Adderall vs Strattera: Uses, Side Effects, Efficacy

To treat ADHD, your healthcare provider may start with a daily dose of 40 milligrams of Strattera in the morning. This can be increased if needed but should not exceed 100 milligrams daily. Adderall is effective for ADHD but is often prescribed to older individuals due to its potential side effects. Strattera is an alternative for those who can’t tolerate stimulants or have a history of substance abuse. In week 6, Frank’s regimen of ATX 80 mg qam was divided into 40 mg bid and then augmented with OROS MPH 18 mg qam. He reported that this slightly improved his ability to remember what he had read and to focus on his schoolwork.

Strattera overdose

• You can also take it twice daily, in the morning and late afternoon.
• Strattera (atomoxetine) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor prescribed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• However, special care and close monitoring of stimulant and atomoxetine combination therapy are required because this drug combination has not been assessed in randomized, controlled, long-term clinical trials.
• In a double-blind study of patients with ADHD treated with methylphenidate monotherapy then atomoxetine monotherapy, 43% responded to atomoxetine but not methylphenidate, whereas 42% responded to methylphenidate but not atomoxetine (Newcorn et al. 2008).
• It’s important to tell your doctor if you have a liver problem before starting Strattera treatment.
• To watch for these side effects, your child’s doctor will monitor their height and weight regularly while they’re taking Strattera.

The manufacturer of ATX has reported that tests of combined administration of MPH and ATX did not result in increased blood pressure, but not much more has been published about the use of these two medications together. Findings from this systematic review indicate that the published evidence for the off-label combination of atomoxetine and stimulants is limited by the number of publications and the strength of evidence. Further analysis of stimulant and atomoxetine combination therapy will better inform and clarify the validity and benefit of using this drug combination for patients with ADHD. After 2 to 4 additional weeks, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 100 mg in patients who have not achieved an optimal response. There are no data that support increased effectiveness at higher doses see Clinical Studies. Literature databases (MEDLINE®, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Science Citation Index Expanded, and SciVerse Scopus) were systematically searched using prespecified criteria.

General information about Strattera

• Stimulants and ATX have been subjected to extensive clinical testing that has demonstrated safety and efficacy in their use as single agents for treatment of ADHD.
• Strattera is an SNRI medicine that is thought to have it effect by selectively blocking a protein called pre-synaptic norepinephrine transporter.
• The most common reason why patients don’t experience optimal benefits from Strattera is a high level of side effects, which prevents them from taking a dose high enough to be therapeutic.
• Changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction are not well assessed in most clinical trials because they need special attention and because patients and physicians may be reluctant to discuss them.
• And some adults may have ADHD but weren’t diagnosed with the condition as a child.

Patients should be instructed to consult a healthcare provider if they are taking or plan to take any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, or herbal remedies. Instruct patients and their caregivers to contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible should they notice an increase in aggression or hostility see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. In vitro drug-displacement studies were conducted with atomoxetine and other highly-bound drugs at therapeutic concentrations. Atomoxetine did not affect the binding of warfarin, acetylsalicylic acid, phenytoin, or diazepam to human albumin. Similarly, these compounds did not affect the binding of atomoxetine to human albumin.

Dosage for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

The most common reason why patients don’t experience optimal benefits from Strattera is a high level of side effects, which prevents them from taking a dose high enough to be therapeutic. As a result, it is vitally important that the severity of side effects be lowered by dividing the dose through the day. If a second dose is prescribed, it is typically taken in the late afternoon or early evening. It should be taken at the same time each day for the best results. The dosage of Strattera a person is prescribed depends on the patient’s weight, says Dr. Khan.

Common atomoxetine side effects may include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, dry mouth, loss of appetite, mood changes, feeling tired, dizziness, urination problems, or impotence, which is trouble having an erection. Patients who discontinued ATMX because of adverse events or treatment ineffectiveness were classified as treatment failure. Patients who discontinued ATMX for reasons other than adverse events or treatment ineffectiveness were classified as treatment success. Some patients with ADHD gain a positive response from treatment with ATX alone but continue to suffer with additional impairments that are highly problematic. At the outset of her junior year, Jennifer and her parents requested medication adjustments that would extend coverage into the evening. Because of part-time employment after school, Jennifer now had to do her homework in the evening.

Stimulant and atomoxetine combination therapy strategies

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The liver plays an important role in metabolizing (processing) many types of drugs, including Strattera. If you have a liver problem, Strattera could build up in your system, which could increase the risk for side effects. An example of a liver problem is alcohol-related liver disease. Strattera may cause weight loss or slowed growth in some children and adolescents.

Strattera is FDA approved for children as young as 6, adolescents and adults, says Dr. Khan. However, it might take several weeks for people taking Strattera to notice its effects. Your doctor should check your blood pressure or your child’s blood pressure and heart rate regularly during treatment with Strattera.

Patient characteristics and reasons for trying stimulant and atomoxetine combination therapy

Overall, Dr. Cohen’s treatment philosophy is a holistic one, seeking to deploy the best in the art and science of medicine to foster the individual’s innate capacity for psychological growth and healing. People with ADHD often struggle with sitting still, paying attention and controlling impulsive behaviors, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. However, there are plenty of treatments available, including behavioral therapy and medication. Read on to learn more about this medication’s benefits, risks and potential side effects.

For information about these interactions, see the “Strattera precautions” section below. To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Strattera, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Strattera, as the reaction could become severe.

In the event of capsule content coming in contact with the eye, the affected eye should be flushed immediately with water, and medical advice obtained. Hands and any potentially contaminated surfaces should be washed as soon as possible. Instruct patients and their caregivers to look for signs is straterra a stimulant of activation of mania/hypomania see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).