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
Strattera
Concerta vs. Strattera Dosage
Concerta
Strattera
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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