Adderall and Strattera aremedicationsprescribed to treat attention disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).
Both drugs improve attention span and decrease hyperactivity and impulsiveness; however, the medications are very different.
The main difference is that Adderall is a stimulant, and Strattera is not.
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It also covers how they compare in terms of efficacy and risk for abuse.
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Strattera
Strattera is a brand name for a drug that contains atomoxetine.
It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002.
It was the first non-stimulant medication to receive approval to treat ADHD.
Strattera was also the first medication to be approved for treatingadults with ADHD.
It can be prescribed for people 6 years of age and older.
Adderall
Adderall is a brand name for the combination of drugs dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.
It belongs to the amphetamine drug family.
The FDA approved this medication in 1996.
In addition to ADHD, Adderall is also approved to treat narcolepsy.
It can be prescribed to people ages 6 and up.
Adderall acts on the central nervous system by blocking the reuptake of two specificneurotransmittersin the brain:dopamineand norepinephrine.
Strattera also affects the reuptake of norepinephrine, but it is a non-stimulant medication.
ADHD Treatment Choices
ADHD medication is divided into two categories: first-line medications and second-line medications.
Stimulant medications like Adderall are known to be the most effective treatment for ADHD.
As such, they are considered first-line medication.
Non-stimulant medications like Strattera are second-line medications.
While not as effective as stimulants, they can still be effective forADHD symptoms.
Research has shown that compared to a placebo, Strattera reduced hyperactive and inattentive symptoms in adults.
However, 40% of the research participants still reported significant ADHD symptoms.
Although stimulants are the most effective medication for ADHD, they don’t work for everyone.
In some cases, a non-stimulant medication like Strattera is an option.
However, in cases ofbipolar disorder, Strattera can precipitate mania since it has antidepressant effects.
It can also increase blood pressure in people with cardiac conditions.
Because stimulants are known for their efficacy in the treatment of ADHD, Adderall is considered a first-line treatment.
While second-line treatments such as Strattera may be less effective, they can still be helpful for relieving symptoms.
Forms and Dosages
Always take prescription medicine as directed.
Strattera and Adderall come in a few different forms and dosage options.
Generic versions of Strattera are also available in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
By contrast, Strattera needs to be taken every day.
Both Strattera and Adderall are available in different dosing ranges as well as in brand name and generic forms.
This usually means fewer side effects as the body adjusts to the medication.
Both Strattera and Adderall can cause weight loss.
In the past, patients had electrocardiography (EKG) screenings if a stimulant medication was prescribed.
Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Risk of Abuse
Adderall is a schedule-IIcontrolled substance.
This means there’s the potential for abuse and that extended use might cause dependence.
When stimulant medications are prescribed at appropriate doses and taken as prescribed, the risk of potentialaddictionis low.
However, you should always store your medication safely and you should never share your medication with other people.
It works by inhibiting norepinephrine uptake, rather than significantly affecting dopamine.
It takes several weeks for the medication to take effect, making it difficult to abuse.
Adderall can lead to dependence, which means you may experiencesymptoms of withdrawalif you stop taking it.
When you stop taking Adderall, norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain suddenly decrease.
Adderall has two black box warnings.
The first is to highlight the potential for abuse.
The second is to warn about cardiac events.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Summary
Adderall and Strattera can both be effective for managing symptoms of attention disorders.
While Adderall is considered a first-line treatment, it may not be the right choice for everyone.
Talk to your doctor about your options to decide which medication may be right for you.
If your side effects last longer or are severe, talk to your doctor.
Strattera should not cause withdrawal symptoms.
Common withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, mood changes, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.
Adderall is a first-line treatment as is considered effective in the treatment of ADHD.
Strattera is considered a second-line treatment, but it is still effective for the treatment of ADHD symptoms.
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American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.
