Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center
Adderall vs Strattera.
In the first head-to-head comparison of Strattera against
other ADHD drugs, Strattera failed the test. The results of a
study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric
Association in May 2004, indicate that children treated with
Adderall showed greater improvements in their behavior and
attention than those using Strattera.
The three-week study used 200 children aged 6 to 12 that were
already diagnosed with ADHD. The children were randomly assigned
once-daily treatment of either the extended-release Adderall
formulation or Strattera. The children were then monitored in
three weekly sessions in a simulated classroom environment.
The children’s behavior was measured by a standard ADHD
assessment tool every 2 1/2 hours during each session. The doses
of both drugs were increased weekly according to manufacturer
recommendations. Researchers saw improvements with Strattera
during the first week of the study but those effects did not
continue during the second or third week. The improvements were
consistent across each of the study days in children taking
Adderall.
Researchers stated "significant differences" in the
effectiveness of Adderall vs Strattera, stating that the children
who received Adderall were better behaved, better focused and that
the effects of Adderall lasted longer. Children taking Adderall
also performed better on a timed math test while researchers did
not see those improvements in children taking Strattera.
The research was funded by Shire Pharmaceuticals Group, the
maker of Adderall XR. Not surprisingly, Strattera maker Eli Lilly
& Co. questioned the study, stating that the length of the study
was not long enough to judge the full benefits of Strattera and
that the study’s findings were inconsistency with previous
research conducted by Eli Lilly.
Both Adderall and Strattera produced side effects during the
study. Adderall is a mixture of four amphetamine salts. Strattera
is the first non-stimulant medication FDA-approved to treat ADHD.
Strattera was approved in November 2002 and was available to the
public beginning in January 2003.
Potentially serious Adderall side effects include allergic
reactions, hallucinations, abnormal or confused behavior,
irregular heartbeat and/or very high blood pressure. Less serious
but common Adderall side effects include restlessness, anxiety,
nervousness, insomnia, headache, weight loss, dizziness and
impotence. Adderall used over extended periods of time, it can
cause dependence. A person taking Adderall can experience
withdrawal with sudden discontinue of use.
Sexual side effects, mood swings, constipation, nausea or
vomiting, decreased appetite, upset stomach, dizziness, tiredness,
insomnia, an increase in heart rate and blood pressure are common
side effects of Strattera.
The Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center maintains its health
and safety stance of trying any and all available
alternatives to ADHD medication
before resorting to drug therapy.
Attend, a neurological support
supplement, is a highly effective alternative to conventional ADHD
drug medication.
Related Articles:
Straterra - The promising new ADHD medication?
Strattera (atomoxetine) Side
Effects
Strattera
Benefits/Disadvantages
Strattera Linked to Liver
Damage
Back to Archived
Newsletter page
