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Compare Strattera vs. Adderall XR

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

Key takeaways

Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts) are both medications used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, they belong to different medication classes. Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI), while Adderall XR is a stimulant. Atomoxetine is not a controlled substance, whereas Adderall XR is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependency. Atomoxetine is typically taken once or twice a day, while Adderall XR is taken once daily. Atomoxetine is available as a generic, but Adderall XR is available in both generic and brand forms. Common side effects of atomoxetine include nausea, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping, while Adderall XR can cause dry mouth, poor appetite, and trouble sleeping. Both medications should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), but Adderall XR can interact with blood pressure medications and other drugs that affect serotonin levels.

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

  • Summary of Strattera vs. Adderall XR

    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.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Adderall XR is the extended-release version of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salt combo. It's a stimulant used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older. It comes as a capsule that you take once a day in the morning. The prescriber can adjust the dosage depending on how well it helps you focus and if you have side effects that bother you. These side effects can include low appetite, stomach pain, and trouble sleeping. It's a controlled substance because of its high risk of misuse and dependency. Adderall XR is available as a brand-name medication and a generic.

  • Indications of Strattera vs. Adderall XR

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

  • Pros and Cons of Strattera vs. Adderall XR

    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
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for ADHD
    •Only taken once a day
    •Starts working within 45 minutes and lasts for up to 12 hours
    •Can open capsules and mix contents with applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills whole
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop the medication too suddenly
    •Not the best choice for people with heart conditions

  • Common Side Effects of Strattera vs. Adderall XR

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Children:

    •Low appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Stomach pain

    Adults:

    •Dry mouth
    •Low appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    •Feeling nervous
    •Weight loss

  • Warnings of Strattera vs. Adderall XR

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of misuse and addiction
    •Risks to people with serious heart conditions
    •Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
    •Strange thoughts or behaviors
    •Slow growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Problems with blood flow in the arms and legs, including Raynaud's phenomenon
    •Serotonin syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Strattera vs. Adderall XR

    Learn more about Atomoxetine
    Learn more about Adderall xr

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