Strattera vs. Intuniv
See how Strattera and Intuniv compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both are non-stimulant ADHD treatments, but Strattera blocks norepinephrine reuptake while Intuniv activates alpha2A receptors in the brain.
Strattera is approved for ADHD in both children and adults, while Intuniv is only FDA-approved for ages 6 to 17.
Intuniv tends to cause more sedation and drowsiness, while Strattera more often causes nausea and decreased appetite.
Strattera vs. Intuniv Drug Summary
Strattera
Strattera is a non-stimulant selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat ADHD. It comes as an oral capsule taken once daily or split into two doses, and is approved for patients age 6 and older, including adults.
Intuniv
Intuniv is a non-stimulant alpha2A-adrenergic receptor agonist used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. It comes as an extended-release tablet taken once daily, either alone or added to a stimulant medication.
Strattera vs. Intuniv Side Effects
Strattera
Intuniv
Strattera vs. Intuniv Dosage
Strattera
Intuniv
| 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 |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 4 mg once daily | Week 4 onward |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | Every week |
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 |
Intuniv
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 4 mg once daily | Week 4 onward |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | Every week |
Strattera vs. Intuniv Indications
Strattera
Strattera is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in patients age 6 and older, including adults. It works as a standalone treatment and is often chosen when stimulant medications are not appropriate or preferred.
Treats ADHD in children, teens, and adults ages 6 and up
Used as monotherapy, not typically combined with stimulants
Not approved for narcolepsy or depression
Non-stimulant, so it carries no abuse or misuse potential
Intuniv
Intuniv is FDA-approved for ADHD in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17, either alone or added onto a stimulant medication. It is not approved for adults, though some clinicians prescribe it off-label in that age group.
Treats ADHD in children and teens ages 6 to 17
Can be used alone or added to stimulant treatment
Used off-label for ADHD in adults
Not approved for ADHD in patients 18 and older
Strattera vs. Intuniv Pros and Cons
Strattera
Strattera works differently from most ADHD medications, blocking norepinephrine reuptake instead of boosting dopamine release. It is not a controlled substance, so it can be an option for patients with a history of substance misuse. Its main tradeoffs are digestive side effects and a slower onset of benefit.
Pros
Approved for adults, not just children and teens
Not a controlled substance, so no abuse potential
Can be taken once daily or split into two doses
Consistent mechanism across the full age range it treats
Cons
Common side effects include nausea and decreased appetite
Takes several weeks to reach full effect
Boxed warning for suicidal thoughts in children and teens
Brand-name version discontinued in 2024, generic only now
Intuniv
Intuniv works by calming activity at alpha2A receptors in the brain, an approach different from stimulants and from Strattera's norepinephrine mechanism. It can be used alone or layered onto a stimulant for added symptom control. Sedation and low blood pressure are its main tradeoffs.
Pros
Can be combined with a stimulant for added control
Roughly $290 to $370 per month without insurance, before savings programs
Simple four-week titration schedule
May help with sleep due to its sedating effect
Cons
Not approved for adults with ADHD
Higher rates of sedation and fatigue than Strattera
Must be tapered gradually to avoid rebound high blood pressure
Risk of low blood pressure and slowed heart rate
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