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Compare Strattera vs. Dexedrine

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

Key takeaways

Atomoxetine (Strattera) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) are both used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they have some key differences. Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) and is not a controlled substance, meaning it has a lower risk of misuse and dependence. In contrast, dextroamphetamine is a stimulant and a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a higher risk of misuse and dependence. Atomoxetine can take a few weeks to show full effects, while dextroamphetamine can start working within 30 minutes to an hour. Dextroamphetamine is also used to treat narcolepsy, a condition characterized by extreme daytime sleepiness, whereas atomoxetine is not. Additionally, atomoxetine is available only as capsules, while dextroamphetamine comes in various forms, including tablets, extended-release capsules, and liquid solutions. Both medications have potential side effects, including heart-related side effects such as heart attack, and mental health-related issues like suicidal thoughts,

  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
    Dextroamphetamine
  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
    Dextroamphetamine

  • Summary of Strattera vs. Dexedrine

    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

    Dextroamphetamine is used for the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also be used to treat uncontrollable daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy). Some side effects of the medication include difficulty sleeping, restlessness, and loss of appetite (that might lead to possible weight loss).

  • Indications of Strattera vs. Dexedrine

    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (extreme daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Strattera vs. Dexedrine

    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
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules
    •Available as a liquid solution if you have difficulty swallowing pills
    •Tablets and solution are okay to use in children as young as 3 years old
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Can cause trouble sleeping if taken late in the day
    •Not the best option if you have heart problems

  • Common Side Effects of Strattera vs. Dexedrine

    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
    •Fast heartbeat
    •Loss of appetite
    •Stomach upset
    •Dry mouth
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Tremors
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Strattera vs. Dexedrine

    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
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart-related problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Strattera vs. Dexedrine

    Learn more about Atomoxetine
    Learn more about Dextroamphetamine

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