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

Most common
nausea (up to 26%)
abdominal pain (up to 18%)
decreased appetite (up to 25%)
dry mouth (up to 21%)

Intuniv

Most common
nausea (up to 6%)
abdominal pain (up to 11%)
somnolence (up to 38%)
headache (up to 24%)

Strattera vs. Intuniv Dosage

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

Intuniv

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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