Strattera or Adderal

Hi S.,

My stepson has taken both medications. His mom also preferred Strattera because it is not a stimulant. However, it was not as effective as Adderall. And, in my experience teaching special ed, Strattera was usually not as effective for boys as other medications. So, he now takes Adderall.

Good luck!
C.

We have been all over the options with my son's neurologist and Adderall wins every time. Now, my son is almost 17 and, like yours isn't hyper -- his is inattentiveness. Due to my son's age and type of ADHD, he is in control of his medication. We have both the Adderall XR and the regular Adderall. He decides how his day is going to be and takes the appropriate one, or not, for that day. He hates the way the medication makes him feel; but, knows there are situations where he has to use it. We weighed all the pros and cons on all the various medications and still chose Adderall.

Hope that helped!

This is direct from the FDA's (food and drig administration) web site about each drug

Strattera (atomoxetine)
Audience: Neuropsychiatric and other healthcare professionals
FDA notified health care professionals about a new warning for Strattera, a drug approved for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. The labeling is being updated with a bolded warning about the potential for severe liver injury following two reports (a teenager and an adult) in patients who had been treated with Strattera for several months, both of whom recovered. Health care professionals are encouraged to report any unexpected adverse events associated with Strattera to Eli Lilly or to the FDA MedWatch program.

[December 17, 2004 - Talk Paper - FDA]
[February 01, 2005 - Revised Label - FDA]

Web site for info for Adderall from the FDA:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/adderall.htm

My son was diagnosed with ADHD and I talked to the Dr about alternate forms of controlling it without medication. You can also look into this. If it doesn't work out, try the meds.

PS. if you are having problems with the school district trying to label your child as a problem child (ie. ISS, alternative school, detention) or trying to put him in special ed classes you may need to req an ARD ( I can't remember what it stands for). The ARD is set up to make sure that students are not unfairly punished due to something beyond their control.

Web site with more info on ARD's:
http://www.cfisd.net/dept2/curricu/speced/ard.htm

They don't all work for each person. So though it appears you have choices, it might end up that Adderral is really the only choice for you.

We tried Concerta, Strattera and Adderall and Adderal ended up working for my son, who is not hyperactive. He does very well on it.

Know that Adderal is a DEA prescription drug which means you must get that little slip of paper to the pharmacist within 7 days or you have to go back to the doctor to get a new one and the doctor may want the old paper back from you... just so you know. I can't remember if the others are DEA prescriptions but I have missed the number of days on my son's once (before I realized it was different than other prescriptions) and that's how I found out they're handled differently.

My husband was diagnosed ADD, (NOT ADHD) as an adult, so we have run the medication gamut. He did not like the way that Adderral or Concerta made him feel, and has settled on the Strattera. HOWEVER! Please keep in mind that every persons body chemistry reacts differently to each medication, so whats good for one may be bad for another. I would say if you are not having hyperactivity problems, start with the strattera, but don't rule out the others if it doesn't work. That's my 2 cents.

I didn't have any luck on either one as an adult, I know kids are different. Adderall basically made it possible for me to eat once a day. It is basically speed,and it did almost completely diminish my desire to eat...until I was starving! Lost some weight, too bad it was muscle & not fat loss! Did nothing for my ADD.

Straterra did nothing either, I just had a difficult time peeing...one of the side effects. I do have a friends whose son was on it though, & she said it was like night & day.

You may also try taking him to DR. Block, in Hurst. http://www.blockcenter.com/- drug free, if it works for you is better in the long run!

D.