The medications listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only.
Their inclusion does not guarantee they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers.
Stimulant prescriptions (such as Adderall or Vyvanse) are only available through ADHDAdvisor in the following states:
Atomoxetine has a United States (US) boxed warning for suicidal ideation in children and adolescents. An analysis of multiple short-term trials revealed increased suicidal ideation in children and adolescents treated with atomoxetine (0.4%) compared to those treated with a placebo (0%). Children and adolescents who start on atomoxetine require close monitoring for suicidal ideation and unusual changes in behavior. Clinicians should always perform a risk-benefit analysis before starting anyone on atomoxetine.
What is Strattera (Atomoxetine)?
Strattera (generic name: atomoxetine) is a prescription medication primarily used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Unlike many ADHD medications, Strattera is not a stimulant and does not carry the same risks of misuse or dependency. Atomoxetine was the first non-stimulant to get FDA approval for children 6+ and adults with ADHD. This makes it an attractive option for individuals seeking alternatives to stimulant treatments like Adderall or Ritalin.
While stimulants can work quickly and feel like flipping a switch on in your brain, Strattera takes a slower, steadier approach. Its gradual onset can actually be a big plus if you’re sensitive to the “jolt” of stimulants, worried about side effects, or struggling with anxiety.
Designed to improve focus, attention, and impulse control, Strattera is a valuable choice for a wide range of ADHD patients.
What Symptoms Does Strattera Treat?
Strattera is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults.
It is particularly effective in managing core ADHD symptoms such as:
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
By improving these areas, Strattera can significantly enhance a patient’s ability to function effectively in school, work, and personal relationships.
Inattention
For those struggling with inattention, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. Strattera helps by improving focus and reducing distractions, enabling individuals to complete tasks more efficiently.
Whether it’s following through on work projects or staying engaged in conversations, increased attention can make a noticeable difference in daily productivity.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity manifests as a constant need to move, fidget, or stay active, which can disrupt both personal and professional environments. Strattera helps calm this restlessness, allowing patients to feel more at ease and focused during activities that require sustained attention.
This can be particularly beneficial for children in classroom settings and adults in structured work environments.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity leads to acting without thinking, such as interrupting others, making hasty decisions, or struggling with self-control. Strattera reduces impulsive behavior by helping regulate thought processes, making it easier to pause and consider actions before proceeding.
Over time, this can improve relationships, decision-making, and emotional well-being.
Emotional Dysregulation
While not the primary focus of ADHD treatment, many individuals with ADHD experience difficulty managing emotions. Strattera may indirectly help by improving overall mood stability through better control of core symptoms.
This can lead to fewer emotional outbursts and a greater sense of calm.
Benefits Beyond ADHD Symptoms
Improving these symptoms often leads to secondary benefits, such as better sleep, enhanced self-esteem, and greater satisfaction in interpersonal relationships.
For children, this can mean more positive school experiences, while adults may find their work and home lives running more smoothly.
Strattera’s targeted approach to symptom management ensures that individuals can better navigate the challenges of ADHD and lead more balanced, fulfilling lives.
By addressing inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, Strattera plays a pivotal role in creating opportunities for success in all areas of life.
How Does Strattera Work?
Strattera belongs to a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating attention and impulse control, making it easier to pause before reacting, follow through on tasks, and manage emotional ups and downs.
Unlike stimulants, which affect dopamine levels and provide immediate effects, Strattera takes time to build up in the body. This slower mechanism reduces the likelihood of side effects associated with stimulants, such as jitteriness or insomnia, while still delivering significant symptom relief.
You might notice it’s working when:
- You can finish a work task without bouncing between your other 18 open tabs.
- The mountain of dishes and laundry feels manageable rather than a crisis you need to avoid by any distraction possible.
- You catch yourself pausing before interrupting someone, and you don’t blow up in anger as often.
Research also shows that Strattera is effective when ADHD comes with other conditions, like anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder—which is common for people navigating ADHD.
Who Can Take Strattera?
Strattera is FDA-approved for ADHD in children 6+, teens, and adults, though at ADHD Advisor, we only work with adults 18 and older.
That said, Strattera isn’t right for everyone. It may not be recommended if you have:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Heart or blood vessel problems
- Other conditions and medications
- Recently taken an MAOI (a type of antidepressant)
- Family or personal history of depression, thoughts of suicide, or bipolar disorder
There’s also an important boxed warning: Strattera may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults. This doesn’t mean everyone will experience this side effect, but it’s something that needs careful monitoring, especially early in treatment.
How Long Does Strattera Take to Work?
Strattera doesn’t work instantly. Many patients begin noticing improvements in their symptoms within one to three weeks, though it can take up to six weeks for the medication to reach its full effectiveness.
The gradual onset allows healthcare providers to adjust dosages carefully to suit individual needs, minimizing side effects while optimizing benefits.
Who Can Prescribe Strattera?
To legally obtain a prescription for Strattera, you must consult a licensed medical professional.
Qualified prescribers include:
- Primary care physicians (PCPs)
- Psychiatrists
- Medical Doctors (MDs)
- Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)
- Family Physicians
- Neurologists
- Nurse practitioners or physician assistants (in certain cases if they are properly credentialed)
Through ADHDAdvisor, you’ll connect with licensed healthcare providers experienced in ADHD treatment, ensuring you receive a safe and appropriate prescription.
Dosages and Administration
Dosing is prescribed by a licensed clinician, and it’s important to keep them up to date on any side effects right away.
The general dosage recommendations are:
- Children and adolescents up to 70kg:
- Initial dose: 0.5mg/kg
- Target: 1.2mg/kg
- Up to: 1.4 mg/kg
- Children and Adults 70kg or more:
- Initial dose: 40mg/day
- Target: 80 mg
- Up to: 100mg
Since Strattera isn’t a stimulant, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not fast-acting. While stimulant medications can kick in within hours, Strattera usually takes several weeks before you feel its full effect.
In the early weeks, you might catch yourself thinking, “Is this even working?” But many people notice small improvements over time, like being able to finish a task without as much internal resistance or feeling less scattered in day-to-day life.
Side Effects and Risks
Every medication comes with its risks. Some of the most common side effects of Strattera (atomoxetine) include:
- Dry mouth
- Mood swings
- Unusual dreams
- Excessive tiredness
- Headaches, dizziness
- Appetite and weight loss
- Gas, heartburn, constipation
- Decreased sex drive and ability
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
- Muscle pain, sweating, hot flashes
- Burning or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
If you notice any side effects becoming severe or not going away, call your doctor right away. There are also more severe side effects that require you to call your doctor immediately:
- Chest pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Faintness, dizziness
- Upper right stomach pain
- Fast or irregular heartbeats
- Skin issues: itchy, rashes, hives, yellowing
- Hallucinations, abnormal thoughts, seizures
The FDA also maintains the box warning of atomoxtine’s increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and young adults.
Strattera vs. Other ADHD Medications
With so many options, choosing an ADHD medication might feel overwhelming, but the good news is you can talk to your clinician and bring up your questions and concerns. To get a basic idea of some ADHD treatment options, here’s how Strattera compares to other ADHD medications:
- Strattera vs. Stimulants (Adderall or Ritalin): Stimulants act fast; you’ll notice it within an hour or two (kind of like a triple espresso). Strattera can take weeks, using a slow and steady change in brain chemistry. While that might feel frustrating, it also means less chance of addiction and abuse.
- The same goes for side effects; stimulants can come with anxiety and trouble sleeping the same day. With Strattera, you might start waking up a few weeks in feeling queasier in the morning or more tired than usual while your body adjusts.
- Strattera vs. Viloxazine (Qelbree): Another non-stimulant that may or may not work better for you — it can be a bit of a “try it and see” game with ADHD medications. Both build up gradually in your system, so patience is part of the process either way.
- Strattera vs. Guanfacine or Clonidine: These are adrenergic agonists; completely different from the rest. They don’t aim to increase norepinephrine like the others, but instead “tune it down,” acting more like a sedative. They’re more often recommended for people with severe hyperactivity and emotional outbursts.
How To Get A Strattera Prescription Online
One of the biggest frustrations with getting ADHD medication online is all the different state laws around stimulant prescriptions. In some places, you can’t get Adderall or Ritalin through telehealth at all (or because of shortages).
Non-stimulants like Strattera can make ADHD care a bit easier. Since it’s not a controlled substance, ADHD Advisor’s clinicians can prescribe it to adults all across the US.
ADHD Advisor Process
Here’s how we made an online ADHD test with diagnosis and medical treatment as easy as possible:
- Fill out the online intake form.
- Schedule your telehealth evaluation for your ADHD diagnosis confirmation.
- Get your clinician’s treatment plan, which may include therapy, non-stimulants, or stimulants if eligible.
- Strattera (atomoxetine) is available nationwide as a non-stimulant ADHD option
- Attend your follow-up visits for dose and symptom monitoring.
How Much Does Strattera Cost?
One of the upsides of Strattera is that it’s available in a generic form, atomoxetine, which usually means a lower price tag. Most pharmacies across the U.S. stock it, and you don’t have to worry about shortages as much as stimulants. For example, you can only get stimulants like Adderall online in a few select states, like Texas or Florida (check your state-specific page).
With ADHD Advisor, payment is straightforward: there’s no direct insurance billing. Instead, you’ll get a superbill you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
FAQs
Is Strattera FDA-approved for ADHD?
Yes. Strattera (atomoxetine) was the first non-stimulant to get FDA approval for treating ADHD.
Can ADHD Advisor prescribe Strattera?
Yes. ADHD Advisor can prescribe Strattera (atomoxetine) online nationwide for adults.
Is Strattera addictive?
No. Strattera isn’t a stimulant, and it’s not a controlled substance, so there’s little abuse potential.
How does Strattera compare to stimulants?
Strattera builds gradually (a few weeks). Meanwhile, you can notice stimulants’ effects within an hour or two, which also creates a higher risk of addiction and abuse.
What are the main risks of Strattera?
The most common side effects of Strattera are tiredness, insomnia, nausea, stomach pain, headaches, appetite loss, sexual difficulties, and dry mouth. As for serious side effects, the FDA warns of a risk of suicidality in children and young adults.







