Strattera vs Adderall - What Is the Difference?

When it comes to taking prescription medication to treat a medical condition, it is critical to weigh your options. Strattera and Adderall are two medications commonly prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and in some cases, sleep disorders like narcolepsy. While the two drugs share some similarities, they also bear notable differences.

If you are seeking treatment for ADHD or narcolepsy for the first time, or if you are looking to improve or change your medication and/or treatment plan, it’s important to first understand how different drugs work.

What is the difference between Adderall and Strattera?

Both Adderall and Strattera can be prescribed to treat (ADHD). The two drugs are, however, in different drug classes. While Adderall is an amphetamine, meaning a stimulant that encourages the speeding up of certain brain signals and functions, Strattera is a Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) and a cognition-enhancing medication that focuses more on improving concentration, memory, anxiety, and even wakefulness.

Based on the health condition(s) you have, as well as your symptoms, your doctor might suggest one medication over the other, which is why it’s so important to explore different options.

To summarize, some of the major differences between Adderall and Strattera are:

Adderall is a stimulant, while Strattera is an SNRI. The two drugs work differently, which is important to know, as your body may respond better to one type of drug than another.
Strattera might be more suitable for adults, as it is commonly prescribed to treat adult ADHD.
Doses and side effects may differ between the two drugs.

Is Strattera better than Adderall?

It would be unfair and inaccurate to say that one medication is “better” than the other. One medication may, however, work better than the other for certain people.

Talk with your doctor about the differences (side effects, doses, long-term effects, etc.) between Strattera and Adderall before choosing a medication. Your doctor will be able to best inform you on how your specific health conditions constitute one medication over the other.

Is Strattera a good ADHD medication?

Strattera is commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. Your doctor may talk about prescribing you Strattera if, for instance, you have ADHD and a sleep disorder, like narcolepsy, or want to focus on also treating anxiety, depression, and/or other mental health conditions that you may have.

In some cases, your doctor might also suggest your treatment plan to include non-medication help, such as counseling. A combination of medication and therapy may work best for some people and is a viable treatment option.

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