ADHD Drug Comparisons
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Evidence Based Comparison
Adderall (amphetamines) vs Strattera (atomoxetine): Effectiveness in Children
Summary
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Adderall acts faster and stronger than Strattera
Adderall works more quickly and reduces ADHD symptoms more effectively in children, while Strattera takes longer to show effects and has a moderate impact.
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Adderall might affect growth more than Strattera
Adderall can consistently slow down growth in children, whereas Strattera might cause an initial growth lag followed by recovery over time.
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Side effects vary: Adderall vs Strattera
Adderall often leads to appetite loss and sleep problems, while Strattera can cause suicidal thoughts and stomach issues in children.
Comparison
Onset of Action and Core Symptom Reduction in Children
Adderall typically shows a quicker onset of action and greater efficacy in reducing core symptoms of ADHD in children compared to Strattera. While Strattera is effective, it may take weeks to achieve full therapeutic effects, and its impact is generally less robust. This can influence the choice of treatment based on the urgency and severity of symptoms.
Strattera
"Atomoxetine may take several weeks for full noticeable therapeutic action."
StatPearls: Atomoxetine
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Speed and Symptom Control
Adderall shows quicker effects and stronger symptom reduction in children.
Strattera takes weeks to be fully effective and offers moderate symptom control.
Comparison
Growth Impact and Long-Term Use in Children
Both Adderall and Strattera can impact growth in children, though in different ways. Adderall may cause consistent growth suppression without a rebound, whereas Strattera generally shows a growth lag in the first year, followed by a rebound in later years. Monitoring growth is essential for both medications to ensure children’s development is on track.
Adderall
"Consistently medicated children have a temporary slowing in growth rate...without evidence of growth rebound during this period."
FDA Drug Label Strattera (atomoxetine)Strattera
"In general, the weight and height gain of pediatric patients treated with STRATTERA lags behind...at about 3 years of treatment, patients treated with STRATTERA have gained 17.9 kg on average."
FDA Drug Label Strattera (atomoxetine)
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Growth Effects
Adderall may cause consistent growth suppression without a rebound.
Strattera may cause initial growth lag, with a rebound in growth in later years.
Comparison
Side Effects and Tolerability in Children
Adderall and Strattera have distinct side effect profiles. Adderall is associated with appetite loss, sleep disturbances, and potential cardiovascular risks. Strattera, on the other hand, carries a risk of suicidal thoughts, gastrointestinal issues, and has a less pronounced impact on growth after the initial year of treatment. These differences can influence the choice of medication depending on the individual child's health profile and needs.
Adderall
"Stimulants’ most common short-term adverse effects are appetite loss, abdominal pain, headaches, and sleep disturbance."
StatPearls: AtomoxetineStrattera
"Atomoxetine has a United States (US) boxed warning for suicidal ideation in children and adolescents."
StatPearls: Atomoxetine
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Side Effects
Adderall is linked to appetite loss, sleep issues, and cardiovascular risks.
Strattera can cause suicidal thoughts and gastrointestinal issues in children.
Peer Reviewed Study
Study: Comparing Effectiveness: Adderall XR vs Strattera in Children with ADHD
In a study comparing Adderall XR (mixed amphetamine salts extended release) and Strattera (atomoxetine) in children aged 6 to 12 with ADHD, the main measure used was the SKAMP behavioral rating scale. Changes in mean SKAMP deportment scores from baseline were significantly greater for Adderall XR compared to Strattera overall, and this was consistent at each weekly check. Both medications had similar adverse events.
The study suggests that Adderall XR is more effective than Strattera in treating ADHD in children, based on the SKAMP scores and extended action time.
The study suggests that Adderall XR is more effective than Strattera in treating ADHD in children, based on the SKAMP scores and extended action time.
Adderall
Adderall XR showed significantly greater improvement in SKAMP scores than Strattera.
Strattera
Strattera showed less improvement in SKAMP scores compared to Adderall XR.
Peer Reviewed Study
Studies: Comparative Effectiveness of Adderall and Strattera for ADHD in Children
The first abstract highlights that amphetamines, including Adderall, were more effective than Strattera for treating ADHD symptoms in children according to clinician ratings. Both drugs were better than a placebo, but amphetamines showed stronger results.
The second abstract focuses on Adderall, noting that a single morning dose of Adderall can last throughout the school day, providing similar or better effectiveness compared to multiple doses of methylphenidate, another common ADHD medication.
The second abstract focuses on Adderall, noting that a single morning dose of Adderall can last throughout the school day, providing similar or better effectiveness compared to multiple doses of methylphenidate, another common ADHD medication.
Adderall
Adderall is more effective than Strattera and lasts longer with a single dose.
Strattera
Strattera is less effective than Adderall in clinical ratings for ADHD in children.
Evidence Summary
Long-Term Atomoxetine Use in Teenagers with ADHD: Impact and Safety
The text provides insight into how long-term use of atomoxetine, a medication prescribed for ADHD, affects teenagers. It covers how symptoms of ADHD evolve with extended treatment and sheds light on the medication's safety and benefits for adolescents who stay on it for an extended period.
The focus is on understanding these long-term effects, specifically for teenagers, who may experience different outcomes compared to younger children or adults.
The focus is on understanding these long-term effects, specifically for teenagers, who may experience different outcomes compared to younger children or adults.
Evidence Summary
Atomoxetine vs Placebo: How ADHD Symptoms Are Affected
The study compares the impact of atomoxetine and a placebo in treating ADHD symptoms among girls. Atomoxetine shows different effects on ADHD symptoms than the placebo, highlighting the variation in treatment responses.
This comparison provides a clear look at how atomoxetine works compared to a placebo, detailing the differences in symptom reduction between the two treatments.
This comparison provides a clear look at how atomoxetine works compared to a placebo, detailing the differences in symptom reduction between the two treatments.
Evidence Summary
Atomoxetine: A Dual Benefit for ADHD and Tourette Syndrome
Atomoxetine is a medication that helps manage ADHD and Tourette syndrome by improving attention and reducing hyperactivity. It's particularly beneficial for those dealing with both conditions simultaneously.
Atomoxetine can be an effective option for individuals needing support in managing these disorders together, offering targeted relief for overlapping symptoms.
This medication's role in treating both conditions makes it a valuable tool in ADHD and Tourette management.
Atomoxetine can be an effective option for individuals needing support in managing these disorders together, offering targeted relief for overlapping symptoms.
This medication's role in treating both conditions makes it a valuable tool in ADHD and Tourette management.
