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
Jornay PM
Strattera vs. Jornay PM Dosage
Strattera
Jornay PM
| 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 | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
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 |
Jornay PM
| 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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