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Compare Focalin vs. Strattera

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

Key takeaways

Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR) and Atomoxetine (Strattera) are both used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they have some key differences. Dexmethylphenidate is a stimulant that works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, while Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) that raises norepinephrine levels. Dexmethylphenidate is a controlled substance with a risk of misuse and dependence, whereas Atomoxetine is not a controlled substance and doesn't carry the same risk. Dexmethylphenidate is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while Atomoxetine is only available as capsules that you take once or twice daily. Dexmethylphenidate can start working within 30 to 45 minutes, but Atomoxetine may take a week or longer to show effects. Both medications can cause side effects like stomach pain, trouble sleeping, heart problems, and changes in behavior. Atomoxetine also has a risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in children and teens.

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Summary of Focalin vs. Strattera
Summary for Stimulant
Prescription only
Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. It's thought to work by balancing certain chemicals in your brain to help you focus. This medication is available as an immediate-release tablet that you take twice per day and an extended-release capsule you take once per day. Side effects can include stomach upset and nervousness. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if it's suddenly stopped after long-term use. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is available as both a brand-name and lower-cost generic medication.
Summary for Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Prescription only
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years of age and older. It's not a controlled substance like many other ADHD medications are. But atomoxetine (Strattera) still has potentially serious risks to consider, such as mental health problems and heart problems.
Indications of Focalin vs. Strattera
Indications for

•Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Indications for

•Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Pros and Cons of Focalin vs. Strattera
Pros and Const for Stimulant
Pros

•Works well to treat ADHD in children and adults

•Available as immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules for a more flexible dosing schedule

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•A controlled substance because of the risk for misuse and dependency

•Might cause trouble sleeping if you take too late in the day

•Not the best option if you have heart problems

•Not available as a liquid

Pros and Const for Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Pros

•Works well in children and adults for ADHD symptoms

•Can take with or without food

•Not a controlled substance, so there isn't a risk of addiction or dependence

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•Doesn't have as much evidence for improving ADHD symptoms as stimulant medications do

•Can take a few weeks before you notice your ADHD symptoms getting better

•Only available as capsules that must be swallowed whole

•Not completely clear how safe it is in pregnant or breastfeeding females
Common Side Effects of Focalin vs. Strattera
Common Side Effects for
Immediate-release tablet Age 6 to 17 years:

•Stomach pain (15%)

•Nausea (9%)

•Low appetite (6%)

Extended-release capsule Age 6 to 17 years:

•Difficulty sleeping (up to 17%)

•Vomiting (up to 9%)

•Low appetite (up to 7%)

Age 17 to 60 years:

•Headache (up to 39%)

•Dry mouth (up to 20%)

•Anxiety (up to 11%)

•Indigestion (up to 9%)

•Throat pain (up to 7%)

Common Side Effects for
Adults:

•Nausea (26%)

•Dry mouth (20%)

•Low appetite (16%)

•Trouble sleeping (15%)

•Feeling tired (10%)

•Constipation (8%)

•Dizziness (8%)

•Sleepiness (8%)

•Erectile dysfunction (8%)

•Stomach pain (7%)

•Problems urinating (6%)

Children:

•Headache (19%)

•Stomach pain (18%)

•Low appetite (16%)

•Sleepiness (11%)

•Vomiting (11%)

•Nausea (10%)

•Feeling tired (8%)
Warnings of Focalin vs. Strattera
Common Side Effects for

•Misuse and dependence

•Serious heart problems

•Changes in behavior or thoughts

•Prolonged and painful erection

•Problems with blood circulation (Raynaud's phenomenon)

•Slowed growth in children

•Serotonin syndrome

•Drug interactions

Common Side Effects for

•Suicidal thoughts

•Severe liver damage

•Serious heart problems

•Potential worsening of bipolar disorder

•Aggressive behavior or other changes in behavior

•Prolonged and painful erection

•Slowed growth in children
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Compare Focalin vs. Strattera

Key takeaways

Summary of Focalin vs. Strattera

Indications of Focalin vs. Strattera

Pros and Cons of Focalin vs. Strattera

Common Side Effects of Focalin vs. Strattera

Warnings of Focalin vs. Strattera

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