The above is not a complete list of all possible drug interactions. If you’re thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss the use of Strattera with your doctor. Animal studies indicate a potential risk of fetal harm; infants may be born prematurely, with low birth weight, with spinal abnormalities, or experience withdrawal. Strattera is passed through breastmilk, so it is recommended that mothers do not nurse while taking it. As with all medications, follow your Strattera prescription instructions exactly.

In ADHD+-

If you have ADHD and are interested in alternatives to stimulants, you can talk with your doctor about your options. Sometimes the immediate release version (Catapres) is also prescribed off-label for ADHD. Doctors have a variety of options when it comes to treating ADHD without the use of stimulants. The same goes for the side effect profile—an ADHD medication may strattera non stimulant cause severe side effects in one individual but be well tolerated by another. A possible side effect of Strattera is urinary retention, which can actually be an advantage for children who have enuresis (problems with bedwetting). If you’ve been prescribed Strattera to treat ADHD, you may be looking to compare the pros and cons.

Free Webinar Replay: A Guide to the Formulations and Delivery Options of ADHD Medication

Strattera, on the other hand, may take several weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect. This gradual onset can be advantageous for those who experience anxiety or jitteriness with stimulants, as it allows for a smoother adjustment period. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning and development. It affects both children and adults, impacting various aspects of life, from academic performance to personal relationships and career success.

Causes & Risk Factors

Sometimes, a nonstimulant is prescribed alongside a stimulant to help offset the abrupt wearing off of many stimulants. For the best results, you should discuss different treatment options with your doctor, including your preferences and expectations. Your doctor should be able to guide you to the ADHD treatment that is right for you, along with the correct dose that controls your ADHD symptoms while causing minimal to no side effects.

• It is taken twice a day while long acting guanfacine is once a day.
• It blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline), allowing it to work longer.
• While stimulants may provide more immediate symptom relief, Strattera’s effects build over time, potentially leading to more stable and consistent improvement.
• However, as with all ADHD medications, its effectiveness can vary from person to person.
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) can cause nausea, anxiety, sleep problems, tremor, dry mouth, and sexual problems in adults.

Stimulants vs. Non-Stimulants: Understanding ADHD Medications

Atomoxetine is indicated for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children over six years. Although atomoxetine is only FDA-approved for treating ADHD, it is sometimes used off-label to treat adult patients with treatment-resistant depression. This activity outlines the indications, mechanism of action, administration, adverse effects, contraindications, and monitoring of atomoxetine. To appreciate Strattera’s unique position in the ADHD treatment landscape, it’s essential to understand how it works in the brain. Unlike stimulant medications that primarily target dopamine, Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).

Strattera for ADHD: A Comprehensive Guide to This Non-Stimulant Medication

Below we outline the differences between stimulant and non-stimulant medications. During treatment, your doctor should check vital statistics including blood, heart, and blood pressure; or evaluate height and weight. If any problems are found, your doctor may recommend discontinuing treatment. You don’t need to completely avoid any specific foods while taking Strattera.

• Unlike stimulants, Strattera is less likely to affect sleep patterns and essentially works 24 hours a day.
• Long-term safety studies have shown that Strattera is generally well-tolerated with continued use.
• Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
• Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Viloxazine (Qelbree) are OK for children, teens, and adults.
• This medicine has caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.
• Strattera’s non-stimulant nature also means it has a lower potential for abuse and dependence compared to stimulants.

This makes sense given that a higher concentration of the drug is more likely to cause side effects (e.g., taking 40mg at once as compared with 20mg in the morning and 20 mg in the afternoon). Strattera, with its unique profile, will likely continue to play a significant role in this evolving landscape of ADHD care. It’s also important to address the misconception that Strattera is less effective than stimulants. While stimulants may provide more immediate symptom relief, Strattera’s gradual onset and consistent action can provide stable, long-term symptom management for many individuals. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can significantly impact ADHD symptoms and overall well-being.

The 5 Most Common ADHD Medication Side Effects — and Their Fixes

However, these drugs can cause unpleasant and sometimes intolerable side effects, such as weight gain, blurred vision, upset stomach, drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Report to your doctor any heart-related problems or a family history of heart and blood pressure problems. Patients with structural cardiac abnormalities and other serious heart problems have experienced sudden death, stroke, heart attack, and increased blood pressure while taking Strattera.