Strattera and Adderall are both medications prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but a comprehensive comparison is essential for informed decisions. COMPARE.EDU.VN provides a detailed analysis of their differences, mechanisms, dosages, and side effects. Understanding these nuances enables individuals to collaborate with healthcare providers to determine the most suitable treatment path, considering factors like individual responses, potential misuse, and the need for non-stimulant options; this article will cover everything related to ADHD medication, stimulant vs non-stimulant, and medication comparison.
1. What Medications Are Commonly Used to Treat ADHD?
Several medications are utilized to manage ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and to improve focus and attention span. These drugs operate by elevating levels of certain natural brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. ADHD medications fall into two primary categories: stimulant and non-stimulant medications.
1.1 Stimulants
Stimulants are available in immediate-release (short-acting) forms, taken one to two times daily, with effects lasting 4-6 hours. Adderall IR exemplifies a commonly prescribed immediate-release stimulant.
Stimulants are also available in extended-release (long-acting) forms, such as Adderall XR capsules, taken once daily in the morning, with effects lasting throughout the day.
Other examples of stimulants include dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), and a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall).
Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines are considered first-line treatments for ADHD due to their effectiveness. However, it is essential to discuss the risks and benefits of this therapy before starting a stimulant for yourself or your child, as these medications are controlled substances and carry a risk of misuse and dependence.
1.2 Non-Stimulants
Non-stimulants for ADHD, such as Strattera, take longer to become effective, typically 3-4 weeks before the full benefits are realized. Their effects last up to 24 hours. Non-stimulants are considered second-line treatments for ADHD, used when stimulants are ineffective or cause intolerable side effects. In rare cases, stimulants and non-stimulants may be used together, such as when the effect of a stimulant like Adderall wears off too early. In these instances, a non-stimulant medication can help manage ADHD symptoms for the remainder of the day. It’s important to note that this is not a common practice and should only be attempted under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
An example of a non-stimulant ADHD medication is atomoxetine (Strattera), a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor by drug class. Others include guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv), an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, and clonidine (Kapvay), a centrally acting alpha agonist. These medications are not controlled substances and do not cause dependence as a side effect.
2. What Are The Core Differences Between Strattera And Adderall?
Both Strattera and Adderall are used to treat ADHD, but several key differences exist between them:
2.1 Active Ingredient
Strattera is a brand-name product containing the active ingredient atomoxetine. Adderall is a brand-name product containing two amphetamine salts: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
2.2 ADHD Medication Type
Strattera is a non-stimulant medication and not a controlled substance. Adderall is a stimulant medication and a Schedule II controlled substance. Stimulant medications are more likely to be misused and cause dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation.
2.3 Mechanism of Action
Strattera prevents the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain, increasing norepinephrine levels in the central nervous system. Adderall blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine by nerve cells in the brain, increasing the amount of these brain chemicals in the central nervous system.
2.4 Dosage Forms
Strattera is a long-acting medication and can be taken once daily with or without food. The dose can be split into two, taken once in the morning and once in the late afternoon or early evening.
Strattera capsules come in dosages of 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg. The capsules should be swallowed whole without crushing, chewing, or opening them. The usual maintenance dose of Strattera is 80 mg per day, and the maximum dose is usually no more than 100 mg per day. Atomoxetine, the generic version of Strattera, is less expensive than the brand-name drug.
Immediate-release forms of Adderall are effective for 4-6 hours, while extended-release forms (Adderall XR) can last throughout the day. Adderall IR (immediate-release Adderall tablets) comes in doses of 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. Adderall XR comes in doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg.
The usual initial dose of Adderall immediate-release for adults and children six years and older is 5 mg once or twice daily. While there is no recommended maximum daily dose for Adderall IR, it is not recommended to take more than 40 mg of Adderall IR daily.
The typical starting dose to treat narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) is 10 mg once daily.
For Adderall XR, the typical starting dose for adults is 20 mg once daily. The maximum daily dose is 30 mg daily.
Adderall XR capsules should not be crushed or chewed; however, they can be opened, and the contents sprinkled on soft food like applesauce for immediate use. Adderall is available in a lower-cost generic version.
2.5 Side Effects
Common side effects of Strattera include nausea, fatigue, decreased appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure, drowsiness, and sleep problems. Additional side effects in adults include constipation, dry mouth, erectile dysfunction, cough, headache, and abdominal pain.
Side effects of Adderall include loss of appetite, insomnia, abdominal pain, mood swings, agitation, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, and fever in children. Additionally, adolescents and adults have reported side effects of Adderall, such as decreased appetite, weight loss, headache, dry mouth, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, fast heartbeat, and urinary tract infections.
2.6 Risks
Taking Strattera comes with a boxed warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents. Other risks include severe liver injury, behavior changes including aggression, heart problems, and worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma.
Risks of taking Adderall include drug dependence (psychological and physical dependence on the medicine). In fact, Adderall has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse. Additional risks include serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, sudden death, increased blood pressure, the triggering of manic symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, worsening of glaucoma, tics, seizures, and long-term suppression of growth in children.
Both Strattera and Adderall can cause allergic reactions. Additionally, both medications can have drug interactions with other medications, such as MAO inhibitors, which can increase the risk of serious adverse effects. It’s important to provide your healthcare provider or your child’s doctor with a complete list of your medications before starting Adderall or Strattera treatment.
3. Which is a Better Option Between Strattera And Adderall for ADHD?
Both Adderall and Strattera are FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of ADHD. The two drugs belong to different drug classes, and each is an effective medication for ADHD treatment. Clinical trials comparing the two have not shown one to be superior to the other.
Generally speaking, Adderall and other stimulants are the first line of treatment for ADHD. They are older medications, and their effects have been studied in more detail. However, Adderall carries a risk of misuse and dependence. Also, some people find Strattera to be better tolerated than Adderall.
As with any medication, people may respond differently to ADHD medications. Your doctor will help you decide between Strattera and Adderall based on your symptoms, medical history, response to medications in the past, and side effects such as high blood pressure.
It is worth noting that behavioral therapy plays an important role in managing symptoms of ADHD along with taking Strattera or Adderall, or both as part of a total treatment program.
To further compare Strattera and Adderall, consider the following points in a table format:
| Feature | Strattera (Atomoxetine) | Adderall (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-stimulant | Stimulant |
| Controlled Substance | No | Yes (Schedule II) |
| Active Ingredient | Atomoxetine | Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine salts |
| Mechanism | Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor | Norepinephrine and Dopamine reuptake inhibitor |
| Onset of Action | Slower (3-4 weeks for full effect) | Faster (Immediate-release: 30-60 min, Extended: 1-2 hrs) |
| Duration | Up to 24 hours | Immediate: 4-6 hours, Extended: Up to 12 hours |
| Dosage Forms | Capsules: 10mg, 18mg, 25mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80mg, 100mg | Immediate: 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg, 20mg, 30mg; Extended: 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 25mg, 30mg |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, fatigue, decreased appetite, increased heart rate/blood pressure, drowsiness, sleep problems, constipation, dry mouth, erectile dysfunction | Loss of appetite, insomnia, abdominal pain, mood swings, agitation, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, anxiety, dizziness, fast heartbeat |
| Serious Risks | Suicidal thoughts (boxed warning), liver injury, heart problems | Misuse/dependence (boxed warning), cardiovascular events, increased blood pressure, manic symptoms, growth suppression in children |
| First-Line Treatment | No (typically second-line) | Yes (typically first-line) |
| Potential for Misuse | Low | High |
| Generic Available | Yes (Atomoxetine) | Yes (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine) |
This detailed table provides a clear, side-by-side comparison, enabling a more informed discussion with healthcare providers.
4. What Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Strattera and Adderall?
4.1 Does Strattera Actually Help With ADHD?
Strattera is a non-stimulant medication and is usually a second-line treatment for ADHD. Non-stimulants often do not work as well or as fast as stimulant medications. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera if stimulant medications do not help your ADHD symptoms or you have intolerable side effects.
4.2 Does Strattera Work the Same as Adderall?
Both Strattera and Adderall are used to treat ADHD, but they work differently. Strattera is not a stimulant and is generally less effective than Adderall, which is a stimulant. However, some people may get better results with Strattera if they can tolerate it better.
4.3 Will Strattera Give Me Energy?
Strattera is not a stimulant like Adderall and will not give you energy like stimulant drugs. It works differently to treat ADHD symptoms and can make you feel different than a stimulant. For some people, this may be a good thing since the increase in energy and alertness associated with stimulants can cause jitteriness and anxiety. However, many people find their ADHD symptoms are better controlled on stimulant medications like Adderall.
Making the right choice between Strattera and Adderall requires careful consideration, and COMPARE.EDU.VN is dedicated to offering comprehensive comparisons to help you make informed decisions.
Ready to make a confident choice? Visit compare.edu.vn today to explore detailed comparisons and reviews, empowering you to select the best option for your needs. Our team is available to assist you at 333 Comparison Plaza, Choice City, CA 90210, United States. Contact us via Whatsapp at +1 (626) 555-9090.
