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.
