Strattera (atomoxetine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are brand-name prescription drugs. They’re both prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
This article explains the main similarities and differences between Strattera and Ritalin. If you’re considering taking one of these drugs, discussing this information with your doctor can help you decide whether one of these treatments may be right for you.
Note: Ritalin is available as both Ritalin and Ritalin LA. Ritalin LA is an extended-release (ER) oral capsule, which means the drug slowly enters your system over time. It’s only approved for use in children. In this article, we use “Ritalin” to refer to both Ritalin and Ritalin LA. We use “Ritalin LA” to point out differences between the two forms of the drug. If you have questions about how Ritalin and Ritalin LA compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Key differences between Strattera and Ritalin
These are a few of the main differences between Strattera and Ritalin:
- Side effects: Strattera and Ritalin can cause similar and different side effects. Notably, Ritalin has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. Strattera, on the other hand, has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more details, see the “Precautions for Strattera and Ritalin” section.
- Mechanism of action (how a drug works): Strattera and Ritalin work differently to treat ADHD. Ritalin may increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Strattera may work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. However, it’s not fully known how the drugs work.
- Controlled substance: Ritalin is a controlled substance, while Strattera is not. This means Ritalin has a higher risk of misuse and dependence. Strict rules are in place for how doctors prescribe Ritalin and how pharmacies dispense it. You’ll need a prescription for each refill of Ritalin. With Strattera, your doctor may give you a prescription with multiple refills.
Here’s information about the generic status for Strattera and Ritalin, and details on their active ingredient.
| Strattera | Ritalin | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic available | yes | yes |
| Active ingredient | atomoxetine | methylphenidate |
| Drug class | selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor | stimulant |
The FDA has approved Strattera and Ritalin to treat ADHD in adults. Ritalin is also FDA approved to treat narcolepsy in adults. However, Ritalin LA is not approved for this use.
Strattera or Ritalin and children
Strattera and Ritalin are both approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older. Ritalin LA is only approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 to 12 years.
Ritalin is also approved to treat narcolepsy in children ages 6 years and older. But Ritalin LA is not approved for this use.
Both Strattera and Ritalin treat ADHD. These drugs can cause some of the same side effects, as well as some different ones. Some of the side effects reported in clinical trials are mentioned in the following table.
For more details about side effects of these drugs, see our side effect articles about Strattera and Ritalin. You can also refer to the prescribing information for Strattera, Ritalin, and Ritalin LA.
Mild side effects
The following table lists some of the more commonly reported mild side effects of Strattera and Ritalin. The table may also include mild side effects that are less common but that you might have concerns about in some cases.
| Mild side effects | Strattera | Ritalin |
|---|---|---|
| nausea | ✓ | ✓ |
| abdominal pain | ✓ | ✓ |
| appetite loss | ✓ | ✓ |
| headache | ✓ | ✓ |
| fatigue | ✓ | |
| dry mouth | ✓ | ✓ |
| dizziness | ✓ | ✓ |
| excessive sweating | ✓ | |
| blurry vision | ✓ | |
| cough | ✓ |
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
The following table lists the reported serious side effects of Strattera and Ritalin.
| Serious side effects | Strattera | Ritalin |
|---|---|---|
| boxed warning: risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents* | ✓ | |
| boxed warning: risk of misuse and addiction* | ✓ | |
| liver damage | ✓ | ✓ |
| priapism | ✓ | ✓ |
| slowed growth in children | ✓ | ✓ |
| new or worsening aggressive or hostile behavior | ✓ | |
| new or worsening mania or psychosis | ✓ | ✓ |
| new or worsening motor or verbal tics | ✓ | |
| increased blood pressure | ✓ | ✓ |
| increased heart rate | ✓ | ✓ |
| urinary retention | ✓ | |
| Raynaud’s disease or other problems affecting circulation in your fingers, arms, legs, or toes | ✓ | |
| serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke | ✓† | ✓ |
* For more details about these warnings, see the “Precautions for Strattera and Ritalin” section.
† Heart attack and stroke have only been reported in adults taking Strattera. However, children with existing heart problems, such as cardiomyopathy, have an increased risk of heart-related side effects if they take Strattera.
If you have serious side effects while taking Strattera or Ritalin, call your doctor immediately. If the side effects feel life threatening or you believe you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
ALLERGIC REACTIONFor some people, Strattera or Ritalin can cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Strattera or Ritalin, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Here’s a quick look at the dosage and administration of Strattera and Ritalin for the condition both drugs treat.
Dosage for ADHD
Strattera and Ritalin are both approved to treat ADHD in adults. The following table describes their dosage, form, and administration for this use. Strength is measured in milligrams (mg).
| Strattera for ADHD | Ritalin for ADHD | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | oral capsule | oral tablet |
| Strengths | • 10 mg • 18 mg • 25 mg • 40 mg • 60 mg • 80 mg • 100 mg | • 5 mg • 10 mg • 20 mg |
| Dose | total daily dose of 40 to 100 mg | total daily dose of 20 to 60 mg |
| Frequency | once per day or divided into 2 doses taken in the morning and afternoon | divided into 2 to 3 doses per day |
| Given by | self | self |
Children’s dosage
Strattera and Ritalin are both approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older. This section details children’s dosages for Strattera and Ritalin for this use.
Dosage for ADHD in children
The Strattera and Ritalin dosage information that follows is for treating ADHD in children. Strattera dosages in children are based on the child’s body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). This dose is expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
| Strattera for ADHD in children | Ritalin and Ritalin LA for ADHD in children | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | oral capsule | • Ritalin: oral tablet • Ritalin LA: extended-release oral capsule |
| Strengths | • 10 mg • 18 mg • 25 mg • 40 mg • 60 mg • 80 mg • 100 mg | • Ritalin: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg • Ritalin LA: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg |
| Dose | • Children weighing 70 kg or less: 0.5 to 1.8 mg/kg per day • Children weighing over 70 kg: same as adult dosing above | • Ritalin: total daily dose of 10 to 60 mg • Ritalin LA: 20 to 60 mg |
| Frequency | once per day, or divided into 2 doses taken in the morning and afternoon | • Ritalin: divided into 2 to 3 doses per day • Ritalin LA: once per day in the morning |
| Given by | self | self |
Strattera and Ritalin are both FDA approved to treat ADHD. You may wonder how their effectiveness for treating the condition compares.
Prescribing information: In their individual clinical trials, Strattera and Ritalin were effective in treating ADHD in adults and certain children. For details about how these drugs performed in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Strattera, Ritalin, and Ritalin LA. Keep in mind that trial results may not apply to your individual health situation.
Treatment guidelines: Another way to see whether a drug is considered effective is to look at treatment guidelines. When an organization includes certain drugs in treatment guidelines, this means that research has shown the drug to be safe and effective.
Strattera is recommended as a treatment option for people with ADHD in guidelines from the
For treating ADHD in adults, guidelines from the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend Ritalin or Strattera as treatment options for adults with ADHD. Determining the best treatment for you will depend on conversations and decision making between you and your doctor.
How much Strattera or Ritalin costs depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, your insurance plan, and your pharmacy. You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Strattera, Ritalin, and Ritalin LA. (Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.)
Strattera, Ritalin, and Ritalin LA are brand-name drugs. All three medications also come in generic form. Brand-name medications are often more expensive than generics. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn about the generic form of either drug.
Strattera and Ritalin may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The two drugs share some of the same precautions, but they also have different ones. Some of these precautions are mentioned below.
Strattera boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents
This drug has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and people about drug effects that may be dangerous.
In studies, Strattera treatment caused a very small increase in the short-term risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. No suicides occurred in the study.
Closely monitor your child for changes in their behaviors, thoughts, or mood after they begin Strattera treatment. If you or your child have thoughts of suicide during treatment, your child’s doctor or your doctor should be told right away. They’ll likely recommend stopping Strattera treatment and they may recommend a different ADHD medication.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Ritalin boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction
This drug has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and people about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Misuse refers to taking a medication in a manner other than how it’s prescribed, such as taking a medication to feel “high”. Another example is taking Ritalin to improve academic or work performance if you do not have ADHD. Misusing Ritalin can lead to addiction, which is being unable to stop taking a drug even if it causes harm. In rare cases, Ritalin misuse can cause life threatening side effects or death.
Due to this risk, your doctor may prescribe a medication other than Ritalin if you have a substance use disorder. If your doctor prescribes Ritalin, they’ll closely monitor you throughout treatment for signs of misuse or addiction. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about this warning.
Precautions
In addition to boxed warnings, Strattera and Ritalin have other warnings.
If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before taking Strattera or Ritalin.
| Precaution | Strattera | Ritalin |
|---|---|---|
| if you’ve had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you’re breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have arrhythmia, including a fast heart rate | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have high blood pressure | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have a heart problem, such as cardiomyopathy or heart disease | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have bipolar disorder, mania, or psychosis | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have or have had suicidal thoughts or behaviors | ✓ | |
| if you have a liver condition, such as cirrhosis | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have Raynaud’s disease, or another condition affecting circulation in your arms, legs, fingers, or toes | ✓ | |
| if you have a condition affecting your eyes, including glaucoma or farsightedness | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have Tourette syndrome | ✓ |
Switching between Strattera and Ritalin is possible. If you’d like to know more about switching between the drugs, talk with your doctor. They can give you additional details and help determine the best course of action for your situation.
Even if two drugs treat the same condition or are in the same drug class, your body can still respond differently. So it’s important that you do not stop, start, or switch any of your drug treatments without your doctor’s recommendation.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
