How Long Does Strattera Take to Work? Learn Answers to 6 Strattera FAQs

Medications that treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be broadly split into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most popular medications for treating ADHD in both children and adults. They work well, act fast, and have been used safely for many decades. But stimulants come with a risk of dependence and misuse. So some people may prefer to take a nonstimulant ADHD medication. 

Strattera (atomoxetine) is one example. It works differently from stimulant medications and doesn’t have a known risk for dependence. These factors could make it a good option if you’re worried about stimulant side effects or misuse.

It’s normal to have questions about Strattera, especially if you or your child has just been prescribed the medication. For example, many people wonder how long Strattera takes to work and whether it’s a controlled substance. Below, you’ll find answers to six frequently asked questions about the medication, which you can combine with information from your prescriber and pharmacist.

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1. How long does Strattera take to work?

Some people may notice a decrease in their ADHD symptoms as soon as 1 week after starting treatment with Strattera. But for most people, it takes about 4 to 8 weeks to feel the medication’s full effects. You may also notice that it’s more effective the longer you take it. In studies, people were more likely to experience success with long-term Strattera treatment (1 year or longer).

If you feel that you or your child needs a medication that works faster, you may want to discuss other ADHD medication options with your prescriber. There are other nonstimulant treatments, such as clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv), that start working within a few hours. Your prescriber can make recommendations based on your treatment goals and expectations.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Living with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): One woman shares her tips for managing ADHD, including sticking to routines and keeping herself motivated while completing tasks.

• The right dosage: While Strattera has a standard starting dosage, there are variables that can impact how much you should take.

• How it works: Strattera works differently than stimulant ADHD medications such as Adderall. Read more about how Strattera works to treat ADHD symptoms.

2. How does Strattera work?

Experts don’t fully understand how Strattera works to treat ADHD. But it belongs to the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) class of medications. So it boosts levels of norepinephrine, a chemical messenger that plays a role in focus and concentration, in the brain. It’s thought that higher levels of norepinephrine help reduce ADHD symptoms.

Strattera may also raise dopamine levels in certain parts of the brain. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that helps regulate attention and mood, among other actions. Typically when a medication or substance boosts dopamine levels, it carries a risk for dependence. But because of where in the brain Strattera raises dopamine, this isn’t an issue.

How is Strattera different from stimulants such as Adderall?

Both Strattera and stimulants such as Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) raise levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. But there’s a big difference in how these medications affect dopamine.

Adderall and other stimulants increase dopamine in two parts of the brain: the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex. A dopamine boost in the prefrontal cortex helps reduce ADHD symptoms. But an increase of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens acts as a reward to the brain. This can lead to substance use disorder for some people.

Strattera only triggers a dopamine boost in the prefrontal cortex. Since it doesn’t impact dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens, it doesn’t create the same reward for the brain. That’s why Strattera doesn’t carry the risk of dependence that Adderall and other stimulants do.

3. Is Strattera a controlled substance?

No, Strattera isn’t a controlled substance. A controlled substance is a medication or substance that carries a risk of physical and mental dependence. As discussed above, Strattera isn’t known to have these risks because of how it works. Clinical studies also found that people taking Strattera are not likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop treatment.

4. How long do the effects of Strattera last?

Strattera leaves the body relatively quickly. For many people, it takes about 1 day to fully clear a dose of Strattera. So if you need to stop the medication quickly, it shouldn’t take long for your body to clear it from your system.

But this doesn’t mean the effects of Strattera wear off immediately. In multiple studies, the benefits of the medication gradually wore off over about 6 months. Some people found the medication stopped working within a few weeks, while others felt its effects for a few months after stopping treatment. Similarly, Strattera side effects seem to wear off in anywhere between a few days and about 2 months.

5. Does Strattera make you gain weight?

No, Strattera doesn’t usually cause weight gain. But it’s possible you may experience weight loss as a side effect. This is because Strattera can lower some people’s appetites. But keep in mind Strattera is not a weight-loss medication and shouldn’t be taken for this purpose.

In children, Strattera can temporarily slow growth during the first 9 to 12 months of treatment. This affects both height and body weight. But studies have found that slowed growth related to Strattera isn’t permanent. Children typically catch up to where they’re supposed to be within about 2 to 3 years.

6. Is it OK to stop taking Strattera suddenly?

It’s best to talk to a healthcare professional before stopping treatment with Strattera (or any medication for ADHD). As mentioned above, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms if you miss a dose or stop taking Strattera “cold turkey.” But your ADHD symptoms are likely to worsen or return once you stop treatment. So stopping the medication suddenly without another treatment to replace it could negatively impact your quality of life.

If you’re interested in stopping Strattera treatment, speak with your prescriber. They can help you decide the next best steps for managing your ADHD symptoms.

How to save on Strattera

There are ways to save on Strattera, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication:

• Save with GoodRx. GoodRx may be able to help you save over 90% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic Strattera’s price at certain pharmacies may be as low as $21.30 with a free GoodRx coupon.

• Save with a patient assistance program. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for brand-name Strattera’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of cost.

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Written by:

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA, is a licensed pharmacist specializing in chronic disease and health and wellness. Upon completing his residency, he worked in the managed care field, conducting medication therapy management and adherence counseling sessions with Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance patients, before transitioning to a career in medical writing.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

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