Adderall vs. Strattera
See how Adderall and Strattera compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Adderall is a stimulant that starts working within about an hour, while Strattera is a non-stimulant that takes several weeks to reach full effect.
Both treat ADHD in children and adults, but only Adderall is FDA-approved for narcolepsy and classified as a controlled substance.
Strattera carries no stimulant abuse risk but has a boxed warning for increased suicidal thinking in children and teenagers.
Adderall vs. Strattera Drug Summary
Adderall
Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that combines amphetamine salts to treat ADHD in patients age 3 and older and narcolepsy in patients age 6 and older. It comes as an immediate-release tablet, usually taken once or twice a day, with the dose raised weekly until symptoms are controlled. Because it is a Schedule II controlled substance, prescriptions cannot be automatically refilled.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake and is approved only for ADHD in patients age 6 and older. It comes as a capsule taken once daily or split into two doses, with the dose raised over the first days to a typical maintenance level. Unlike stimulants, it is not a controlled substance and does not produce an immediate effect.
Adderall vs. Strattera Side Effects
Adderall
Strattera
Adderall vs. Strattera Dosage
Adderall
Strattera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once or twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg to 40 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.5 mg/kg/day | Days 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | Week 5 onward |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Adderall
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once or twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg to 40 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Strattera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.5 mg/kg/day | Days 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | Week 5 onward |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Adderall vs. Strattera Indications
Adderall
Adderall is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in patients age 3 and older and narcolepsy in patients age 6 and older. As a stimulant, it directly increases dopamine and norepinephrine activity, which can improve focus and reduce daytime sleepiness quickly.
ADHD in children age 3 and older
ADHD in adolescents and adults
Narcolepsy in patients age 6 and older
Schedule II controlled substance
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is FDA-approved only for ADHD in patients age 6 and older, including children, teens, and adults. It is sometimes used off-label for adult ADHD alongside other conditions, but it is not approved for narcolepsy or depression.
ADHD in children age 6 and older
ADHD in adolescents and adults
Not approved for narcolepsy
Not a controlled substance
Adderall vs. Strattera Pros and Cons
Adderall
Adderall's stimulant mechanism means it starts working within about 30 to 60 minutes, which suits people who need fast, predictable symptom control. Its status as a Schedule II drug brings extra prescribing restrictions and abuse-risk screening that Strattera does not require.
Pros
Starts working within 30 to 60 minutes
Also approved for narcolepsy
Available in low-cost generic versions
Immediate- and extended-release options
Cons
Schedule II status limits refills and requires extra monitoring
Can raise heart rate and blood pressure
Appetite suppression and insomnia are common
Not recommended with a history of substance misuse
Strattera
Strattera's non-stimulant mechanism means it is not controlled or habit-forming, but it can take several weeks to reach its full effect. That slower onset trades fast symptom relief for steadier, day-long coverage without a wearing-off crash.
Pros
Not a controlled substance, so refills are easier
No stimulant crash as the dose wears off
Option for patients who cannot take stimulants
Carries no stimulant abuse risk
Cons
Takes several weeks to reach full effect
Boxed warning for suicidal thinking in youth
Not approved for narcolepsy
Higher rates of nausea and stomach upset
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