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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) is a prescription medication used to improve wakefulness in people who have extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. It's considered a controlled substance since this medication has a potential to cause misuse. You should avoid alcohol while taking modafinil (Provigil), as well as certain other medications to avoid any serious interactions and side effects. Common side effects of modafinil (Provigil), however, include headache and nausea.

  • Indications of Strattera vs. Provigil

    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    Indications for
    •Excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea

  • 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
    •Convenient once-daily dosing
    •Can help you feel awake without feeling overstimulated
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Doesn't usually interfere with falling asleep when taken as recommended
    •Can help with attention as well as fatigue
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications, including hormonal birth controls, warfarin (Coumadin), and omeprazole (Prilosec)
    •Older adults and people with severe liver problems might need a lower dose
    •Not known whether it's safe or works well for children
    •Generally not recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

  • 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%)
    •Upset stomach and 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 skin reactions
    •Driving impairment
    •Heart problems
    •Mental health disorder symptoms

  • Prices with our coupons for Strattera vs. Provigil

    Learn more about Atomoxetine
    Learn more about Modafinil

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