Ritalin vs. Strattera
See how Ritalin and Strattera compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Ritalin is a stimulant that starts working within about an hour, while Strattera is a non-stimulant that can take several weeks to reach full effect.
Ritalin is a Schedule II controlled substance with misuse potential, while Strattera is not a controlled substance and has no abuse risk.
Both treat ADHD in children 6 and older and in adults, but only Ritalin also carries an FDA approval for narcolepsy.
Ritalin vs. Strattera Drug Summary
Ritalin
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant approved to treat ADHD in children 6 and older and adults, and it is also FDA-approved for narcolepsy. It comes as tablets taken two to three times a day, usually 30 to 45 minutes before meals, with the dose raised weekly until symptoms improve.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake, and it is approved to treat ADHD in children 6 and older and adults. It comes as a capsule taken once daily or split into two doses, with the dose increased over the first several days to a target maintenance level.
Ritalin vs. Strattera Side Effects
Ritalin
Strattera
Ritalin vs. Strattera Dosage
Ritalin
Strattera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | Max 60 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 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 |
Ritalin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | Max 60 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 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 |
Ritalin vs. Strattera Indications
Ritalin
Ritalin is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children 6 and older and in adults. It is also approved for narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. It is not approved for depression or general fatigue.
ADHD in children ages 6 and older
ADHD in adults
Narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness)
Not approved for depression or general fatigue
Strattera
Strattera is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children 6 and older and in adults. Unlike Ritalin, it is not approved for narcolepsy or for depression. It works differently from stimulants, so it is sometimes chosen for patients who cannot take a controlled substance.
ADHD in children ages 6 and older
ADHD in adults
Not approved for narcolepsy
Not approved for depression
Ritalin vs. Strattera Pros and Cons
Ritalin
Ritalin acts quickly, often improving focus within 30 to 60 minutes, but its effects wear off after a few hours and usually require multiple daily doses. As a Schedule II controlled substance, it carries a real risk of misuse and comes with tighter prescribing rules than Strattera.
Pros
Starts working within about an hour of the first dose
Roughly $90 to $125 a month without insurance, less with a discount card
Long track record of use dating back to 1955
Flexible dosing lets doctors fine-tune timing across the day
Cons
Schedule II controlled substance with misuse and diversion risk
Wears off in a few hours, so most people need 2 to 3 doses a day
Can raise heart rate and blood pressure
Not recommended for patients with significant anxiety or agitation
Strattera
Strattera builds up gradually over several weeks, so it will not give same-day relief the way a stimulant can. It is not a controlled substance, which means easier refills and no misuse risk, though it carries its own boxed warning for suicidal thinking in young people.
Pros
Not a controlled substance, so no refill restrictions or misuse risk
One dose can cover a full 24 hours, unlike short-acting stimulants
No stimulant-type jitteriness or appetite crash
An option for patients who cannot take stimulants due to heart risk or a history of substance use
Cons
Can take several weeks to reach full effect
Carries a boxed warning for suicidal thinking in children and teens
Higher rates of nausea and stomach upset than Ritalin
Generic atomoxetine runs roughly $394 to $461 a month, far more than generic Ritalin
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.