Strattera for ADHD: Uses, Side Effects, and More

It is no secret that ADHD symptoms respond well to pharmacological treatment, but what medications are most common and effective? Although psychostimulant medications have been the standard for the treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for more than 50 years, such as Adderall and Ritalin, there have been concerns regarding abuse, dependence, and slowing of growth in children, which has limited the use of these stimulant medications in many patients.

While stimulant medications have been the first line of treatment for individuals with ADHD, they might not be the most appropriate fit for everyone. Therefore, some individuals might respond better to certain medications than others, as it is not a one size fits all approach.

With that said, Strattera, the first non-stimulant medication approved for treating ADHD symptoms, has become a more widely used and accepted medication in some patient populations. This is likely due to a multitude of reasons, which can include the fact that Strattera is not a habit-forming drug or controlled substance. Additionally, individuals with ADHD might not have benefited from the use of other medications, and therefore Strattera could become an effective alternative.

It is important to note that this information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as medical advice. Always consult with your physician or medical provider regarding medications and the benefits of taking Strattera. Learn more about Strattera in this article.

What Is Strattera?

Atomoxetine, or the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication approved by the FDA or Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Strattera belongs to the class of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and was originally developed as an antidepressant but was found to be insufficient in treating symptoms of depression.

However, it was found to be effective in managing symptoms of ADHD and it works by increasing the amount of a specific neurotransmitter in the brain and central nervous system, known as norepinephrine.

Recommended reading: Strattera vs. Adderall

Norepinephrine’s Role

Norepinephrine’s function in the brain is to increase alertness and attention. It is theorized by many researchers and ADHD experts that the norepinephrine levels are low in the brain of a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD, causing a decrease in attention and focus and an increase in hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. 

What Does It Do?

By increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain, research has indicated that Strattera is effective in controlling ADHD symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults. Specifically, it has been effective in controlling the following core ADHD symptoms that interfere with overall functioning and development:

• Inattention (e.g., loss of focus or reduced attention span, making careless mistakes, losing things frequently)
• Hyperactivity (e.g., inability to sit still for longer periods of time)
• Impulsivity (e.g., interrupting)

Research has also shown promising results in that Strattera has been effective in decreasing symptoms of anxiety in children and adolescents with comorbid ADHD and anxiety, ADHD and social anxiety, and adults with comorbid ADHD and substance use.

What Are the Side Effects?

Side Effects in Children

Strattera may not cause many of the side effects commonly associated with ADHD stimulant medications, such as insomnia and dependence. However, there are potential side effects that can be experienced by children when taking Strattera and these include:

• Upset stomach and nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Abdominal pain

Side Effects in Adults

The most common side effects reported in adults while taking Strattera are:

• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Erectile dysfunction
• Urinary tract abnormalities
• Painful menstruation
• Hot flashes

Like any medication, Strattera will not affect everyone in the same way. It is important to keep in mind that one medication might work better for one person than it did for another, and the same can be said for the side effects that are experienced. 

Although many of these side effects are not likely to occur, seek immediate medical attention or call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects while you or your child are taking Strattera.

Risks

Although rare, in a clinical study, 4 out of 1,000 children reported having suicidal thoughts, while taking Strattera. Therefore, the FDA put a black box warning on Strattera to stress the potential of these life-threatening risks. It is important to always consult with your doctor if your child or adolescent has a history of suicidal ideation or suicidal behaviors before beginning a medication like Strattera.

Strattera can potentially cause heart complications such as heart attack, stroke, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate. This is more likely to occur if pre-existing heart conditions are present, therefore, it is important to talk with your doctor and continue to be monitored for changes in heart rate and blood pressure while taking Strattera.

Strattera is considered unsafe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding, therefore it is important to consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.

In individuals with bipolar disorder, Strattera can spark manic symptoms since Strattera has the effects of an antidepressant, according to the FDA.

Additionally, there is no current evidence indicating that there are withdrawal symptoms associated with the discontinuation of Strattera. Individuals who are concerned about the potential for dependence that can occur with the use of stimulant medications may be advised to manage symptoms of ADHD with Strattera.

There are no known risks associated with long-term use of Strattera.

Effectiveness

Research has stated that the use of Strattera has been associated with an improvement in an individual’s quality of life, emotional lability, as well as a decrease in the core symptoms of ADHD.

It may take several weeks to a month before you might notice the benefits of taking Strattera. Therefore it is imperative to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even when immediate improvement is not noticed.

Unlike psychostimulant medication, Strattera works over a long period of time and the effects can last up to 24 hours. Typically, psychostimulant medications are short-acting drugs, only lasting for about three to four hours, which differs largely from Strattera. However, Strattera might not perform as well as stimulant medication in treating ADHD and it can take a month or so before Strattera reaches its full efficacy.

Strattera is a non-addictive and is a controlled substance, therefore, habit-forming is less likely than common medications for ADHD. This medication is not prone to dependence or abuse.

It is imperative that your physician regularly checks in on you or your child’s progress to make sure the medication is working adequately and to check on unwanted side effects 

Dosage

Strattera is taken one to two times a day with or without food and the dosage varies based on age. In addition, Strattera is typically available in 10, 18, 25, 40, and 60mg capsules. The dosage typically ranges from 10mg to 100mg and may be adjusted by physicians as needed. Typically, the lowest dose is given at the beginning and your physician might titrate the dose until you or your child experiences the best response, with the fewest side effects possible.

If a dose is missed, experts encourage individuals to take it as soon as possible, but not to double the doses.

Cost

The cost of Strattera will ultimately depend on your health insurance coverage and the costs at your nearest pharmacy. Like most medications, the longer-acting forms typically cost more than the shorter-acting medications. In addition, higher doses of medication are typically more expensive than lower doses.

It is important to note that the generic versions of medications tend to cost less than the name brand. The generic version of Strattera for ADHD is called Atomoxetine. To put things into perspective, thirty 40mg capsules of Strattera can cost upwards of $420.

Takeaway

Despite the fact that Strattera might be less effective than stimulant medications, it is a safe and useful option for short-term and even long-term treatment in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. In addition to medications, therapy and counseling are effective treatment options for individuals with ADHD. This medication should be taken as part of the treatment program which includes social, educational, and psychological treatment.

Lastly, make sure to consult with you or your child’s doctor before you make any changes to your or your child’s medication regimen, or before you begin taking a new medication, such as Strattera.