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Compare Strattera vs. Ritalin

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

Key takeaways

Atomoxetine (Strattera) and methylphenidate extended-release (ER) (Concerta) 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, methylphenidate ER is a stimulant and a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a higher potential for misuse and dependency. Atomoxetine can take a few weeks to show full effects, while methylphenidate ER can start working within 2 hours and lasts throughout the day. Atomoxetine is available only as capsules, whereas methylphenidate ER comes in various forms, including tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid. Both medications have serious side effects, but atomoxetine has additional risks like liver damage and suicidal thoughts, while methylphenidate ER can cause serotonin syndrome and Raynaud's phenomenon. Lastly, atomoxetine is not considered a first-choice option for ADHD, whereas methylphenidate ER is often a first-choice medication.

  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

  • Summary of Strattera vs. Ritalin

    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

    Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness) in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It works by raising the levels of certain chemicals in your brain to keep you focused and awake. The dosage is typically 2 to 3 times per day because it's an immediate-release form of methylphenidate. Side effects of this medication include low appetite, nervousness, and trouble sleeping.

  • Indications of Strattera vs. Ritalin

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

  • Pros and Cons of Strattera vs. Ritalin

    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
    •First-choice medication to treat ADHD in adults and children.
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available as an oral tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid
    Cons
    •Is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence
    •Shouldn't stop taking this medication suddenly without talking to your provider first because of greater risk for mood changes
    •Can negatively affect growth in children

  • Common Side Effects of Strattera vs. Ritalin

    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

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

    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Weight loss

  • Warnings of Strattera vs. Ritalin

    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 problems
    •Changes in behavior or thoughts
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Strattera vs. Ritalin

    Learn more about Atomoxetine
    Learn more about Methylphenidate

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