The medication is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. These drugs are thought to work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This chemical messenger impacts behavioral control, attention, motivation, memory, and learning.
Strattera has been shown to work as well as stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin (methylphennidate), in reducing ADHD related symptoms in children and adolescents.
This article explains how Strattera works. It also covers its warnings, as well as what research on Strattera has found.
What Does Strattera Do?
Exactly how Strattera works is unknown. But, it is thought to help reduce symptoms of ADHD by increasing the norepinephrine levels in the brain.
Norepinephrine is associate with managing your:
Level of awarenessLevel of arousalMotivationAbility to focusMemory consolidation and retrieval, which describes processing and converting new memories into long-term memories, as well as the ability to access older memoriesLearning abilitiesFeelings of reward
Within one to two weeks, you may begin to notice a symptom reduction. However, it can take up to six weeks before you notice a significant change.
What Are the Warnings for Strattera?
Strattera has an FDA warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. If your child is using this medication, be sure to watch for:
New or increased thoughts of suicide Any changes in mood or behavior Increased irritability or anxiousness
Watch your child especially closely during the first few months of treatment and during any dose changes. Reach out to their healthcare provider right away if you notice anything concerning.
This warning doesn’t mean that your child can’t be prescribed Strattera or that they should stop taking it if it is working well for them. Instead, the benefits of taking Strattera should be weighed against the possible risks of the drug.
In addition to this warning, your healthcare provider will not prescribe or will recommend stopping Strattera if there are signs of:
Liver injury Heart conditions High blood pressure Increased aggressive behavior Allergic reaction
Never stop Strattera without a provider’s OK.
Research on Strattera
Research on Strattera indicates:
This medication is as effective as stimulant drugs in improving school and social related functioning impacted by symptoms of ADHD. Some individuals, especially children, may have difficulty swallowing the capsule. Research on a liquid form of atomoxetine found that it works as well as the capsule and tastes acceptable. In clinical trials, common side effects for children and adolescents included nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, exhaustion, and an upset stomach. Long-term studies have found that children’s growth seemed to slow during the start of treatment. However, it tended to return to expected averages after two years. This seemed to impact younger children more than adolescents. Strattera is processed by the liver and can lead to drug interactions with other medications that may increase its effects. Examples include certain antidepressant medications like Paxil (paroxetine) and Prozac (fluoxetine), as well as the heart medication Quinidex (quinidine).
Summary
Strattera is a non-stimulant drug used to treat symptoms of ADHD in adults and children over the age of 6. It is thought to work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain, which are associated with awareness, motivation, learning, memory, and ability to focus.
Strattera has an FDA warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. If your child is taking this medication, reach out to their doctor right away if you notice any concerning changes in their behavior.
A Word From Verywell
Since it is not a controlled substance, Strattera is available with a regular prescription. This means that doctors can call it into a pharmacy and order refills, unlike stimulants, which require a new prescription each month.
Your child’s pediatrician may have samples available for them to try.
