How Strattera Works for ADHD Treatment

Medical Disclaimer

The medicines listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only. Just because they are on the list doesn’t mean that anyone will be prescribed them; in the end, treatment decisions are up to the healthcare providers. This is not a complete list of all the medicines that can be prescribed. Depending on the patient’s specific health needs and circumstances, doctors may prescribe other medicines, even those that don’t contain stimulants.

Several drugs may be used to treat ADHD, but the two most often recommended are stimulants and non-stimulants. Strattera is a popular non-stimulant medication, also known by its generic name, Atomoxetine. This medicine has FDA approval ⁽¹⁾ for treating ADHD.

This article will detail Strattera, so you can learn more about how it may help you overcome ADHD symptoms, among other things.

• How Strattera Works
• What does it treat?
• Dosage Options
• Side Effects
• Treatment Duration
• How to stop taking Strattera

How Does Strattera Work for ADHD?

Strattera has long been touted as the first non-stimulant ADHD medication. It is used to treat the distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that are characteristic of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or NET inhibitor.

ADHD patients often have low ⁽²⁾ norepinephrine levels. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that helps to maintain alertness and control under stress. Strattera treats ADHD by increasing the amount of norepinephrine available to the brain.

Strattera ⁽³⁾ has been shown to enhance quality of life and reduce emotional instability in adults and children with ADHD, while also addressing other symptoms, including inattention.

Benefits of Strattera for ADHD

A data ⁽⁴⁾ evaluation found that over 50% of persons with ADHD still benefited from Strattera’s favorable effects six months after discontinuing the drug. According to research, most ADHD patients with frequent co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorder may take Strattera safely and successfully.

Dosage

Strattera dose varies per patient, depending on their symptoms and weight. Typically, a doctor ⁽⁵⁾ begins with the lowest dosage and progressively raises it until the symptoms are controlled. The highest suggested dose is 100 mg per day.

Strattera capsules are available in the following strengths: 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg. Time-release medications may also be used to maintain the drug level in your body consistently throughout the day.

• The typical doses for people weighing over 70 kg are as follows:
• The first dosage is 40 milligrams per day.
• The target dosage is 80-90 mg per day.
• The maximum dosage is 100 mg per day.

The dosage may be gradually raised after at least three days.

Side Effects of Strattera.

Strattera often causes the following adverse effects:

• Constipation
• The first dosage is 40 milligrams per day.
• Reduced appetite
• Urinary issues.
• Hives
• Itching
• Fainting
• An irregular heartbeat
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Painful menstruation
• Stomach upset.

How Does Strattera Make You Feel?

Strattera, a non-stimulant ADHD drug, takes some time (typically 4 weeks or more) to provide the intended results. However, side effects such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping may appear rapidly (but don’t let that deter you from taking it!).

One of the most notable differences between stimulants and non-stimulants is the time it takes for Strattera to take effect. Strattera’s impact lasts around 24 hours and is taken once daily, so there are no ups and downs if used regularly. Stimulants, on the other hand, often act instantly and have a short half-life, generally less than 24 hours.

Non-stimulants also have substantially fewer withdrawal symptoms and negative side effects. Finally, one of Strattera’s benefits over stimulants is that it does not cause anxiety.

Do You Have to Wean Off Strattera?

Strattera is not considered a restricted drug. The majority of persons who stop taking medicine experience fairly moderate withdrawal symptoms. This is explained by the fact that Strattera predominantly targets norepinephrine, and more severe withdrawal symptoms may be linked with medicines that affect dopamine or serotonin, for example. If patients have withdrawal symptoms while using Strattera, they often resolve rapidly.

Conclusion

Strattera may assist ADHD individuals in improve their attention, focus, and concentration and decreasing fidgeting after they begin taking it. However, speak with a psychiatrist or another medical specialist to determine the best pharmaceutical choice for ADHD in adults.