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He completed his child psychiatry fellowship at MUSC in Charleston, SC, where he served as chief fellow. He is the founder of the Eappen Clinic, a private outpatient mental health practice with locations in Chicago and Oak Brook, IL. If a patient experiences severe side effects, a clinician may want to consider giving them a lower dose. When this happens, one possibility is that the patient happens to be a slow metabolizer. So whereas someone who metabolizes Strattera rapidly may need a higher dose to see results, another individual may see results with a lower dose, which is also easier for their body to tolerate. There’s no way to know where you fall on the spectrum, so expect to go through a trial period in the beginning of treatment.

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This can be particularly important for individuals with a history of substance abuse or in situations where the potential for medication misuse is a concern. These include the individual’s age, severity of ADHD symptoms, presence of co-existing conditions, and adherence to the medication regimen. Some patients may experience optimal results when Strattera is combined with behavioral therapies or other non-pharmacological interventions. Also, unlike stimulants that are commonly used to treat ADHD, Strattera (atomoxetine) is not a controlled substance because it has a low risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction. If an individual non stimulant adhd medication strattera needs ADHD medication only occasionally, for example, to improve focus and attention for a short period, taking Strattera may not be the best option. In this case, stimulant medications may be the better ADHD treatment.

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He also received the Friend of Children Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 from Tennessee Voices for Children after seven years on their board. Randal was also recognized in both 2000 and in 2015 as Professional of the Year by the Middle Tennessee chapter of the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). Cinde Stewart Freeman is Cumberland Heights’ Chief Clinical Officer and has been with Cumberland Heights for 30 years. During her tenure, Cinde has served in nursing, clinical management, and administrative roles. Kapvay is a central-acting alpha agonist that was also created as a blood-pressure drug.

• Also, unlike stimulants that are commonly used to treat ADHD, Strattera (atomoxetine) is not a controlled substance because it has a low risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction.
• However, they are generally considered less effective than the stimulant medications used to treat symptoms of ADHD.
• After starting atomoxetine, it may take up to 6 weeks before it reaches its maximum effectiveness.
• While many may be familiar with central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications to treat ADHD, such as Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Focalin, and Vyvanse, they may not be the best fit for everyone.
• Antidepressants have the advantage of having a low potential for abuse and there is no evidence that they suppress growth or contribute to significant weight loss.
• Antidepressant treatment seems to improve attention span as well as impulse control, hyperactivity and aggressiveness.
• One pro of taking Strattera to treat ADHD is it does not cause many of the common side effects seen with psychostimulants, such as insomnia, dependence, or withdrawal.

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While stimulant medications have long been the go-to solution, Strattera offers a unique approach that has been changing lives since its introduction to the market. For the best results, you should discuss different treatment options with your doctor, including your preferences and expectations. Your doctor should be able to guide you to the ADHD treatment that is right for you, along with the correct dose that controls your ADHD symptoms while causing minimal to no side effects. In addition to therapy and counseling, medications are a generally safe and effective treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Non-stimulant medications like Strattera are approved by the FDA to treat ADHD symptoms. However, they are generally considered less effective than the stimulant medications used to treat symptoms of ADHD.

Benefits of Strattera for ADHD

Other NaV1.8 inhibitors, from Vertex and others, are in early-mid-stage clinical development (Table 1). Because of this, your doctor may recommend that you limit your caffeine intake during your Strattera treatment. Combining Strattera and caffeine could raise your risk of experiencing these side effects or make the side effects worse. If you’re taking Strattera, you may wonder whether you need to avoid or limit certain foods. Strattera doesn’t interact with any foods, but taking it with certain foods may affect how well your body absorbs it. Dr. Burley graduated from Meharry Medical College School Of Medicine in 1985 and specializes in addiction psychiatry.

• Whatever the specific conditions or medications involved, it’s all too common for legitimate medical prescriptions to morph into dangerous drug addictions.
• Strattera is contraindicated for people with liver or kidney problems, diabetes, a history of heart disease or seizures and people who take certain medications.
• You know, it’s a new branded drug, which means it’s expensive, especially compared to, you know, a bottle of ibuprofen.
• Researchers believe Strattera blocks the brain from absorbing serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters in the brain.
• The prescription for a non-stimulant ADHD medication such as Strattera can be called into the pharmacy for more than a 30-day supply at a time.
• Its unique mechanism of action, favorable long-term safety profile, and potential benefits for comorbid conditions make it a valuable alternative to stimulant medications.

Factors such as age, severity of ADHD symptoms, presence of comorbid conditions, and genetic variations in norepinephrine metabolism can all influence how well an individual responds to the medication. Some people may experience dramatic improvements in their ADHD symptoms, while others may find the effects more subtle or even inadequate. Most of the reported side effects were mild in clinical trials for Strattera. Less common side effects may include high blood pressure, liver problems, and a racing heart. SNRIs treat ADHD and other mental health conditions by increasing norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that helps you stay alert and maintain control in high-stress situations.

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Call your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking atomoxetine. Food and Drug Administration approval for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults and children over 6 years of age. Additional Strattera drug information indicates it can take four to six weeks to work and may be most effective after six months of use. Lifestyle modifications can also play a crucial role in enhancing Strattera’s effectiveness. Regular exercise has been shown to have positive effects on ADHD symptoms and can complement the benefits of medication. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, practicing good sleep hygiene, and following a balanced diet can also contribute to better symptom management and overall well-being.