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Compare Strattera vs. Provigil

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

Key takeaways

Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Modafinil (Provigil) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older. In contrast, Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent used to treat excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. Atomoxetine is not a controlled substance and does not carry a risk of addiction, while Modafinil is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Atomoxetine can take a few weeks to show full effects, whereas Modafinil starts working within an hour. Additionally, Atomoxetine is available as a lower-cost generic, while Modafinil also has a generic form. Both medications have serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and heart problems. Atomoxetine can also cause liver problems, while modafinil may cause severe skin reactions.

  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
    Modafinil (Provigil)
  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
    Modafinil (Provigil)

  • Summary of Strattera vs. Provigil

    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 Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Prescription only

    Modafinil (Provigil) helps improve wakefulness in adults with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. This wake-promoting medication comes as a tablet that’s taken by mouth. For adults with narcolepsy or sleep apnea, you take a dosage once daily in the morning. And for those with shift work disorder, you take your dosage 1 hour before the start of your work shift. Common side effects include headache and nausea. Modafinil (Provigil) is a controlled substance because of its potential for misuse.

  • Indications of Strattera vs. Provigil

    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    Indications for
    •Improve wakefulness in adults with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Strattera vs. Provigil

    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 Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Can start to work after about 1 hour of taking
    •Might be less likely to feel anxious or jittery than with common stimulants for these sleep issues
    Cons
    •A controlled substance, so there are specific rules for getting it filled at the pharmacy
    •Interacts with many medications, like omeprazole (Prilosec), warfarin (Coumadin), and hormonal birth control
    •Not approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Strattera vs. Provigil

    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
    •Headache (34%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Feeling nervous (7%)
    •Runny nose (7%)
    •Back pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Anxiety (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Indigestion (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (5%)

  • Warnings of Strattera vs. Provigil

    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
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Serious rash and skin reactions
    •Sleepiness and trouble focusing, thinking, and reacting
    •Unusual changes in mood and behavior
    •Heart problems
    •Changes in blood pressure and heart rate

  • Prices with our coupons for Strattera vs. Provigil

    Learn more about Atomoxetine
    Learn more about Modafinil

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