There are a number of Strattera alternatives that are prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder(ADHD). Unlike Strattera (atomoxetine) which is a non-stimulant and non-controlled substance, some of the alternative meds to Strattera are stimulant drugs with a high potential for abuse and dependence. Conversely, there are also non-stimulant alternatives to Strattera. Therefore, many factors affect the most suitable prescription for ADHD patients.
Learn About Strattera Alternatives:
Strattera Alternatives By Prescription
Doctors can choose from a wide variety of alternatives to Strattera medication in order to manage symptoms of ADHD (despite atomoxetine uses are not limited to ADHD). This choice is based on finding which medication works best for the patient. Being a non-controlled antidepressant, Strattera classification means the drug has far less potential for abuse compared to other antidepressants. The most commonly used alternative meds to Strattera may belong to the following classes.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications are the most recommended form of ADHD treatment and are normally given first-choice priority. This is true because the Strattera effectiveness is questioned and its use in patients may take a longer time to reach efficacy. There are two types of stimulants used as Strattera alternatives for adults and children, Methylphenidate and Amphetamine.
| Methylphenidate Type Stimulants | Amphetamine Type Stimulants | |
|---|---|---|
| Short-acting | – Ritalin – Focalin – Methylin Oral Solution – Methylin |
– Dexedrine – Adderall – ProCentra Oral Solution – Evekeo – Zenzedi |
| Long-acting | – Ritalin-SR – Metadate-ER – Methylin-ER – Concerta – Metadate-CD – Ritalin-LA – Focalin-XR – Daytrana Patch – Quillivant-XR – QuilliChew-ER – Aptensio-XR |
– Dexedrine Spansule – Adderall-XR – Vyvanse – Dyanavel-XR |
Other Antidepressants
There are also other antidepressant medications that may act as Strattera alternatives. Patients with ADHD may take antidepressants as an alternative medication to Strattera because they seem to improve attention span, impulse control, hyperactivity, and aggressiveness by raising the level of chemical neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine in the brain just like atomoxetine.
Unlike the common Strattera weight loss side effect that is common in patients, especially during the initial phases of treatment, antidepressants may cause a patient to gain weight.
Despite the FDA has not specifically approved any antidepressant for the treatment of ADHD a doctor may prescribe the following ones off-label:
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil (imipramine), Pamelor (nortriptyline), and Norpramin (desipramine)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Antihypertensive Drugs
Antihypertensives are used as an alternative medication for Strattera to treat ADHD. They are often combined with stimulants for the most effective treatment regimen. Similar to atomoxetine, however, antihypertensive drugs like Intuniv are expensive. For those without insurance coverage, Intuniv or Strattera coupon may help cut down the cost of purchasing the drugs. The following drugs fall into antihypertensives for ADHD:
- Clonidine (Kapvay, Catapres)
- Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex)
Other Medications
Among other drugs, Provigil (modafinil) and anticonvulsants such as Tegretol also show effectiveness in ADHD treatment. The mentioned alternative medications for Strattera are used off-label as they are not FDA-approved. Patients should always consult with a doctor and use them by prescription only.
Strattera Natural Alternatives
Apart from prescription based medications, there are also natural alternatives for Strattera that may be used for the treatment of ADHD. While it is true that these drugs are effective, a downside is the associated side effects that a patient experiences while using these drugs.
These natural remedies mainly are used complementary to atomoxetine. The studies published in Neural Plasticity have indicated that the use of these non-prescription alternatives to Strattera medication alone is not effective in the treatment of ADHD.
Here is a list of natural alternatives for atomoxetine:
- Supplements such as melatonin, iron, magnesium, omega-3, vitamin C, and zinc
- Herbal medications like Bacopa, Ningdog, and Ginseng
- Food and diet regimen that includes eating a healthy and balanced diet and avoiding foods with additives
- Some essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, and vetiver
- Lifestyle changes that involve exercise and relaxation such as yoga, tai chi, and massage
- Behavioral or parental therapy for children
Self-medication can also be dangerous. Therefore, patients should speak to a doctor before trying any new remedies. A doctor’s prescription is important as it provides a Strattera dosing information instructing on the amount that a patient should take.
Finding What Works Best
There are several alternatives to Strattera medication which belong to different drug classes and can be prescribed for ADHD treatment. Stimulants are normally considered first whenever a prescription is made because of their effectiveness.
Only a doctor can decide on the effectiveness of the medication. Patients can only report their state changes to a doctor to help adjust a treatment.
Apart from prescription medications, there are also natural alternatives to Strattera like supplements, herbal medication, as well as some essential oils, which may be also used as complementary medicine. However, self-medication with alternative meds to Strattera is not advisable because natural alternatives may cause side effects to the patient, too. Without proper medical supervision, they may become severe enough to threaten a patient’s life. It is highly recommended to consult with a doctor before trying any alternative medication, OTC or prescription one.
In case of misuse, patients should find help in a center for addiction treatment. The substance abuse treatment and therapies such facilities offer always aim to reach a long-lasting effect and fast recovery.
Page Sources
- Ahn J, Ahn HS, Cheong JH, Dela Peña I. Natural Product-Derived Treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Safety, Efficacy, and Therapeutic Potential of Combination Therapy. Neural Plasticity. 2016; 2016: 1320423. doi:10.1155/2016/1320423. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4757677/.
- Fava M. Weight gain and antidepressants. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2000; 61 Suppl 11: 37-41. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10926053.
