Does Strattera cause weight loss?
Some people may experience weight loss as a side effect of taking Strattera. In clinical studies up to 18 weeks, 3% of children and teens taking Strattera experienced weight loss. In studies up to 25 weeks, 2% of adults lost weight. Strattera is currently not FDA approved for weight loss.
Children taking Strattera should have their weight checked often during treatment, since this medication can slow the growth (both weight and height) in children. Additionally, the dose of Strattera is calculated based on body weight in children who weigh less than 70 kg.
Why does Strattera cause weight loss?
Weight loss might be due to decreased appetite, which is another side effect of Strattera. When you feel less hungry, you are less likely to eat. This can cause you to consume less calories. Many people also experience nausea and stomach upset while taking Strattera.
How much weight can you lose on Strattera?
Studies in children taking Strattera have shown that weight gain is slower compared to normal population data for the first 9-12 months of treatment. However, weight gain rebounds after this time and returns to normal.
In one study, children who took Strattera for up to 9 weeks lost 0.5 kg on average. Another small study showed that women identified as obese who took Strattera for 12 weeks lost 3.6 kg on average. This was compared to an average of 0.1 kg weight gain in obese women who took a placebo.
Not all studies have shown weight loss in patients taking Strattera. For example, a small study of people with schizophrenia taking an antipsychotic compared body weight of those adding on Strattera or a placebo for 24 weeks. Researchers did not find a significant difference in body weight between the two groups.
Strattera isn’t an approved weight loss medication, and more research on the effects it has on body weight is needed.
References
Ball, M. P., et. al. Placebo-controlled trial of atomoxetine for weight reduction in people with schizophrenia treated with clozapine or olanzapine. 2011 Apr. In: Clinical Schizophrenia & Related Psychoses. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21459735/
Gadde, K. M., et. al. Atomoxetine for weight reduction in obese women: a preliminary randomised controlled trial. 2006 Jan. In: International Journal of Obesity. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16418753/
Ledbetter, M. Atomoxetine: a novel treatment for child and adult ADHD. In: Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Treatment. 2006 Dec. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2671957/
Strattera [package insert]. Revised 01/2022. Eli Lilly and Company - https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=309de576-c318-404a-bc15-660c2b1876fb
Read next
Related medical questions
- Adderall vs Vyvanse - What's the difference between them?
- How soon for Vyvanse to start working and how long does it last?
- Modafinil (Provigil) vs Adderall: What's the difference?
- What are the rules for controlled substance prescription refills?
- Does Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) show up on a drug test?
- How much Adderall can I take?
- Focalin vs Adderall: What's the difference?
- How long does Adderall withdrawal last?
- How long does Vyvanse stay in your system?
- How do you get rid of Adderall tongue?
- Concerta vs Adderall - What's the difference between them?
- Ritalin vs Adderall: What is the difference?
- Ritalin vs Vyvanse - What's the difference between them?
- What are the brands of methylphenidate?
- Azstarys vs Adderall, what is the difference?
- Qelbree vs Adderall: What's the difference between them?
- Adderall for Study: Does it Really Make You Smarter?
- Is Vyvanse a controlled substance / narcotic drug?
- How is Mydayis different from Adderall XR?
- What is metilfenidato used for?
- Is it okay to take Vyvanse while on birth control?
- Is Adzenys XR-ODT the same as Adderall XR?
- Jornay PM vs other methylphenidate formulations - how do they compare?
- How is Adzenys ER different to other brands of amphetamine?
- How is Cotempla XR-ODT different to other brands of methylphenidate?
- Is QuilliChew ER a controlled substance?
- Is Dyanavel XR a controlled substance?
Drug information
- Strattera Information for Consumers
- Strattera prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Strattera (detailed)
Related support groups
- Strattera (38 questions, 151 members)
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (455 questions, 2,533 members)