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Compare Adderall vs. Strattera

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and Strattera (atomoxetine) are both medications that treat ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Adderall also treats extreme sleepiness from narcolepsy. Adderall is a stimulant medication, while Strattera is a non-stimulant medication. In general, stimulants like Adderall are first-choice options for treating ADHD, while non-stimulants like Strattera are a second-choice option. Adderall starts working the day you start taking it. Strattera takes several weeks to work. Stimulants like Adderall are controlled substances, which means they can both lead to dependence and misuse. Strattera isn’t a controlled substance. Strattera and Adderall also have different side effects.

  • Adderall
    Atomoxetine (Strattera)
  • Adderall
    Atomoxetine (Strattera)

  • Summary of Adderall vs. Strattera

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

    Summary for Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Atomoxetine, also known by its brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant medication. It's used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 6 years and up. Atomoxetine (Strattera) comes as capsules that are swallowed whole. You take your dosage either once or twice a day. Side effects are stomach upset and low appetite. It's not a controlled substance like some ADHD medications are. But atomoxetine (Strattera) still has a few serious risks like behavioral changes and heart problems.

  • Indications of Adderall vs. Strattera

    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)
    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Adderall vs. Strattera

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
    •Starts working within an hour after taking
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
    •Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))
    Pros and Const for Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
    Pros
    •A good non-stimulant option for both adults and children with ADHD
    •Can take with or without food
    •Not a controlled substance, so there isn't a risk of addiction and it doesn't have special rules when filling a prescription
    Cons
    •Might not work as well as ADHD stimulant medications
    •Can take a few weeks before you notice your ADHD symptoms getting better
    •Can have drug interactions with certain antidepressants

  • Common Side Effects of Adderall vs. Strattera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Lower appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Nervousness
    •Changes in mood
    •Trouble sleeping
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Nausea (26%)
    •Dry mouth (20%)
    •Low appetite (16%)
    •Trouble sleeping (15%)
    •Feeling tired (10%)

    Children:

    •Headache (19%)
    •Stomach pain (18%)
    •Low appetite (16%)
    •Sleepiness (11%)
    •Vomiting (11%)
    •Nausea (10%)

  • Warnings of Adderall vs. Strattera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and addiction
    •Dependence and withdrawal
    •Serious heart problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts
    •Severe liver damage
    •Serious heart problems
    •Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
    •Aggressive behavior or other changes in behavior
    •Risk of mania in people with bipolar disorder
    •Long-lasting and painful erection
    •Slowed growth in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Adderall vs. Strattera

    Learn more about Adderall
    Learn more about Atomoxetine

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