Is Strattera Right for You? An Overview of this Non-Stimulant ADHD Treatment

Research suggests that children taking amantadine have shown improvements in fatigue, arousal level, distractibility, attention, and concentration. When this is the case, doctors may prescribe a nonstimulant instead. These medications range from those developed specifically for ADHD to antidepressants and other off-label prescriptions. 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.

Antidepressant Therapy for ADHD

If a patient experiences severe side effects, a clinician may want to consider giving them a lower dose. When this happens, one possibility is that the patient happens to be a slow metabolizer. So whereas someone who metabolizes Strattera rapidly may need a higher dose to see results, another individual may see results with a lower dose, which is also easier for their body to tolerate. There’s no way to know where you fall on the spectrum, so expect to go through a trial period in the beginning of treatment.

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 usually takes longer to see results from nonstimulant medications than from stimulant drugs. In adults and children with both ADHD symptoms and depression, antidepressant medications called tricyclic antidepressants have been found to be useful. Another type of antidepressant called monoamine oxidase inhibitors is also occasionally used. Learn about the difference between norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Health On the Net Foundation

Your heart rate, blood pressure, height, and weight may also need to be checked often. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine. However, these medications are known to have more difficult side effects in some people (especially those with heart problems), which may limit their use. An immediate-release form of guanfacine (Tenex) is also prescribed off-label though it’s not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD.

Link Between Risk Factors for ADHD and Criminal Conviction?

This dose is usually maintained for a minimum of 3 days before increasing to a target dose of approximately 1.2 mg/kg/day. For children and adolescents strattera non stimulant weighing more than 70 kg and adults, the Strattera starting dose for adults is usually 40 mg/day, which can be increased to a maximum of 100 mg/day. When compared to other ADHD medications, Strattera’s effectiveness is generally considered comparable to that of stimulants, albeit with a different side effect profile and onset of action. While stimulants may provide more immediate symptom relief, Strattera’s effects build over time, potentially leading to more stable and consistent improvement.

• The safety of single doses over 120 mg and total daily doses above 150 mg have not been evaluated.
• Some patients may experience optimal results when Strattera is combined with behavioral therapies or other non-pharmacological interventions.
• This can be particularly important for individuals with a history of substance abuse or in situations where the potential for medication misuse is a concern.
• This is because alcohol and Strattera can cause some of the same side effects.
• For example, while insomnia is more likely to occur with twice daily dosing, reduced appetite and nausea/vomiting are less likely to occur.
• It can be difficult to deal with the symptoms of ADHD, but there are many effective treatments available.

Related/similar drugs

• Contact our clinic today to explore what might work for you or your child.
• Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD.
• In an emergency, call 988 to speak to counselors via the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
• Strattera generic is now available under the active ingredient name atomoxetine.
• Norepinephrine plays a vital role in regulating attention, impulse control, and executive functions—all areas affected by ADHD.

It blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline), allowing it to work longer. This action may help boost attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, other non-stimulants that can be used to treat ADHD include guanfacine, clonidine, and certain antidepressant drugs. If used for a long time, Strattera may affect a child’s growth rate, weight, and final adult height. To reduce the risk, the doctor may recommend briefly stopping the medication occasionally. Check the child’s weight and height regularly, and consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Benefits of Strattera for ADHD

Use our ADHD medication log to help find the dosage that works best for your child. And know the signs that your child’s ADHD medication might need fine-tuning. Generally, this is the first line of drug treatment for children with ADHD and ADD. This chart allows you to closely compare stimulants and non-stimulants.

Below is a chart detailing the different factors of this medication. The effects of Strattera on children under 6 and on the elderly have not been studied.

But, with Strattera, the available literature shows no acute side effects occur as a result of abrupt discontinuation. Strattera’s non-stimulant nature also means it has a lower potential for abuse and dependence compared to stimulants. This can be particularly important for individuals with a history of substance abuse or in situations where the potential for medication misuse is a concern. When comparing Strattera to stimulant medications like Adderall or Ritalin, several key differences emerge. Stimulants typically provide more rapid symptom relief, often within an hour of taking the medication. Strattera, conversely, may take several weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect.

Other side effects in children include dizziness, moodiness, and tiredness. Venlafaxine (Effexor and Effexor XR) is a newer antidepressant that boosts the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. 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.