Strattera vs Concerta – detailed comparison:
Strattera
It is the brand name of a drug called atomoxetine, which belongs to a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Mechanism of Action
This medication works by increasing levels of norepinephrine, the main transmitter of most postganglionic sympathetic fibers.
It was originally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2002. This drug is produced by Eli Lilly and Company.
Uses
This prescription medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Dosage
The usual initial recommended dose is 40 mg per day orally. This dose is increased to 80 mg per day after a minimum of 3 days. The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg per day.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- feeling tired;
- constipation;
- dizziness;
- upset stomach;
- mood changes;
- vomiting;
- loss of appetite;
- nausea;
- trouble having an erection;
- urination problems;
- dry mouth.
Rare side effects may include:
- painful urination;
- a feeling like you might pass out;
- erection which is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours;
- trouble breathing;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- chest pain;
- paranoia;
- hallucinations;
- dark urine;
- hostility;
- new behavior problems.
Contraindications
Before taking this selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
- narrow-angle glaucoma;
- severe heart problems.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.
Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- Wellbutrin (bupropion);
- Abilify (aripiprazole);
- Zoloft (sertraline);
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine);
- Prozac (fluoxetine);
- Celexa (citalopram);
- Lexapro (escitalopram);
- Cymbalta (duloxetine).
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There are no well-done studies to determine whether this selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor is safe to use during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider that you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant before using it.
This medication may pass into breast milk and negatively affect the breastfed baby, hence, nursing women should avoid using this selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor if they are breastfeeding a baby.
Concerta
It is the brand name of a medication called methylphenidate, which belongs to a group of medications known as central nervous system stimulants.
Mechanism of Action
It works by changing the amount of natural substances in the brain to decrease hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Uses
This prescription medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, and narcolepsy.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
It is not exactly known whether this medication will harm a developing fetus. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant before taking it.
It is not known exactly whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could negatively affect a nursing infant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding an infant before taking this medication.
Dosage
For adults, the usual recommended dose is 18 mg to 72 mg per day. For children, the usual recommended dose is 18 mg to 54 mg per day. For adolescents, the usual recommended dose is 18 mg to 72 mg per day.
Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- adapalene topical;
- aripiprazole;
- Adderall XR (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine);
- BuSpar (buspirone);
- sertraline;
- Abilify (aripiprazole);
- venlafaxine;
- cyclobenzaprine;
- Trintellix (vortioxetine);
- hydroxyzine;
- alprazolam;
- temazepam;
- trazodone;
- lamotrigine.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- mood changes;
- weight loss;
- fast heart rate;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- increased blood pressure;
- stomach pain;
- loss of appetite;
- feeling nervous or irritable;
- nausea;
- headaches.
Less common side effects may include:
- trouble breathing;
- paranoia;
- numbness;
- chest pain;
- changes in your vision;
- hostility;
- penis erection that is painful;
- a feeling like you might pass out;
- cold feeling;
- skin color changes in the fingers or toes;
- hallucinations;
- unexplained wounds;
- new behavior problems;
- a seizure (convulsions);
- aggression;
- muscle twitches.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication since alcohol use may cause methylphenidate to be released into the bloodstream too fast.
Contraindications
You should not use this medication if you have:
- glaucoma;
- severe anxiety;
- a personal history of muscle twitches;
- Tourette’s syndrome.
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Bottom Line – Strattera vs Concerta
Strattera (active ingredient – atomoxetine) is a medication that is part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Concerta (active ingredient – methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, and narcolepsy. This medication has a duration of action of 10-12 hours. It works by affecting the chemicals in the brain and nerves, which contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
According to a 2011 study, Strattera was not found superior to some extended-release stimulant products. However, Strattera resulted in higher rates of somnolence and vomiting, lower rates of insomnia, and similar rates of nausea and anorexia in comparison to stimulants.
In addition, cardiac adverse events were not different between stimulants, differences in risk for sudden death was unclear, and cerebrovascular adverse events did not differ between stimulants and Strattera.
Regarding their price, the average retail price for 30 capsules of Strattera 40mg is $450, while the average retail price for 30 tablets of Concerta 36mg is $360.
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References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3620814/ https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00260533 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15766294