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Compare Strattera vs. Concerta

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

Key takeaways

Strattera (atomoxetine) and Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release) are both medications that treat ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Concerta is a stimulant medication, but Strattera isn’t. They’re both typically taken once a day. In general, stimulants like Concerta are first-choice options for treating ADHD, while non-stimulants like Strattera are a second-choice option. Stimulants like Concerta start working the day you start taking it. But Strattera takes several weeks to work. Concerta is a controlled substance, but Strattera isn’t. They can both cause nausea, headache, and lowered appetite. Strattera, though, is more likely to cause dry mouth and constipation.

  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
    Methylphenidate er
  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
    Methylphenidate er

  • Summary of Strattera vs. Concerta

    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.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Methylphenidate extended-release (ER) is a first-choice option for people with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This once-daily medication can start to work within 2 hours and can last throughout the day. Methylphenidate ER can cause difficulty sleeping and a loss of appetite. It also has a potential risk of misuse and dependency and is thus a controlled substance.

  • Indications of Strattera vs. Concerta

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

  • Pros and Cons of Strattera vs. Concerta

    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
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for ADHD
    •Taken only once per day
    •Available in many different forms (e.g., pills, chewable tablet, liquid)
    •Some brands available in lower-cost generic form
    •Can be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old
    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 bothersome side effects like distress and trouble sleeping
    •Not the best choice for pregnant or breastfeeding females or people with heart conditions
    •Can interact with certain blood pressure medications and depression medications

  • Common Side Effects of Strattera vs. Concerta

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects might differ depending on the formulation and brand. In general:

    •Headache
    •Low appetite
    •Stomach pain
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Strattera vs. Concerta

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart problems
    •Changes in behavior or thoughts
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Strattera vs. Concerta

    Learn more about Atomoxetine
    Learn more about Methylphenidate er

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