Strattera vs. Vyvanse for ADHD: 7 Differences to Consider

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common health condition that affects focus, impulse control, and attention. If you’ve been told you have ADHD, you may be exploring medication options. Two medications you may come across are Strattera (atomoxetine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine).

Strattera and Vyvanse are both used to treat ADHD, but they work in different ways. There are also differences in how fast they work, side effects, and potential interactions. Here are seven differences to consider between Strattera and Vyvanse.

1. Strattera and Vyvanse work differently for ADHD

The biggest difference between Strattera and Vyvanse is how they work. Strattera is a nonstimulant, while Vyvanse is a stimulant. Both treat ADHD by affecting brain chemicals linked to attention and behavior, but they do this in different ways.

Strattera works by blocking the reabsorption of norepinephrine, a brain chemical that helps with focus and attention. This allows more of it to remain active in the brain. Strattera can also increase levels of dopamine, a chemical that helps with motivation.

Vyvanse is a prodrug — it changes into its active form (dextroamphetamine) in the body. It works by causing more norepinephrine and dopamine to be released and slows how quickly they’re removed. But unlike Strattera, Vyvanse also raises dopamine in areas of the brain linked to pleasure and reinforcement. This contributes to its potential for dependency and misuse.

2. Vyvanse works faster than Strattera

If you’re looking for quick symptom relief, Vyvanse might be the better choice. Because of how it works, Vyvanse kicks in quickly. Strattera, on the other hand, has gradual effects that build over time.

Vyvanse typically starts working 90 minutes to 2 hours after taking it, with noticeable improvements in focus and task completion.

Strattera takes longer to build up in the body. Some people notice improvements within a week, but full benefits can take 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use. Strattera may be a better option if slow and steady symptom relief is acceptable or preferred.

3. Vyvanse may be a better option if you have difficulty swallowing pills

Swallowing pills can be tricky, especially for kids. In this case, Vyvanse offers more flexibility. It comes as a chewable tablet or a capsule that you can open and mix into soft foods or drinks, such as yogurt, orange juice, or water. Strattera comes only in capsules that must be swallowed whole.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• ADHD medication overview. Two main groups of ADHD medications — stimulants and nonstimulants — are available to treat this condition.

• What Strattera side effects should you watch for? If you take Strattera, it’s a good idea to know about its potential side effects.

• What are the side effects of Vyvanse? Here’s what you should know about possible Vyvanse side effects, from common to rare.

Vyvanse’s flexibility can make it easier to stick with treatment, especially for children or anyone with issues swallowing pills whole. Just keep in mind that even when mixing Vyvanse with food or drink, it should be taken right away and not stored for later use.

4. Vyvanse has different side effects and risks compared with Strattera

Strattera and Vyvanse share a few common side effects, such as nausea, dry mouth, and headaches. But they also have different side effects and risks to consider. For example, Vyvanse is a controlled substance, meaning that it has a risk of dependency and misuse. This is not the case for Strattera.

Here’s how Strattera and Vyvanse side effects compare:

Most of the time, Strattera and Vyvanse side effects are mild and manageable. But rarely, more serious side effects are possible with both medications. Side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts. Tell your healthcare team if you experience any bothersome side effects from your medication.

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5. Vyvanse and Strattera have different interactions

Both Vyvanse and Strattera can interact with other medications. But in general, Vyvanse may have more interactions. This is because it can increase serotonin levels, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with certain medications and supplements.

Make sure to share your medication and supplement list with your care team to avoid potentially harmful interactions.

6. Vyvanse is typically preferred for ADHD, but Strattera may be a better option in certain situations

Stimulants such as Vyvanse are usually first-choice medications for ADHD. This is because they work quickly and are highly effective. But Strattera might be a better choice in some situations, such as if you:

• Have a history of substance use disorder, since it doesn’t have a risk of dependency and misuse

• Experience unwanted side effects from stimulants, such as anxiety or heart-related issues

• Prefer a nonstimulant with a gradual effect

• Want to avoid the rebound effect (increased symptoms) that sometimes happens when stimulant doses wear off

In these cases, Strattera may offer a safer or more manageable alternative.

7. Vyvanse is approved for more than just ADHD

Both Strattera and Vyvanse are approved to treat ADHD in adults and children ages 6 and older. But Vyvanse is also approved to treat moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. It’s the only medication approved for this condition.

ADHD and BED often overlap, so it’s not uncommon for someone to be treated for both. In these cases, Vyvanse may be a good option since it can help manage symptoms of inattention and impulsivity while also reducing the number of binge eating episodes. Strattera isn’t approved for BED, and there’s limited data on its use for this purpose.

How to choose the best option for you

When deciding between Strattera and Vyvanse, there are several factors to consider.

• Age: Both medications are approved for ages 6 and up. But Vyvanse’s chewable form may be easier for younger children.

• Speed of results: Vyvanse works faster than Strattera to improve ADHD symptoms.

• Other medications: Strattera and Vyvanse interact with several medications, which may influence which is a safer option. Make sure your healthcare team has a full list of your medications for review.

• Medical history: Strattera may be preferred if there’s a concern about dependency or misuse. Vyvanse may be a better fit if you have both ADHD and BED. Be sure to share your full medical history with your care team.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan for ADHD. And you may need to try a few different medications before finding one that works best for you. Your healthcare team can help determine which option may be a better fit.

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Written by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in California. She has been a retail pharmacy manager and staff pharmacist for over 7 years and has contributed drug information content to different health companies.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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