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Compare Intuniv vs. Strattera

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

Key takeaways

Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) and atomoxetine (Strattera) are both non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, but they work in different ways. Guanfacine ER is an alpha-2A agonist that lowers norepinephrine levels in the brain, while atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that raises norepinephrine levels. Guanfacine ER is only approved for children ages 6 to 17, whereas atomoxetine can be used by both children and adults. Guanfacine ER is typically taken once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic, while atomoxetine can be taken once or twice daily and is also available as a generic. Common side effects of guanfacine ER include sleepiness and tiredness, whereas atomoxetine can cause nausea, dry mouth, and low appetite. Additionally, atomoxetine has more serious risks, such as suicidal thoughts and severe liver damage, which are not associated with guanfacine ER.

  • Intuniv (guanfacine ER)
    Atomoxetine (Strattera)
  • Intuniv (guanfacine ER)
    Atomoxetine (Strattera)

  • Summary of Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Summary for Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Intuniv (guanfacine extended release) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids ages 6 to 17 years old. It's not a controlled substance and can be used instead of stimulant medications for ADHD. Intuniv (guanfacine ER) belongs to the drug class called alpha-2A agonists. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once a day, either in the morning or at bedtime. Common side effects include sleepiness and tiredness. Taking it in the evening might help with these side effects. Intuniv (guanfacine ER) comes as brand-name and generic versions.

    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 Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6 to 17 years
    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Pros and Const for Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •A non-stimulant medication for ADHD
    •Can take alone or with other ADHD medications
    •Only taken once a day, either in the morning or at night
    •Not a controlled substance
    Cons
    •Can make you feel sleepy or tired
    •Might take a few weeks to start working
    •Might not work as well for teens between 13 and 17 years old
    •Not approved for adults with ADHD
    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 Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (38%)
    •Headache (23%)
    •Tiredness (14%)
    •Stomach pain (11%)
    •Low blood pressure (7%)
    •Low energy (6%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Low appetite (6%)
    •Feeling irritable (6%)
    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 Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure and low heart rate
    •Sleepiness
    •Irregular heartbeat
    •Rebound high blood pressure and other symptoms after stopping
    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 Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Learn more about Intuniv
    Learn more about Atomoxetine

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