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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.

  • Guanfacine er (Intuniv)
    Atomoxetine (Strattera)
  • Guanfacine er (Intuniv)
    Atomoxetine (Strattera)

  • Summary of Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Summary for Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids ages 6 to 17 years old. Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) isn't a controlled substance and can be an alternative to stimulant-based ADHD medications. Keep in mind that only the extended-release (ER) version of guanfacine, under the brand name Intuniv ER, is approved to treat ADHD. It's taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of guanfacine ER (Intuniv) include sleepiness and tiredness. Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) is available as a 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 Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Pros and Cons of Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Pros and Const for Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Not a stimulant, so doesn't have same side effects typically linked to stimulants
    •Can be taken alone or with other medications for ADHD
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Only taken once daily
    •Not a controlled substance since there's no concern for abuse and dependence
    Cons
    •Might take several weeks to start working
    •Not a long-term medication for ADHD
    •Commonly causes sleepiness and tiredness
    •Not approved for adults with ADHD
    •Might not work as well for older children (13 to 17 years old)
    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 Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (38%)
    •Tiredness (14%)
    •Low blood pressure (7%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Lack of energy (6%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    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 Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure or heart rate
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Rebound high blood pressure
    •Heart problems
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Intuniv vs. Strattera

    Learn more about Guanfacine er
    Learn more about Atomoxetine

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