Concerta vs. Strattera

See how Concerta and Strattera compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Concerta is a once-daily stimulant that starts working within an hour, while Strattera is a non-stimulant that can take several weeks to reach full effect.

  • Concerta is a Schedule II controlled substance with abuse potential, while Strattera is not a controlled substance and has no abuse risk.

  • Both drugs carry boxed warnings, but Concerta's centers on stimulant abuse and dependence while Strattera's centers on suicidal thinking risk in youth.

Concerta vs. Strattera Drug Summary

Concerta

Concerta is a CNS stimulant that contains methylphenidate and is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in patients ages 6 to 65. It uses an osmotic-release tablet taken once each morning that releases medication steadily over about 12 hours.

Strattera

Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake, approved for patients 6 and older. It is taken as a capsule once daily or split into two doses, and generic atomoxetine is now the version available since the brand was discontinued in late 2024.

Concerta vs. Strattera Side Effects

Concerta

Most common
Dry mouth (≥5%)
Nausea (≥5%)
Decreased appetite (≥5%)
Headache (≥5%)

Strattera

Most common
Dry mouth (up to 21%)
Nausea (up to 26%)
Decreased appetite (up to 25%)
Abdominal pain (up to 18%)

Concerta vs. Strattera Dosage

Concerta

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 18 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 72 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 4 increases As tolerated

Strattera

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Concerta vs. Strattera Indications

Concerta

Concerta is FDA-approved for ADHD in children, teens, and adults up to age 65. It is sometimes used off-label for narcolepsy because of its stimulant effect on wakefulness.

  • ADHD in patients ages 6 to 65

  • Not approved for children under 6

  • Not approved for adults over 65

  • Off-label use for narcolepsy

Strattera

Strattera is FDA-approved for ADHD in patients ages 6 and up, with no upper age limit specified. It is not approved for narcolepsy or depression, despite affecting some of the same brain chemicals.

  • ADHD in patients ages 6 and older

  • No upper age limit specified

  • Not approved for narcolepsy

  • Not approved for depression

Concerta vs. Strattera Pros and Cons

Concerta

Concerta works quickly, often within an hour, and its osmotic-release design gives steady coverage for about 12 hours from one morning dose. As a Schedule II stimulant, it carries a real risk of misuse and dependence, and prescriptions face stricter refill rules.

Pros

  • Noticeable effect within about an hour

  • One dose covers roughly a full school or work day

  • Long track record since FDA approval in 2000

  • Available in five dose strengths for fine-tuning

Cons

  • Schedule II controlled substance with abuse potential

  • Cannot be chewed, split, or crushed

  • Not approved for adults over 65

  • Contraindicated with glaucoma or a tic disorder history

Strattera

Strattera avoids the abuse potential and controlled-substance status of stimulants, which matters for patients with a history of substance use. Its tradeoff is a slower onset, often taking several weeks before the full benefit is clear.

Pros

  • Not a controlled substance, no abuse potential

  • No stricter refill restrictions like stimulants face

  • Option for patients who cannot tolerate stimulants

  • Twice-daily dosing option for flexibility

Cons

  • Can take several weeks to reach full effect

  • Boxed warning for suicidal thinking in youth

  • Requires liver monitoring if jaundice or injury signs occur

  • Risk of sudden death with structural heart problems

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