Strattera and Adderall are both medications commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They’re designed to help improve your attention span while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Adderall is also an effective treatment for narcolepsy.
Strattera is the brand-name version of the drug atomoxetine, and Adderall is the brand-name version of the combination drug amphetamine/dextroamphetamine. Although they’re both used primarily to treat ADHD, Adderall and Strattera are very different medications. Here’s a comparison of their uses, side effects, interactions, and more.
Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It’s not exactly known how it works to improve symptoms of ADHD.
Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant. It works by increasing the release of neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are linked to ADHD. Increasing their release is thought to decrease ADHD symptoms.