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Strattera Vs Ritalin Comparison

Strattera vs Ritalin

Strattera and Ritalin both are prescription medications that are used to manage ADHD symptoms in children and adults. It will help decrease hyperactivity and increase focus. Although, they both are used for the same thing which is treating ADHD but in different ways. Strattera is best for improving quality of life and decreasing emotional instability among children and adults. Ritalin works by improving your focus and impulsive behavior. In this blog, we will get to learn about Strattera vs Ritalin, what are their side effects, and the comparison between them. Let’s explore!

What is Strattera ADHD?

Strattera medication is another drug that contains atomoxetine hydrochloride. Strattera helps keep norepinephrine present in the brain. It controls your ADHD symptoms. Strattera is available as a generic drug; this drug is safe and effective as other commonly used drugs. Strattera is not for children who are below 6 years old. Strattera was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. Strattera ADHD is a Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor. It comes in different dosage strengths including:

  • 10mg
  • 18mg
  • 25mg
  • 40mg
  • 60mg
  • 80mg
  • 100mg

What is Ritalin?

It is also used in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It helps increase attention and decrease hyperactivity in persons with ADHD. Ritalin is a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant drug.FDA approved this drug in 1955 to treat ADHD in children who are aged 6-12 years and adults, as well.

Ritalin is available in the following forms:

  • 5mg oral tablet
  • 10mg oral tablet
  • 20mg oral tablet
  • 10mg extended-release capsule
  • 20mg extended-release capsule
  • 30mg extended-release capsule
  • 40mg extended-release capsule

Strattera Vs Ritalin (Differences and Similarities)

Both medicines are used to treat ADHD. These drugs help improve focus and attention in patients and make them stay organized in different ways.

Uses of Strattera and Ritalin

Strattera is used to treat ADHD including psychological and many others. It helps to increase attention, stay focused and concentrate, etc. It also helps to increase norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Ritalin helps to increase attention and focus and control behavior problems in patients. This medication is also used in narcolepsy. It is caused by a lack of brain chemicals called hypocretin which regulate the attack of sleep. You can control narcolepsy by taking the Ritalin drug. It is also used in Apathy in Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is defined as a reduction in goal director behavior. Apathy is also defined as a lack of interest, lack of motivation, etc. 

Strattera Dosage and Ritalin Dosage

Strattera’s starting dosage for children is 0.5mg daily with an increased dose after 3 days. Adults start with 40 mg per day, after 2 or 3 weeks the dose is increased up to 80 mg. It can be taken with or without food. Strattera is usually taken 2 times a day, in the morning or evening.

For patients aged 6 years, Ritalin dosage starts with 5 mg daily before taking a meal. It is given to children twice a day and for adults, the average dosage is 20 to 30 mg, 2-3 times daily before eating breakfast or lunch. A 60 mg is not recommended. 

Strattera Side Effects & Ritalin Side Effects

The most common side effects of Strattera medications are as follows:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dry mouth
  • Weight loss
  • Stomach problem
  • Tiredness
  • Vomiting
  • Trouble breathing
  • Irritability
  • Cough
  • Difficulty in passing urine.

The most common side effects of Ritalin are as follows:

  • Chest pain
  • Feeling cold
  • Hallucinations
  • Aggression
  • Hostility
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Swelling in the face
  • Difficulty in breathing

Conclusion

Strattera and Ritalin are medicines that can help to manage ADHD in children and adults. The choice between Strattera and Ritalin depends on various factors, such as specific symptoms and potential side effects, etc. Before using Strattera and Ritalin, take your doctor’s prescription. 

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