Strattera Vs Adderall: Differences, Similarities, & Which Is Better

The table below summarizes the key differences between Strattera versus Adderall:^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}

What Is Strattera?

Strattera, also known as atomoxetine, is a non-stimulant medication FDA-approved to treat ADHD. It is used to increase the ability to pay attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in both children and adults. Strattera is part of a class of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which work by increasing the level of norepinephrine, a naturally occurring chemical in the brain, to potentially impact ADHD symptoms. ^1,2,3 This medication is often considered when it comes to individuals who have a history of substance abuse as it does not carry the same concern as Adderall with a risk for addiction.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a central nervous system medication FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They work by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters, naturally occurring chemicals in the body, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They increase the release of these neurotransmitters, allowing the body to use them to help manage symptoms of ADHD.

Adderall is also available as a generic, called amphetamine salts/dextroamphetamine, and has an immediate and extended-release formulation. The immediate-release formulation is also approved for treating narcolepsy, a type of sleep disorder.^4,5,6

What Are Strattera & Adderall Used to Treat?

Strattera and Adderall are both FDA-approved for treating ADHD symptoms, which means that the manufacturers of these medications have done extensive research and sent it to the FDA to prove that they are safe and effective medications. There are also off-label uses for both medications.

Off-label use is when a drug is not approved by the FDA for a certain use, but a physician may choose to use the medication for a different purpose based on their professional judgment. If you are going to use either medication for uses other than what it is approved for, you will need to have a discussion with your doctor, who will weigh the risks and benefits of using the medication off-label.

The table below compares the medical and mental health conditions Strattera and Adderall are used to treat: ^{1,2,4,5,8,9,10}

Strattera & Adderall Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment

Dosages can vary for each individual. Many factors go into what strength and form of medication your doctor prescribes you. Prescribers consider personal factors like your current medical history and your age. Strattera is dosed based on the patient’s weight for children under 70kg, while those over 70kg and adults are usually prescribed 40 to 100 mg of Strattera. For Adderall, a patient is usually prescribed 5 to 10 mg daily. Only in rare cases will it be necessary to exceed 40 mg/day.

Strattera Forms & Strengths

Strattera is offered in seven different strengths, all in capsules. The right strength for an individual is determined by the diagnosis, age of the patient, and weight (in the case of Strattera). Strattera only comes as an immediate-release tablet,. For children under 70 kg, the dosage is based on their weight, while those above 70kg take 40 to 100 mg. Strattera may take one or two weeks for a patient to see the full effects.

Strattera is available in the following forms and strengths:

• 10 milligrams (mg) oral capsule
• 18 milligrams (mg) oral capsule
• 25 milligrams (mg) oral capsule
• 40 milligrams (mg) oral capsule
• 60 milligrams (mg) oral capsule
• 80 milligrams (mg) oral capsule
• 100 milligrams (mg) oral capsule

Adderall Forms & Strengths

Adderall comes in different strengths, allowing for a person to have a more tailored treatment should a doctor think it to be appropriate. Immediate-release formulations come as tablets. Extended-release formulations, which means they release Adderall over a long period of time, come as capsules. The strength and type of Adderall you receive depends on the disorder you are treating and other personal factors like your age.

Adderall is available in the following forms and strengths:^4,5,6,7

• Immediate-release oral tablets: 5 milligrams (mg), 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg
• Extended-release oral capsules: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg

Take these medications as prescribed. It is important to follow instructions to avoid unintended side effects and to avoid increasing the risk of dependence or addiction to Adderall. Do not double up on dosages if you happen to miss one. Adderall tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed. Extended-release capsules should not be opened.

Side Effects of Strattera & Adderall

All medications have the potential for side effects. Often, these side effects are mild and tolerable. Some side effects can be serious and require medical intervention. This is not a comprehensive list of possible mild or serious side effects. You should discuss with your prescriber and pharmacist any potential side effects from Strattera or Adderall. Below are side effects that are commonly reported in patients, with at least 5% of patients reporting these side effects.

The table below compares the possible side effects of Strattera and Adderall:*^1,2,3,4,5,6

*All medications, including Strattera and Adderall, have a risk of side effects, including serious side effects. This is not a complete list of side effects. You should talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of any medication before starting treatment.

Warnings & Precautions for Strattera & Adderall

There are warnings and precautions associated with both Strattera and Adderall. There are possible complications that may arise when taking either medication, but it is important to note that they are not guaranteed to happen if you start taking these medications. When doctors prescribe these medications, they consider the risks and benefits to these therapies before prescribing them to a patient.

Risks to consider when taking Strattera and Adderall include:^1,2,4,5

• Interactions with alcohol: Consuming alcohol while on these medications may cause unintended side effects.
• Allergic reactions: As with all medications, there is a potential for a person to be allergic to Strattera or Adderall. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face or tongue. You must seek immediate medical care if any symptoms occur.
• Visual disturbances: People on Adderall or Strattera may experience blurred vision.
• Tics: Adderall may worsen motor and phonic tics and Tourette’s syndrome.
• Suicidal ideation: Strattera and Adderall patients should be monitored for suicidality and unusual changes in behavior, including suicidal ideation.
• Serious cardiovascular events: Sudden death, stroke, and heart attacks have been associated with Strattera and Adderall treatment. Those with a history of heart conditions should be assessed by a doctor.
• Effects on blood pressure: Both medications can increase blood pressure and heart rates, sometimes causing a patient to faint or dizzy upon standing.
• Mood changes: Adderall and Strattera can cause a change in a patient’s behavior and mood. They both can worsen bipolar disorder, cause aggressive behavior, and trigger episodes of psychosis or mania.
• Effects on growth: Height and weight should be monitored in pediatric patients as these two medications may slow their growth.
• Seizures: Stimulant medications like Adderall and Strattera may lower the threshold for seizures, meaning that someone with a history of seizures, and rarely those with no history of seizures, are more likely to have seizures.
• Serotonin Syndrome: Both Adderall and Strattera, used alongside another medication that increases serotonin, may cause a life-threatening reaction called serotonin syndrome. It may cause confusion, hallucinations, vomiting, and stiffness, and requires medical intervention.
• Priapism: Both Strattera and Adderall may cause prolonged and painful erections lasting more than 4 hours.
• Circulation problems: Adderall is associated with vascular problems, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Signs and symptoms generally improve after reducing the dose or stopping the medication. Strattera can do this as well, though the risk is lower.
• Urinary hesitation: Strattera and Adderall have a warning that urinary problems may occur. Commonly, it is a problem with starting or maintaining the ability to pee.

Potential Drug Interactions With Strattera & Adderall

As with all medications, there are possible drug interactions that can occur with Strattera and Adderall. When combined with certain substances, they can cause intended side effects like increased or decreased amounts of medication within the body. This can make therapies ineffective or cause more serious side effects that may require medical attention.

Disclaimer: Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements alongside Strattera and Adderall can change how these medications work in your body or increase the risk for serious side effects. This article does not consider all the possible interactions. Please let your doctor, psychiatrists, and pharmacists know about all the products you currently use, such as prescription medication, nonprescription drugs, and herbal supplements. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Medications and substances that have harmful interactions with Strattera and Adderall include:^1,2,4,5

Costs & Insurance Coverage

Generally, brand-name medications are more expensive than their generic counterparts. Both Strattera and Adderall have generic options available. Cost can differ based on whether you are using insurance or paying cash. Using a coupon can help with costs, especially if you are not using insurance. Each insurance plan is different with its copays and premium, so if cost is a concern for you, then you should consult your doctor and insurance plan.

Which Is Right for You: Strattera or Adderall?

Both Strattera and Adderall have their place in treating ADHD symptoms. No two therapies are alike, and what may be an appropriate therapy for one individual may not be an appropriate treatment for another. What medication you should take depends on many individual factors that a doctor will consider when they prescribe you the medication. If you face difficulties with seeing a doctor in person, then you may need to consider online psychiatry services. A doctor will consider your history with other medications and substances and potential side effects, weighing the risks and benefits of each medication.

How to Get a Prescription for Strattera & Adderall

Strattera and Adderall are medications that may only be obtained by prescription. ADHD medications may be prescribed by licensed healthcare professionals like doctors and psychiatrists. Strattera could also be prescribed by practitioners who are authorized by supervising physicians like nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This is largely because Strattera is a less restricted medication than Adderall, as it has less abuse potential.

If you or someone you know has not been diagnosed with ADHD, then you will first be assessed to evaluate if you meet the criteria for having this condition. Your doctor will then consider your lifestyle, your current medications, and your health condition before deciding what medication is appropriate for you. It is common for doctors to require you to see them for checkups to observe how the medication affects you.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Strattera & Adderall

It is important to keep open communication with your doctor. You should come to your appointment prepared with any questions or concerns you have so that you are realistic about the expectations of your medication and know what to expect in terms of treatments as well as side effects. If you have any concerns, then you should address them with your doctor since minor concerns could reveal issues with your treatment that they may want to address.

Questions to ask your prescriber about Strattera and Adderall include:

• Is it safe to take Strattera or Adderall with my other medications?
• Will Strattera or Adderall be covered by my insurance?
• Which one has the best results as a treatment for ADHD?
• Does my medical history increase my risk of side effects for either?
• How long can I expect side effects to last?
• How often should I see you for checkups while taking Strattera or Adderall?
• What should I do if I am unsure whether ADHD medications are right for me?
• How long after I start the medication will I start to see results?

In My Experience

In my experience, Strattera and Adderall both have their places in ADHD treatment. Both Strattera and Adderall are useful in managing symptoms and are generally well-tolerated by patients. They are medications that are typically covered by insurance and are generally affordable with a discount card if you are paying with cash. The choice of medication is dependent on many factors and should be discussed with your doctor. For parents of children and adolescents with ADHD, behavioral management training is a recommended skill you can learn to help your child with the diagnosis.

For Further Reading

• Zenzedi (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, & More
• Stimulant vs Non-Stimulant ADHD Meds: Key Differences
• Non Stimulant ADHD Medication: 6 Options
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline
• National Resource Center on ADHD
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)