Strattera versus vyvanse
Similarities, differences, and how to choose
The Food and Drugs Administration have approved Strattera and Vyvanse to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) have different mechanisms of action to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Strattera is a nonstimulant drug while Vyvanse is a stimulant. There are some differences in their side effects, dosages, risks, and drug interactions.
This article looks at the similarities and differences between Strattera and Vyvanse to help people make decisions about treatment for ADHD.
Share on PinterestA doctor may prescribe Strattera to treat ADHD.Image credit: gloom 2010
Atomoxetine, the active ingredient in Strattera, is the best known nonstimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Strattera is technically an antidepressant drug, which doctors classify as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Doctors prescribe other SNRI medications to treat depression, but they only prescribe Strattera to treat ADHD.
Strattera works by changing the way a person’s brain uses norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter, or brain chemical. Norepinephrine affects a person’s ability to pay attention. Strattera acts on this system to help improve a person’s attention span.
Although nonstimulant medications, such as Strattera, are effective for treating ADHD, they do not work as well as stimulant drugs. They are, however, a better choice for people who do not tolerate stimulants well or have problems with anxiety, which stimulants can adversely affect.
Vyvanse is a stimulant medication belonging to the amphetamine subgroup. Like Strattera, Vyvanse also affects how the brain uses neurotransmitters.
Vyvanse and other amphetamines block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter connected to mood, attention, and motivation.
Researchers believe low levels of dopamine and the symptoms of ADHD are linked. Therefore, Vyvanse can help improve the way the brain uses dopamine to assist with symptoms related to attention or motivation.
People also take Vyvanse for the treatment of binge eating disorder in adults.
Doctors classify Vyvanse and other stimulant medications for ADHD as Schedule II drugs, meaning they have a high potential for abuse.
Adults and children aged 6 years or older can take Strattera or Vyvanse to help manage the symptoms of ADHD.
Typically, a doctor will start a person on the lowest dose of medication and gradually increase the dosage as appropriate. Factors such as age and weight will influence the dose a person takes.
People can take both medications with or without food. Taking Vyvanse in the morning will help a person avoid insomnia at night.
Strattera and Vyvanse both come in capsule form. Vyvanse also comes in chewable tablets.
Strattera
Strattera capsules come in the following doses:
- 10 mg
- 18 mg
- 25 mg
- 40 mg
- 60 mg
- 80 mg
- 100 mg
The dosage varies depending on a person’s body weight and age.
Children who weigh less than 70 kilograms (kg) should start Strattera at a dose of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) and increase this to a target total daily dose of 1.2 mg/kg per day.
Children and adolescents should not take more than 1.4 mg/kg or 100 mg (whichever is less).
Children who weigh more than 70 kg and adults can start at a dose of 40 mg per day and increase this to a target dose of 80 mg per day. After 2–4 weeks, people can increase to 100 mg daily if they have not achieved an ideal response. This dose is the maximum daily dose.
People should swallow the capsules whole rather than breaking them apart.
Typically, people do not need to taper Strattera before discontinuing.
Vyvanse
Share on PinterestVyvanse comes in the form of both capsules and chewable tablets.
Vyvanse capsules come in the following doses:
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
- 40 mg
- 50 mg
- 60 mg
- 70 mg
Vyvanse chewable tablets come in the following doses:
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
- 40 mg
- 50 mg
- 60 mg
People aged 6 and over can start taking 30 mg of Vyvanse daily.
A doctor may increase the dosage by 10 or 20 mg every week to achieve the desired response. The maximum daily dose is 70 mg daily. The recommended dose is 30–70 mg.
People who take Vyvanse for binge eating disorder also start on an initial dose of 30 mg. They can increase this by 20 mg a week up to a maximum of 70 mg. The recommended dose is 30–70 mg.
People can swallow Vyvanse capsules whole or open the capsule and mix the powder with yogurt, juice, or water.
Vyvanse chewable tablets contain a dosage that is equivalent to the capsule. A person should chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing.
Strattera and Vyvanse appear to have similar side effect profiles. Although Strattera may also lead to side effects of sexual dysfunction.
Common side effects of Strattera include:
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue
- irritability
- weight loss
- poor appetite
- headache
- sleepiness
- dizziness
- rash
- heart racing
- dry mouth
- constipation
- chills
- numbness and tingling
- insomnia
- trouble urinating
- erectile dysfunction or ejaculation disorder
- increased sweating or hot flashes
Common side effects of Vyvanse include:
- decreased appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- abdominal pain
- irritability
- vomiting
- weight loss
- nausea
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- rash
- heart racing
- tremor
- diarrhea
- anxiety
- agitation
- increased sweating
- shortness of breath
There are some risks a person should be aware of when considering Strattera or Vyvanse.
Since Vyvanse contains a stimulant, it carries a high risk of abuse and dependence.
Both Strattera and Vyvanse have the potential to cause sudden cardiac death and raise blood pressure or heart rate. People who have known underlying heart problems should avoid these medications.
Both Strattera and Vyvanse can induce psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations or mania in children and adolescents, even in those without a known history of psychotic disorder.
Additionally, Strattera has links to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. A doctor should monitor people who begin taking Strattera or Vyvanse for changes in behavior.
Strattera and Vyvanse may interfere with growth and weight in children, and therefore, a doctor should monitor the child’s growth.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Click here for more links and local resources.
Strattera and Vyvanse may interact with certain medications. A person should always tell their doctor about all of the other medicines they take, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies.
Strattera and Vyvanse may interact with other medications used for depression, including monoamine oxidase reuptake inhibitors (MAOIs), serotonergic drugs, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
Some medications, including quinidine and ritonavir, can affect the metabolism of Strattera or Vyvanse, resulting in higher levels of the drug in the body.
Share on PinterestA doctor can explain the benefits, risks, and side effects of either drug.
Both medications are effective in improving the symptoms of ADHD.
Stimulants like Vyvanse are the most common drug for treating ADHD. However, nonstimulant medications such as Strattera may be a better option for some people, especially those who are not able to tolerate stimulants.
A person should talk to their doctor about the benefits, risks, and side effects of taking different ADHD medications. The doctor will develop an individualized treatment plan to fit what is best for that person.
Strattera and Vyvanse are medications that treat the symptoms of ADHD. Vyvanse contains amphetamine, which is a stimulant. Strattera does not contain a stimulant. Children over the age of 6, as well as adults, can take these medications.
The two medications have different mechanisms of action to treat ADHD. They also carry individual risks and side effects.
People should discuss with their doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment for ADHD symptoms.
Q:
Is it safe to take Strattera and Vyvanse together?
A:
Strattera and Vyvanse do not have a direct drug interaction, but it is not common to take both together. However, there are some situations when someone might be taking both. Strattera has a delayed onset of action, and a person might take Vyvanse to help bridge or treat their ADHD symptoms while the Strattera takes effect. Once the Strattera has time to start working, the person would stop using Vyvanse and continue only taking the Strattera.
Dena Westphalen, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Strattera vs. Vyvanse: Comparing Two ADHD Drugs
Introduction
Strattera and Vyvanse are FDA-approved drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
However, these prescription medications are not the same. Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Vyvanse is a stimulant. These drugs work in distinct ways, and they carry separate risks of side effects.
Strattera
Strattera is the brand name for the drug atomoxetine hydrochloride. Though many SNRIs are used to treat depression, Strattera is only used for ADHD. It works by changing the way your brain absorbs the chemical norepinephrine as well as how that chemical acts in your body. Norepinephrine affects your overall mood. By changing how it works in your body, Strattera may be able to:
- decrease hyperactivity
- improve attention span
- reduce impulsive behaviors
Vyvanse
Vyvanse is a brand name for the drug lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. It’s an amphetamine. Like Strattera, Vyvanse also alters brain chemicals. However, it targets dopamine as well as norepinephrine. It’s thought that this drug helps keep more dopamine in the brain and helps stimulate the release of norepinephrine.
As a result, more of these chemicals are available to stimulate the brain, which helps increase attention and focus.
Because Vyvanse doesn’t become active until it’s in your digestive system, its potential for misuse may be less than that of other stimulants that act as soon as they’re in your body.
Both Strattera and Vyvanse can be used in people who are 6 years and older to treat ADHD. For either drug, your doctor will start you on the lowest dose, then increase your dosage as needed. Dosage for both drugs varies based on factors such as age and weight.
Either drug comes as an oral capsule and in the following strengths:
Both Strattera and Vyvanse can cause side effects. The side effects that both drugs can cause are:
- abdominal pain
- aggressive behavior
- agitation
- anxiety
- constipation
- decreased appetite
- decreased sex drive
- depression
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- excessive sweating
- headaches
- increased blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- insomnia
- irritability
- nausea
- restlessness
- tiredness
- tremor
- vision changes, such as blurry vision, double vision, and pupil dilation (enlarged pupils)
- vomiting
- weight loss
Uniquely, Strattera may also cause erectile dysfunction and thoughts of suicide, especially in children and teens. Vyvanse may also cause difficulty breathing.
Many people can use Strattera or Vyvanse. However, some people have other conditions that could be affected if they use one of these drugs.
You may be at increased risk of side effects from Strattera if you have:
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- history of depression
The following conditions may also increase your risk of side effects from either drug:
- drug or alcohol abuse
- glaucoma
- heart disease
- hypertension
- irregular heart rate
- overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
- psychosis
Both drugs may cause serious cardiovascular events, including sudden death, in people with pre-existing heart abnormalities.
You and your doctor should consider possible drug interactions when you take any kind of medication. In some cases, a doctor might prescribe more than one drug for ADHD. Both Strattera and Vyvanse may interact with certain kinds of antidepressants, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants.
Some of these drugs may require dosage adjustments and some should not be used with Strattera. That’s why it’s important for you to tell your doctor about all drugs you use, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements.
Stimulants such as Vyvanse are the most common form of ADHD treatment. They often work in the body quickly so that the medication may relieve symptoms faster. However, this doesn’t mean that stimulants are your only option. Strattera is one example of an ADHD medication that doesn’t fall under the common class of stimulant-type drugs.
Ultimately, you and your doctor can decide which of these two ADHD medications might work best for you. It’s important to remember that there is no cure for ADHD. However, you can get some symptom relief with consistent treatment.
0003How Strattera and Vyvanse Treat ADHD
Strattera
Strattera is the brand name for atomoxetine hydrochloride. While many SNRIs are used to treat depression, Strattera is only used to treat ADHD.
It works by changing how your brain absorbs the chemical norepinephrine, as well as how the chemical works in your body. Norepinephrine affects your overall mood. By changing how it works in your body, Strattera can:
- reduce hyperactivity
- improve concentration
- reduce impulsive behavior
Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for the drug lisdexamfetamine dimesilate. It's an amphetamine. Like Strattera, Vyvanse also alters brain chemicals. However, it targets dopamine as well as norepinephrine. This drug is thought to help keep more dopamine in the brain and stimulate the release of norepinephrine. As a result, more of these chemicals are available to stimulate the brain, which helps boost focus and concentration.
Because Vivanse does not become active until it enters your digestive system, its potential for misuse may be less than other stimulants that act as soon as they enter your body.
Dosage and Administration
Both Strattera and Vyvanse can be used in people 6 years of age and older to treat ADHD.
For any drug, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose for you and then increase your dosage as needed. The dosage of both drugs varies depending on factors such as age and weight.
Strattera
Strattera is an immediate release formulation. It starts working quickly after you take it, but you may need to adjust your dose after at least 3 days of use over a period of 2 to 4 weeks to reach a total daily dose of 1.4 mg per kilogram of body weight (mg). /kg) or up to a maximum daily dose of 100 mg, whichever is less. You can take it once or twice a day, depending on the dosage prescribed to you.
If you take it once a day, you should take it in the morning. If you are taking it twice a day, take it in the morning and again in the afternoon or early evening. You must take your last dose before 6:24 am so that it does not interfere with sleep. For best results, Strattera should be taken regularly. If you miss or miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but do not exceed the total daily dose prescribed for you within XNUMX hours.
Vyvanse
Vivanse is a long-acting drug. It enters your body in an inactive form. When you digest a drug, your body slowly converts it into its active form. Then he starts to work. You take Vivanse once a day. Taken in the morning provides the greatest benefit during waking hours.
Side effects
Both Strattera and Vyvanse may cause side effects. Side effects that both drugs can cause:
- abdominal pain
- Aggressive behavior
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Card
- LEARDING ADTUTITION
- Sexual drive decrease
- Depression
- DRIVERITION
- increased downs
- increased heart rate
- insomnia
- irritability
- nausea
- restlessness
- fatigue
- tremor
- vision changes such as blurred vision, double vision and pupil dilation (enlarged pupils)
- vomiting
- weight loss
suicide, especially in children and adolescents.
Vyvanse can also cause breathing difficulties.
Other conditions
Many people can use Strattera or Vyvanse. However, some people have other conditions that may be affected by the use of one of these drugs.
You may be at increased risk of side effects from Strattera if you have:
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- history of depression
The following conditions may also increase the risk of side effects from any drug:
- abuse 90 drugs or alcohol
- glaucoma
- heart disease
- hypertension
- irregular heart rhythm
- overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
- psychosis
Both drugs can cause serious cardiovascular events, including sudden death, in people with pre-existing cardiac abnormalities.
drug interactions
You and your doctor should be aware of possible drug interactions when you are taking any medications. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe more than one drug to treat ADHD.
Both Strattera and Vivanse may interact with certain types of antidepressants, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants.
Some of these drugs may require dosage adjustments and some should not be used with Strattera. That's why it's important for you to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins, and nutritional supplements.
Talk to your doctor
Stimulants such as Vyvanse are the most common form of treatment for ADHD. They often act quickly in the body, so the medication can relieve symptoms more quickly. However, this does not mean that stimulants are your only option. Strattera is one example of an ADHD medication that does not fall under the general class of stimulant drugs.
Ultimately, you and your doctor can decide which of these two ADHD medications is best for you. It is important to remember that there is no cure for ADHD. However, you may get some symptom relief with consistent treatment.
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