What Is Strattera?
Strattera is a prescription-only medication used to treat attention deficit disorder, with or without hyperactivity, in children and adults. The active ingredient of Strattera is atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Unlike most other medications used for ADHD, Strattera is not a stimulant; it is more closely related to antidepressants than to amphetamines.
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Time Frame
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Because of Strattera's mode of action, it takes much longer for it to start working than stimulant medications. Three to four weeks may pass before symptoms improve. Strattera may be taken once or twice daily. It is equally effective regardless of which way it is taken, but a once-daily dosage is more convenient for most people. Gastrointestinal side effects may be less pronounced if Strattera is taken twice a day.
Function
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Strattera works by inhibiting the reuptake of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. As a result, norepinephrine levels rise, which affect the brain's function. It is unknown why increased norepinephrine levels improve attention span and concentration in people who have ADHD. Because Strattera works directly on the brain, many of the side effects associated with this medication are caused by changes to brain function.
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Effects
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Strattera's side effects are very different than those caused by stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. The most common side effects associated with Strattera include irritability, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, cough, dry mouth, itchy skin, erectile dysfunction and loss of libido. Although weight loss and slow growth are less common in children who use Strattera, these effects can still occur.
Considerations
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Compared to stimulant medications for ADHD, Strattera has both advantages and disadvantages. Unlike stimulants, Strattera is not a controlled substance; this means that your doctor can write prescriptions with refills. Strattera is not a drug of abuse, so there is no need to worry about dependence or addiction while using this drug. However, stimulant medications work much more quickly and are usually more effective than Strattera.
Warning
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Strattera is closely related to SSRI antidepressants and also has been associated with an increased risk of suicide, especially in children. It is important to closely monitor children who take this medication and to report suicidal thoughts or behavior to a doctor. The risk of suicide while taking Strattera is highest in children who have psychological problems, especially depression, and is most likely to occur during the first few months the medication is used.
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