Strattera Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment
Table of Contents
What is Strattera (Atomoxetine)?
Strattera is the brand name for atomoxetine. This drug is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Strattera differs from most other ADHD drugs because it’s not a stimulant. It is part of a group of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These drugs are usually used to treat depression
Strattera is a relatively new drug that came out in 2002 and a generic version was introduced in 2017. It is FDA-approved to treat ADHD but nothing else. It is seen as a safe and effective drug. Research shows it controls ADHD like other stimulant medications, but with fewer side effects. It’s most often used by people who cannot or don’t want to use stimulant medications.
Strattera has a lower chance of being abused. Unlike other ADHD medications, it does not make users feel energized or alert. However, like all prescription drugs, it does have some risks and may be misused.
How Does Strattera Work?
Strattera works by blocking the brain from reabsorbing serotonin and norepinephrine to regulate mood and behavior. As a result, it also helps people concentrate, stay focused for longer periods, and decreases impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
Strattera comes in a capsule form that is available in 10, 18, 25, 40, and 60 mg strengths. It is intended to be taken orally, usually in two doses: one in the morning and one in the evening.
Upon first starting Strattera use, the effects can take several weeks to start working. After about a month, the dose can be increased if needed. A doctor will find the best dose through trial and error. Patients using Strattera should not crush, chew, or break the capsules and it should only be taken in the prescribed dosage amount.
Is Strattera Addictive?
Strattera is a non-stimulant drug. It does not create feelings of euphoria. Users will not feel a high from Strattera. As such, it does not currently have a known risk for addiction. It is not scheduled as a controlled substance in the U.S.
However, it could potentially lead to addiction to other drugs. In some cases, Strattera can change the brain. This may lead to psychological addiction. A person might feel the need to take more of it or take it more often than prescribed.
If you abuse Strattera for a long time, you’ll develop a tolerance to its effects. Meaning, you’ll need more of it to experience the same effects. Taking larger and more frequent doses may help you get the effects you want. However, this also raises your risk of overdose.
Additionally, sometimes people start abusing prescription drugs like Strattera and then they no longer have access to it. So, instead, they look for other options. They may turn to addictive prescription drugs or illegal drugs that are easier to find. This can increase the risk of overdose. It may also cause legal issues, relationship problems, money troubles, and serious substance use disorders.
How Common Is Strattera Addiction?
Strattera addiction is not common, as it has a very low potential for abuse. However, prescription drugs are rarely the only drugs of abuse if someone is misusing substances. Most people who abuse prescription drugs do so alongside other addictive substances, like alcohol or illegal drugs.
What Are the Side Effects of Strattera Abuse?
Strattera can produce some negative side effects, much like other medications. However, if it is abused, these side effects can be exacerbated.
Common side effects of Strattera abuse in children and teens include
- Upset stomach
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Mood swings
Common side effects of Strattera abuse in adults include
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Sexual side effects
- Menstrual cramps
- Problems passing urine
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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Strattera Addiction?
Strattera addiction is very rare. However, if someone becomes addicted, they may show some of these signs:
- Visiting multiple doctors to get prescriptions for Strattera
- Faking or lying about symptoms to get Strattera from a doctor
- Lying about taking Strattera
- Worrying about getting the next dose of Strattera
- Developing a tolerance (needing larger or more frequent doses of Strattera to achieve the same effects)
- Continuing to abuse Strattera despite the harmful physical side effects, emotional problems, and social consequences
- Trying to stop using Strattera but being unable to
What Are the Symptoms of Strattera Withdrawal?
Strattera is different from other ADHD stimulant drugs. For example, it is not like Adderall or Ritalin. When someone stops using Strattera, they do not experience withdrawal symptoms. This is because it doesn’t affect the user’s dopamine levels. Instead, it works by increasing levels of norepinephrine. There are no withdrawal symptoms from Strattera. This means there is no “Strattera crash” like with other stimulants.
Someone who is addicted to Strattera usually does not need a medical detox program to stop using it. Strattera detox is not needed. However, therapy for substance abuse in a Strattera rehab program may be necessary to beat the addiction.
How Long Does Strattera Stay In Your System?
So, how long does it take for Strattera to work? And how long does Strattera last when you take it?
Once the right dose is achieved, it can take about four to eight weeks for Strattera to start working.5 It is effective for 24 hours after it is taken.
Strattera’s half-life is about 5 hours. It takes several half-lives for the drug to leave your system completely. The half-life can vary from person to person. This is due to differences in metabolism and other individual factors.
If you take a drug test, Strattera may be detectable in your system. Below, we’ve listed the approximate drug detection times for Strattera based on the type of test.
- Urine – 1 to a few days after the last dose
- Blood – up to 3 days after the last dose
- Hair – up to 90 days after the last dose
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How To Stop Taking Strattera
Although Strattera addiction is very uncommon, it may still occur among some users. If you are addicted to Strattera or misusing other prescription drugs, you might need help. It is important to seek professional assistance to stop using them.
Your need for a Strattera treatment program depends on how severe your addiction is. It also depends on your history with substance abuse and what your doctor thinks you need. Programs like IOP or residential rehab may be necessary.
There are different types of Strattera treatment programs. They offer different levels of structure and support for those who need it. These Strattera rehab programs are created by experts in substance abuse treatment. They are run by medical and clinical professionals. These professionals use proven methods and therapies for addiction treatment.
During treatment, staff will help you understand the causes of your addiction. They will support you in making positive life changes and changing your behavior. You will also learn healthy ways to handle cravings, relapse, and other risky situations you might face after treatment.
Strattera Addiction Treatment Options
During residential rehab clients
Live on-site at the treatment facility during the Strattera rehab program. Agree to follow the rules set by the staff. Attend individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy regularly. Join recovery group discussions, process groups, and recovery-related social activities. Visitors are allowed, and you can make phone calls and send emails. However, these activities must be planned and have some restrictions
During outpatient rehab clients
Live at a sober living home or at home while finishing rehab. Agree to follow the rules set by the staff. Attend group counseling sessions in person or online a few times a week. Keep up with personal responsibilities during treatment. Complete recovery-related assignments on your own. Join in activities during group sessions
Depending on what type of Strattera rehab program you choose, the cost may vary greatly. This is usually due to factors like the treatment program’s location, amenities, and services offered.
Most Strattera treatment programs will accept health insurance benefits, which can help reduce the overall cost of treatment. Depending on your insurance policy and coverage, a portion of your Strattera treatment program may be covered.
If you don’t have health insurance, you may be able to explore alternative payment options for rehab, such as:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Financed healthcare loans
- Medical credit cards
- HSA funds
- Scholarships and grants
- Personal loans from family or friends
What Are Continued Care Options for Strattera Addiction?
After finishing a Strattera rehab program, you might want to keep getting help. Consider joining a support program like sober living or aftercare.
Sober Living Programs
Sober living programs provide a safe, comfortable, and substance-free living space for men and women in recovery. Traditionally, these homes are gender-specific and many offer LGBTQ living spaces or pet-friendly homes too.
Sober living programs offer a safe home for people who are newly sober. They also provide support services for recovery, such as:
- Regular drug and alcohol testing
- Certified peer recovery support programs
- Phased and individualized recovery programming
- Employment assistance
- Volunteer placement
- Educational planning
- Access to IOP and clinical care services through a third-party provider
Health insurance providers do not pay for sober living programs. However, many sober living homes are affordable for people in recovery. Some also provide scholarships or financial assistance for those who need it.
Aftercare Programs
Sometimes, transitional life experiences or changes can make maintaining sobriety difficult due to excess stress and other factors. In these instances, an aftercare program can provide much-needed support and assistance.
Aftercare programs offer structured accountability with weekly meetings, discussions, and sober support from peers and professionals. Group discussions focus on recovery topics. They help clients grow personally and cope with cravings. These discussions also teach clients how to manage stress and handle risky situations without losing their sobriety.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Strattera addiction, there has never been a better time to get help. Using prescription drugs the wrong way can cause many physical, mental, and life issues. But we are here to help. Please call (512) 309-5711 today to learn more about Strattera treatment options at Nova Recovery Center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strattera
Strattera is more commonly associated with weight loss, especially in children and adolescents. However, in some rare cases, adults may experience slight weight gain due to changes in appetite or metabolism.
Yes, weight loss is a known side effect of Strattera, particularly in younger users. This can result from reduced appetite and increased energy expenditure during treatment.
Initial side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or fatigue typically resolve within the first 1–2 weeks. If side effects persist or worsen, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider.
Strattera doesn’t work immediately. Most people start to see symptom improvement after 1 to 4 weeks of regular use. Full effects may take up to 6 weeks.
No, Strattera (atomoxetine) is not classified as a controlled substance. It has a low potential for abuse and is not habit-forming, unlike many stimulant ADHD medications
Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It increases levels of norepinephrine in the brain, helping improve attention, impulse control, and focus in individuals with ADHD.
Strattera is a non-stimulant medication, while Adderall is a stimulant. Adderall works more quickly and may be more potent, but it also has a higher risk of dependence. Strattera provides a steady, long-term effect without the crash.
No, Strattera does not produce the same stimulating or euphoric effects as Adderall. While it can improve alertness and focus, it does so gradually and without the “rush” associated with stimulants.
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