Strattera vs Adderall for ADHD: Which Is Better?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms can affect nearly all, if not all, areas of a person’s life. This is true for adults and kids both who live with ADHD. 

Medication is a common treatment option that can be used on its own or alongside other forms of care and support for ADHD. As a parent, it is normal to have questions about medication options for ADHD, what the risks are, and what starting medication for ADHD might entail. 

If you are exploring medication options to treat ADHD symptoms in your child, you may have heard of two common prescription medications; Strattera and Adderall. So, when it comes to Strattera vs Adderall for ADHD, which is better? Let’s explore the differences and similarities.

What Is Strattera?

Strattera is classified as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), unlike other ADHD medications. It’s used to treat ADHD in children, teens, and adults aged six or older. This medication gained FDA approval in 2002.

One of the main differences between Strattera and Adderall is that Strattera is not a stimulant ADHD medication. This sets Strattera apart from many other popular ADHD medications and may be appealing to some. Unlike stimulant medication, you have to take Strattera daily and are not advised to take breaks from the ADHD medication on weekends and over the summer.

What Is Adderall XR?

Adderall XR is a medication that’s used to treat ADHD in children, teens, and adults aged three or older. However, for the extended-release version, a person must be aged six or above. Unlike Strattera, it is a stimulant medication. Stimulant medication has a high rate of efficacy for those with ADHD, helping 70-80% of those with ADHD improve their symptoms. Because of this, stimulant medications are typically the first line of treatment for ADHD.

Strattera vs Adderall

To start, let’s compare some basic information including the pros and cons of Strattera vs. Adderall and how they’re taken among individuals with ADHD.

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Many individuals use a combination of medication and forms of support or techniques to address ADHD. Examples of other treatments that may be used alongside or independent of medication include but aren’t limited to parent training, behavior therapy, and games.

At school, kids may benefit from IEPs, tutoring, and other forms of support. At home and throughout the day, kids may benefit from behavior or routine charts, specific parenting techniques or approaches, steady nutrition, and having an active hobby to use as an outlet. 

Side Effects

There are a number of common side effects affiliated with both Strattera and Adderall, some of which are common and some of which are rare. Here are some of the common potential side effects affiliated with each medication. 

Strattera

Some of the possible side effects of Strattera include:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Changes in mood
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite, a decrease in weight
• Difficulty sleeping or sleep disorders
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Adderall

Some of the possible side effects of Adderall include:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Higher blood pressure
• Changes in mood
• Dry mouth
• Lowered appetite
• Weight loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Headaches

When medication is prescribed for a condition such as ADHD, it is because the member of your childcare team who prescribes it has determined that the benefits may outweigh the risks.

Discuss any concerns you have with your child’s doctor and look out for side effects so that you can make a call if there is any cause for concern. Some side effects of both Strattera and Adderall may dissipate as a person adjusts to their medication, whereas others may not.

Risks and Drug Interactions

There are risks and drug interactions associated with both Strattera and Adderall. Here are some risks and drug interactions to discuss with your or your child’s prescribing doctor:

Strattera 

Risks associated with Strattera include suicidal thoughts or ideation, heart problems, slowed growth in children, and psychosis. 311 medications are said to have the potential to interact with Strattera, 78 of which may be major or serious. 

Before beginning Strattera for ADHD, patients that are experiencing symptoms of depression should be screened for bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder and ADHD can share very similar symptoms.

Adderall

Risks associated with Adderall include slowed growth in children, serotonin syndrome, and heart problems. Adderall can be habit-forming. As for drug interactions, there are around 180 possible drug interactions affiliated with Adderall, 36 of which can be serious.

Withdrawal symptoms of Adderall may include depression, agitation, fatigue, and an increase in appetite. With this in mind, an individual should consult with their doctor if they choose to discontinue Adderall. 

Standard medical monitoring via regular doctor’s visits, as well as letting a prescribing physician know about any and every supplement or medication you or your child takes, can prevent the above concerns. It is also important to discuss the other medical conditions or concerns your child has (for example, seizures, mental health conditions, and pre-existing heart problems) before they start taking medication for ADHD. 

Effectiveness and Dosage

The exact dosage of medication your child should take will be determined by their doctor based on factors such as age, weight, and how long they’ve been on the medication. Here’s what we know about the effectiveness and dosage of Strattera vs. Adderall:

Strattera

Studies show that Strattera or Atomoxetine taken once daily improves ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. Some people have a known preference for Strattera over stimulant medications that are considered controlled substances. The daily dosage of Strattera can range from 10mg to 100mg. 

Adderall

Some studies suggest that Adderall XR may be more effective than Strattera for individuals who live with ADHD. Adderall tablets range from 5 mg to 30 mg, and the same is true for Adderall XR capsules, though the doses available may be different. Individuals may take anywhere from 5 mg to 60 mg of Adderall daily. Some kids may start out at 2.5 mg of Adderall if they’re between the ages of 3 and 5. 

It isn’t uncommon for individuals to prefer one prescription medication over another and this is certainly true for ADHD treatments. Everybody reacts to medication differently, so although some individuals may prefer, for example, Adderall, another individual may find that they respond better to Strattera and have a preference for it. Some people try different medications over a period of time or change medications to find the best fit.

A medication routine should never be changed, stopped, or started without the supervision of a prescribing physician, such as a psychiatrist or primary care physician/pediatrician. 

Cost

Cost is another area where many medications differ from one another. While it is important to note that cost can vary by year and may change over time, let’s compare the cost of Strattera vs. the cost of Adderall based on the median or average wholesale price of these medications:

Strattera

The wholesale price of Strattera may range from $206.00 to $241.00 for a monthly supply. No matter what medication you take, it is common for prices to vary based on factors like where you live, how much you or your child takes, and the pharmacy you go to. So, this may not be the exact price you pay - it could be lower or higher.

Adderall

Perhaps because Adderall has been around for quite some time, it appears that it’s frequently one of the least expensive ADHD medications, alongside Ritalin and a few other similar medications.

The wholesale price of Adderall ranges from $45.00 to $246.00 for a monthly supply, depending on factors such as whether or not the medication is generic and what the daily dose is. Like with Strattera, too, the price could be lower or higher based on a range of factors, such as the pharmacy you go to.

There are a number of different ways to cut the cost of your or your child’s medication. Health insurance and manufacturer coupons directly from the company, which you may be able to find online, may be helpful.

If you have trouble covering the cost of your medication, let your prescribing professional and/or pharmacist know and ask if they know of any solutions. You can also compare the cost of these medications at different pharmacies near you.

Takeaway

ADHD can affect various areas of a person's life, from their home life to work and school to social situations. Treatment can make a difference, and medication is a common, recommended treatment for ADHD that can be used alongside other forms of care.

When it comes to Strattera vs. Adderall for ADHD, which one should you opt for, and which is better? Learning about different ADHD treatment options can help you make an informed choice for your family and brainstorm questions to ask your prescribing physician.

It may take some trial and error to find out what works best for you and your family. As for which is better, the answer may vary from person to person. However, both Strattera and Adderall are valid, efficacious medication options for those who live with ADHD.

This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice. Please consult with your or your child's prescribing doctor before changing, starting, or stopping a medication routine.