This gradual onset can be advantageous for those who experience anxiety or jitteriness with stimulants. Strattera may work for people who cannot tolerate stimulants, those who did not find stimulants beneficial or for people who have substance use disorders. Studies show that stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin are more effective than Strattera for treating ADHD.

Rare but serious side effects of Adderall include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, hallucinations, paranoia, shortness of breath, heart attack, and stroke. Because stimulants are known for their efficacy in the treatment of ADHD, Adderall is considered a first-line treatment. While second-line treatments such as Strattera may be less effective, they can still be helpful for relieving symptoms. Adderall is a brand name for the combination of drugs dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. In addition to ADHD, Adderall is also approved to treat narcolepsy. One important factor is whether a patient is a rapid or slow metabolizer of this drug, since the longer the medication stays in your system, the more likely you will experience side effects.

A review published in 2015 found that around 50% of adults with ADHD continued to experience these positive effects six months after they stopped taking the drug. Strattera contains the active ingredient atomoxetine, which is from a group of medicines called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Strattera received FDA approval on November 26, 2002, for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Strattera generic is now available under the active ingredient name atomoxetine. Strattera has been shown to work as well as stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin (methylphennidate), in reducing ADHD related symptoms in children and adolescents. It works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the central nervous system, a brain chemical that helps to increase attention span and focus while reducing hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors.

Free Resource: ADHD Medication Tracking Log

Antidepressants have the advantage of a low potential for abuse, and there is no evidence that they suppress growth or contribute to significant weight loss. These were specifically created to treat the disorder and are FDA-approved for that. Stimulant medications are usually a doctor’s first choice for treating ADHD, but they’re not for everyone.

Does Strattera interact with my other drugs?

• This means there’s the potential for abuse and that extended use might cause dependence.
• If you’ve been prescribed Strattera to treat ADHD, you may be looking to compare the pros and cons.
• Unlike stimulant medications that primarily target dopamine, Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
• Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
• Venlafaxine (Effexor and Effexor XR) is a newer antidepressant that boosts the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.
• However, it’s important to acknowledge that not all experiences with Strattera are positive.

It is usually taken once or twice a day and may be taken with or without food. No specific laboratory testing is required while taking Strattera and it may be used for extended, or long-term, treatment as long as there are periodic evaluations with your health care provider. In addition, Strattera doesn’t cause many of the potential side effects linked to psychostimulants, such as sleeplessness.

• Two drugs, Catapres and guanfacine, normally taken to treat high blood pressure, have been shown to be of some benefit for ADHD when used alone or in combination with stimulant drugs.
• Both trials demonstrated a statistically significant superior reduction in pain with Journavx compared to placebo.
• Strattera also affects the reuptake of norepinephrine, but it is a non-stimulant medication.
• This is because alcohol and Strattera can cause some of the same side effects.
• Contact our clinic today to explore what might work for you or your child.

ADHD Medication & Treatment

Suzetrigine, the active ingredient in Journavx, belongs to a class of medications called NaV1.8 pain signal inhibitors. The drug works by blocking pain signals in peripheral nerves before they reach the brain. Unlike stimulant medications that often show immediate effects, Strattera may take several weeks to reach its full therapeutic potential. Most studies indicate that significant improvements in ADHD symptoms are typically observed within 4-6 weeks of starting treatment at the appropriate dose.

Non-Stimulant Medications for ADHD

However, they are generally considered less effective than the stimulant medications used to treat symptoms of ADHD. The drug, Journavx (suzetrigine), is an oral pill that treats acute pain, such as from surgery or injuries. Unlike opioids, which work by latching onto receptor proteins on nerves in the central nervous system, suzetrigine works only in peripheral nerves—that is, those outside the brain and spinal cord. Specifically, the drug inhibits a voltage-gated sodium ion channel called 1.8 (NaV1.8) that is known to relay pain signals, but only in peripheral nerves. Where suzetrigine will fit into the pain-management landscape remains to be seen, but experts see its potential in treating more serious pain, if over-the-counter remedies don’t work. Ideally, pain experts believe it could be the first-line treatment after surgeries and minor procedures, including dental procedures, instead of the opioids that are currently prescribed.

Future Directions in ADHD Treatment

For example, while insomnia is more likely to occur with twice daily dosing, reduced appetite and nausea/vomiting are less likely to occur. Unlike stimulants, Strattera is less likely to affect sleep patterns and essentially works 24 hours a day. Catapres and guanfacine can help reduce some of the side effects of stimulant therapy, especially the sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. However, combining stimulants with one of these drugs is controversial, because there have been some deaths in children taking both stimulants and Catapres. Antidepressant treatment seems to improve attention span as well as impulse control, hyperactivity and aggressiveness.

Some individuals may have contraindications, such as a history of substance abuse or certain cardiovascular conditions. Others may experience intolerable side effects or simply not achieve the desired results with stimulants. Strattera fills this crucial gap, providing hope and relief for those who have struggled to find an effective ADHD treatment. Rare but severe side effects revealed in clinical trials included a greater risk of suicidal ideation in children, adolescents and teens taking Strattera. The manufacturer carrying out the clinical trials found that the average risk of is strattera a non stimulant suicidal ideation in people taking Strattera was 0.4% (five out of 1,357 people).

In children and adolescents, studies have shown that Strattera can improve both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Long-term studies have also demonstrated sustained efficacy over periods of up to two years. The effectiveness and considerations for Strattera use can vary across different age groups.