Is Strattera Right for You? An Overview of this Non-Stimulant ADHD Treatment2024.04.06

By Vincent Iannelli, MD Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Within one to two weeks, you may begin to notice a symptom reduction. However, it can take up to six weeks before you notice a significant change.

Mental Health Awards

The time-release version of guanfacine (Intuniv) is FDA-approved for use in treating ADHD in children ages 6 to 17. Intuniv may help with emotional sensitivity, hyperarousal, aggression, hyperactivity, and memory. These medications include a variety of norepinephrine- and dopamine-enhancing drugs.

ADHD treatment is multifaceted, and medication efficacy varies by individual. A comprehensive treatment plan—including behavioral therapy—can enhance symptom management. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine whether stimulant or non-stimulant medication is the best option for treating ADHD symptoms. This approach may result in fewer side effects related to excessive dopamine stimulation, such as anxiety or sleep disturbances, which can sometimes occur with stimulant use. Despite its proven efficacy, some misconceptions about Strattera persist.

• Like other antidepressant drugs, this non-stimulant ADHD medication has been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behaviors in children and adolescents.
• Do not share your Strattera prescription with anyone, even another person with ADHD.
• It has recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of children with ADHD.
• Do not use Strattera if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, including such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
• Use our ADHD medication log to help find the dosage that works best for your child.
• On Dec. 17, 2004, Eli Lilly, the makers of Strattera, added a warning to the drug noting Strattera should be stopped in patients with signs of jaundice — yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.

Both aim to enhance concentration, improve attentiveness, and reduce impulsivity, but one may be more suitable than the other, depending on the individual. Stimulants are generally considered the most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms and are often the first-line option. Strattera is different from stimulant ADHD medications in that it is primarily a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). While stimulants tend to increase dopamine and norepinephrine availability in one’s brain, Strattera focuses primarily on norepinephrine.

Zoloft and ADHD: Understanding the Connection and Treatment Options

As a result, federal and state-controlled substance laws regulate their prescription, limiting the quantity that can be dispensed at one time. Some states also have restrictions on obtaining stimulant prescriptions via telehealth. Stimulant ADHD medication increases the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. The recommended dosage of Strattera varies depending on the patient’s age, weight, and individual response to the medication.

In October 2004, the FDA determined that antidepressant medications raise the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and teens with depression and other psychiatric disorders. It is not known whether these deaths were due to the combination of drugs, but caution should be exercised whenever such combinations are used. Careful screening for heart rhythm irregularities and regular monitoring of blood pressure and electrocardiograms help reduce these risks.

List of nonstimulant drugs for ADHD

Unlike stimulant medications that directly increase dopamine release or block its reuptake, Strattera’s impact on dopamine is secondary to its effects on norepinephrine. However, this indirect influence on dopamine levels is still significant in the context of ADHD treatment. ADHD stimulants come with several possible side effects, such as high blood pressure and tachycardia (fast heart rate). People with pre-existing heart conditions may choose to take non-stimulant medications to reduce their risk of cardiovascular problems. Interactions with other medications are another important consideration. Strattera can interact with certain antidepressants, particularly MAO inhibitors, and caution is advised when combining it with other drugs that affect norepinephrine levels.

Who Can Prescribe ADHD Medication? A Comprehensive Guide for Adults…

But, it is thought to help reduce symptoms of ADHD by increasing the norepinephrine levels in the brain. Doctors can choose from a range of drugs, including stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medicines. However, other non-stimulants that can be used to treat ADHD include guanfacine, clonidine, and certain antidepressant drugs. One pro of taking Strattera to treat ADHD is it does not cause many of the common side effects seen with psychostimulants, such as insomnia, dependence, or withdrawal. Below we outline the differences between stimulant and non-stimulant medications.

Strattera and suicidal thoughts

For example, about 30% of children with ADHD don’t respond well to stimulants. Many experience difficult side effects, such as flattened mood, agitation, tics, or poor appetite or sleep. Since it is not a controlled substance, Strattera is available with a regular prescription.

But they’re rarely used because they sometimes have dangerous side effects and can cause serious problems when you take them with foods and other medications. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different type of antidepressant that is very effective in treating ADHD in adults and is strattera a non stimulant children. It’s generally well-tolerated, but it also has some side effects that may be a problem for some people who have anxiety or seizures. Antidepressants seem to improve attention span, impulse control, hyperactivity, and aggressiveness. Children and teens who take them are often more willing to take direction and are less disruptive.

Unlike stimulant medications that primarily target dopamine, Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This means it works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter crucial for attention and focus, in the brain. In some cases, healthcare providers may consider combining Strattera with other medications to address specific symptoms or comorbid conditions. For instance, Focalin, a stimulant medication, might be prescribed alongside Strattera to provide additional symptom control. However, such combinations should only be implemented under close medical supervision due to the potential for drug interactions. Strattera (atomoxetine) is the first non-stimulant drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children over age 6.

Top doctors in ,

Always verify the correct medication name with a healthcare provider to avoid any misunderstandings. Patients should always provide their healthcare provider with a complete list of medications, supplements, and herbal remedies they are taking to avoid potential interactions. Before starting Strattera, tell the doctor if your child has ever experienced suicidal thinking or has a personal or family history of bipolar disorder. Your child’s doctor may recommend a different medication instead of Strattera. A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to the risk of dependence or misuse.

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.

Our experienced staff will develop a personalized treatment plan based on past traumas and/or other co-occurring illnesses. Your doctor can help determine whether Strattera is an appropriate treatment option for your condition. Strattera is not a stimulant and does not have a risk of dependence or misuse. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, mental health tips, mental health in the news, and expertise on managing mental health. How these drugs work in treating ADHD is not yet known, but it is clear that they have a calming effect on certain areas of the brain.

It’s important to note that some individuals may confuse Strattera with similarly named medications. For instance, Seterra is not an ADHD medication but a geography learning game. Similarly, Cetera is not a medication at all but may be confused with various financial or pharmaceutical companies.

Nonstimulants don’t tend to cause agitation, sleeplessness, or lack of appetite. The above is not a complete list of all possible drug interactions. If used for a long time, Strattera may affect a child’s growth rate, weight, and final adult height.