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Strattera vs. Adderall

Are Strattera and Adderall the Same Thing?

Strattera (atomoxetine) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) are both used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), though the two operate completely differently.

Adderall is a combination of two drugs in the amphetamine class of medication. Adderall has a high potential for abuse and addiction as a central nervous system stimulant like other drugs used to treat ADHD, including Ritalin (methylphenidate), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine).

Strattera, however, is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is the first ADHD drug that is non addictive.

It isn't totally clear how exactly Strattera reduces ADHD symptom severity, but scientists believe it affects neurotransmitters in the brain, chemicals that the nerves use for communicating with one another. One neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, is important in regulating attention, impulsivity and activity levels, all of which are abnormal in ADHD. Researcher believe atomoxetine affects the nerves' reabsorption of neurotransmitters, making more norepinephrine available.

Amphetamines like Adderall stimulate the brain by increasing the level of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, but how exactly this affects ADHD symptoms is also poorly understood.

Adderall side effects include potential addiction and withdrawal, anxiety, tremors and withdrawal, among others.

Strattera, though non-addictive, can cause gastrointestinal problems and decreased appetite.

Neither Adderall nor Strattera should be taken with MAO inhibitors. Adderall can also affect blood pressure medications, among others.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Strattera?

Common side effects of Strattera include:

What Are Possible Side Effects of Adderall?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

Less serious side effects may include:

  • headache, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision;
  • feeling restless, irritable, or agitated,
  • sleep problems (insomnia);
  • dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;
  • diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
  • fever;
  • hair loss, loss of appetite, weight loss; or
  • loss of interest in sex, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What Is Strattera?

Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor medicine. It is used for the treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Strattera may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.

Strattera should be used as a part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies.

Strattera has not been studied in children less than 6 years old.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine. It is used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Adderall may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.

Adderall should be used as a part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies.

Adderall is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.

Adderall is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep Adderall in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Adderall may harm others, and is against the law.

 

What Drugs Interact With Strattera?

Tell your doctor about all the medicines that you or your child takes including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Strattera and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Your doctor will decide whether Strattera can be taken with other medicines.

Especially tell your doctor if you or your child takes:

Know the medicines that you or your child takes. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not start any new medicine while taking Strattera without talking to your doctor first.

What Drugs Interact With Adderall?

Tell your doctor about all of the medicines that you or your child take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Adderall and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes the doses of other medicines will need to be adjusted while taking Adderall.

Your doctor will decide whether Adderall can be taken with other medicines.

Especially tell your doctor if you or your child take:

  • anti-depression medicines including MAOIs
  • blood pressure medicines
  • seizure medicines
  • blood thinner medicines
  • cold or allergy medicines that contain decongestants
  • stomach acid medicines

Know the medicines that you or your child take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not start any new medicine while taking Adderall without talking to your doctor first.

 

How Should Strattera Be Taken?

  • Take Strattera exactly as prescribed. Strattera comes in different dose strength capsules. Your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.
  • Do not chew, crush, or open the capsules. Swallow Strattera capsules whole with water or other liquids. Tell your doctor if you or your child cannot swallow Strattera whole. A different medicine may need to be prescribed.
  • Avoid touching a broken Strattera capsule. Wash hands and surfaces that touched an open Strattera capsule. If any of the powder gets in your eyes or your child's eyes, rinse them with water right away and call your doctor.
  • Strattera can be taken with or without food.
  • Strattera is usually taken once or twice a day. Take Strattera at the same time each day to help you remember. If you miss a dose of Strattera, take it as soon as you remember that day. If you miss a day of Strattera, do not double your dose the next day. Just skip the day you missed.
  • From time to time, your doctor may stop Strattera treatment for a while to check ADHD symptoms.
  • Your doctor may do regular checks of the blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking Strattera. Children should have their height and weight checked often while taking Strattera. Strattera treatment may be stopped if a problem is found during these check-ups.
  • If you or your child takes too much Strattera or overdoses, call your doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.

How Should Adderall Be Taken?

  • Take Adderall exactly as prescribed. Your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.
  • Adderall tablets are usually taken two to three times a day. The first dose is usually taken when you first wake in the morning. One or two more doses may be taken during the day, 4 to 6 hours apart.
  • Adderall can be taken with or without food.
  • From time to time, your doctor may stop Adderall treatment for a while to check ADHD symptoms.
  • Your doctor may do regular checks of the blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking Adderall. Children should have their height and weight checked often while taking Adderall. Adderall treatment may be stopped if a problem is found during these check-ups.
  • If you or your child take too much Adderall or overdoses, call your doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.