For children with attentional problems (ADD/ADHD) for whom stimulants don’t work, doctors will often prescribe Strattera. It is the “different” medication for ADHD. The stimulant meds (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, etc.) all work by suppression the brain chemical dopamine. Strattera works on norepinephrine.

For many who are not helped by traditional ADHD meds, or for whom the stimulants produced too many side effects, Strattera is a wonderful thing. In children with co-morbid conditions (this means more than one disorder existing together), Strattera may be the preferred choice, especially if one of the other disorders increases the child’s agitation and aggressiveness.

In the fall of 2005, the FDA issued a “black box” warning on Strattera, along with a whole group of antidepressants, saying that these medications can increase the risk of suicide in children. What’s a black box warning?

Our experience with Strattera was initially very good. LuLu took it for over 2 years, and we saw an initial improvement of focus and concentration, especially on schoolwork. As she has grown, we didn’t increase the dosage, so we may have lost some of that benefit. When we did increase the dosage, it increased her agitation. So we stopped the medication, and she reported feeling better – less fuzzy and agitated at times.

Using these medications, especially combining them, while it can be incredibly beneficial (and life-changing) in a positive way, is a delicate balance. Children’s brains work much differently than adults. Their metabolic rate is different, so medications react faster, stronger or cycle in and out of their brains quicker than adults. This is why finding the right knowledgeable doctor is so important. If a child has any complexity of disorders at all, a psychiatrist is preferred to a pediatrician, and a child psychiatrist is preferred to those who see mostly adults.

Most of the side effects of Strattera are pretty mild. The big ones are drowsiness and heartburn. Strattera has been tested (and found successful in trials) to curb binge eating.

The other advantage Strattera has over stimulant ADHD meds is that it appears to be less addicting and have less of a potential for abuse. It is not treated as the controlled substance that stimulant ADHD meds are, so doctors can call in refill prescriptions.

I have had parents tell me though, that their insurance won’t cover Strattera until their child “tries” a stimulant ADHD med and it is deemed inappropriate. This is maddening in the situation of a child with tendencies to be aggressive, as the stimulant meds may be exactly the “wrong” thing to even try. I do know Strattera (there is no generic available in the US) is not a cheap medication by any means.

About our Kids- Strattera


Eli Lilly Strattera site


Photo Credit