Strattera is a brand name for atomoxetine, which is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Unlike other popular ADHD drugs like Adderall and Ritalin, Strattera is not a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Rather, it is a member of the class of medications known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which are usually prescribed to people who suffer from major depression (MDD). All patients should be aware of the risks associated with Strattera withdrawal and addiction, even though they may be lower than those associated with other CNS stimulants. More information about Strattera’s mode of action, withdrawal symptoms, and potential for addiction is provided below by the professionals at our Clearbrook, Massachusetts, rehab.
Strattera, also known as atomoxetine, is a non-stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Unlike other ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall, Strattera does not directly affect dopamine levels in the brain, which makes it less likely to cause severe withdrawal symptoms. However, stopping Strattera suddenly can still lead to some unpleasant side effects.
What are the symptoms of Strattera withdrawal?
While Strattera withdrawal is generally less severe than withdrawal from stimulant medications it can still cause some discomfort. Common symptoms include:
- Rebound ADHD symptoms: This can include difficulty concentrating, increased impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
- Irritability and mood changes: You may feel more irritable, anxious, or depressed than usual.
- Fatigue and tiredness: You may feel more tired than usual and have difficulty sleeping.
- Sleep disturbances: This can include insomnia, nightmares, or vivid dreams.
- Nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort: You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Headaches: You may experience headaches more frequently or with increased intensity.
How long does Strattera withdrawal last?
The duration of Strattera withdrawal can vary depending on several factors, including the dosage you were taking, how long you were taking it, and your individual metabolism. However, most people experience withdrawal symptoms for a few days to a few weeks.
How to manage Strattera withdrawal
If you are experiencing Strattera withdrawal, there are a few things you can do to manage the symptoms:
- Talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to gradually taper off the medication, which can help minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can help to flush out the medication from your system and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Get enough sleep. Rest is important for allowing your body to recover from withdrawal.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating healthy foods can help to improve your overall health and well-being, which can make it easier to cope with withdrawal symptoms.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise can help to improve your mood and energy levels, which can be helpful during withdrawal.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. These substances can worsen withdrawal symptoms.
- Join a support group. Talking to other people who have gone through Strattera withdrawal can be helpful and provide you with emotional support.
Important note:
It is important to remember that everyone experiences Strattera withdrawal differently. Some people may experience only mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms. If you are concerned about Strattera withdrawal, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to safely stop taking the medication and manage any withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
Additional resources:
- Clearbrook Treatment Centers: https://www.clearbrookinc.com/news/strattera-withdrawal/
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/ADHD-What-Everyone-Should-Know.aspx
Remember, stopping Strattera cold turkey can be dangerous. Always talk to your doctor first to develop a safe and effective tapering plan.
How Does Strattera Work?
Strattera is a relatively new medication for ADHD; it was released in 2002, and a generic version was released in 2017. It is only approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD and nothing else. It is also regarded as a safe and efficient drug, with less side effects and the ability to control ADHD in some patients just as well as stimulant drugs.
Strattera is known as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) because it prevents norepinephrine from being taken up in the synaptic gap, which is the area between nerve cells. One neurotransmitter or chemical that is crucial for controlling attention, impulse control, and executive functions in the brain is norepinephrine.
In the brain, chemicals like norepinephrine are used to transmit signals from one nerve cell to another. Some of the neurotransmitter molecules are reabsorbed into the original nerve cell after the chemical is released; this process is also known as reuptake.
By blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, Strattera increases its availability in the brain. This helps to improve mood and behavior symptoms associated with ADHD. The person may thus benefit from increased focus and concentration, as well as a reduction in impulsive and hyperactive behavior.
Strattera is prescribed in capsules and available in 10mg, 18mg, 25mg, 40mg, and 60mg. It is intended to be taken orally twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. When first starting Strattera, patients may experience several side effects as their body becomes accustomed to the drug.
These effects may include upset stomach, decreased appetite, insomnia, mood swings, and others. If you experience any severe effects upon taking Strattera, speak to your doctor immediately.
As Strattera acts on the norepinephrine neurotransmitter rather than the dopamine or serotonin neurotransmitter, it does not cause the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with other ADHD medications. Therefore, Strattera withdrawals are much less severe than those of stimulant medications.
While rare, however, possible Strattera withdrawal symptoms include:
- Rebound ADHD symptoms
- Irritability and mood changes
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Sleep disturbances
- Nause and gastrointestinal discomfort
- Headaches
It is unlikely that stopping Strattera will have the same effect as stopping drugs that affect neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Furthermore, while experiencing a “crash” after the effects of ADHD medications such as Adderall and Ritalin wear off is common, using Strattera does not cause this symptom.
The majority of ADHD drugs target dopamine, which has an impact on mood, learning, and attention, in order to control behavior, focus, and attention. However, dopamine levels may drop after a spike if taken excessively or more frequently than prescribed, leading to a “crash.”
However, unlike other ADHD drugs, Strattera does not affect dopamine in the same manner because it is a non-stimulant drug. It targets norepinephrine, a chemical that affects mood and attention less than other stimulants and affects the central nervous system less severely.
How Long Does Strattera Withdrawal Last?
In most cases, individuals who stop taking Strattera experience very minimal withdrawal symptoms, if they experience any. This is because, as we previously discussed, Strattera specifically affects norepinephrine, and most medications of this kind do not cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
But when Strattera withdrawal does happen, the symptoms might linger for a few days or even a few weeks. The amount, frequency, length, and general health of the user are some of the main variables that influence the type and duration of Strattera withdrawal.
Since the majority of ADHD drugs have addictive properties, it’s normal for people to question if Strattera has any dependency risks. But because Strattera isn’t a stimulant, it doesn’t give users the same sense of euphoria or wellbeing that other stimulants do, so it doesn’t get users high.
Also, considering dopamine’s role in addiction, this medication does not currently have a known risk for addiction. Strattera is also not scheduled as a controlled substance in the U. S. , implying that the Drug Enforcement Agency does not believe it to be potentially abused or addictive (DEA)
This further supports the unlikeliness of physical dependence on Strattera. However, tolerance is possible. If someone uses Strattera for longer periods of time or at higher doses than recommended, they may eventually grow accustomed to its effects and need a higher dose to feel them.
Drug-taking behavior like that mentioned above can increase the risk of overdose. What’s more, prescription drugs that are not necessarily addictive can act as gateway drugs when abused. Put differently, an individual who abuses Strattera for the purpose of getting high might instead turn to more addictive and potent drugs or illegal substances.
What Happened When I Stopped Taking My Medication
FAQ
Can you abruptly stop Strattera?
Does Strattera need to be weaned?
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