Strattera vs. Jornay PM

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

Key Takeaways

  • Strattera is a non-stimulant that works on norepinephrine and is not a controlled substance, while Jornay PM is a stimulant with abuse potential.

  • Jornay PM is taken at night so it works upon waking, while Strattera is taken during the day and can take weeks to build up full effect.

  • Both are FDA-approved for ADHD in patients 6 and older, but they carry different boxed warnings and side effect profiles.

Strattera vs. Jornay PM Drug Summary

Strattera

Strattera (atomoxetine) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat ADHD in patients 6 and older. It is not a stimulant and is not a controlled substance. It is taken once daily or split into two doses, and full benefit can take several weeks to appear.

Jornay PM

Jornay PM (methylphenidate) is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD in patients 6 and older. It is taken once daily in the evening, and its delayed-release design holds off the medication's effect until the next morning. It carries a boxed warning for abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Strattera vs. Jornay PM Side Effects

Strattera

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

Jornay PM

Most common
insomnia (up to 41%)
decreased appetite (up to 27%)
affect lability (up to 22%)
headache (up to 19%)

Strattera vs. Jornay PM 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

Jornay PM

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 20 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 20 mg once daily Same as starting
Dose changes None Fixed dose

Strattera vs. Jornay PM Indications

Strattera

Strattera is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in patients 6 years and older. It works differently than stimulant medications, so doctors sometimes choose it for patients who cannot take stimulants or have a history of substance misuse. It is not approved for narcolepsy or depression, even though it affects some of the same brain chemicals.

  • FDA-approved for ADHD in ages 6 and up

  • Not approved for narcolepsy or depression

  • Not a controlled substance

  • Often chosen for patients with substance misuse history

Jornay PM

Jornay PM is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in patients 6 years and older. Its evening dosing is designed to control symptoms right when a person wakes up and through the day. It is not approved for use in children younger than 6 or for narcolepsy.

  • FDA-approved for ADHD in ages 6 and up

  • Not approved for children under 6

  • Taken at night, not in the morning

  • Designed for symptom control upon waking

Strattera vs. Jornay PM Pros and Cons

Strattera

Strattera appeals to patients and families who want to avoid stimulant side effects or controlled-substance status. It takes longer to reach full effect than stimulants, and gastrointestinal side effects are common early on. Brand-name Strattera was discontinued in 2024, so patients now use generic atomoxetine.

Pros

  • Not a controlled substance, no abuse potential monitoring

  • No risk of stimulant-related insomnia at this rate

  • Can be dosed once or twice daily for flexibility

  • Lower risk of misuse makes it easier to prescribe long-term

Cons

  • Can take several weeks to reach full effectiveness

  • Nausea and vomiting are common, especially early on

  • Rare risk of liver injury requires monitoring

  • Only generic version available since brand discontinuation

Jornay PM

Jornay PM works quickly once it takes effect because it is a stimulant, and its evening dosing is designed to have it working by the time a patient wakes up. That same stimulant mechanism brings a boxed warning for abuse and misuse that Strattera does not carry. Insomnia is also very common with this medication despite the evening timing.

Pros

  • Evening dosing means symptoms are controlled upon waking

  • Stimulant mechanism can produce faster symptom relief

  • Delayed-release design covers a full school or work day

  • No titration schedule required to reach a working dose

Cons

  • Boxed warning for abuse, misuse, and addiction

  • Insomnia occurs in over 40% of patients

  • Long-term growth suppression risk in children

  • Not interchangeable milligram-for-milligram with other stimulants

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