
