How long does it take for Strattera to work?
Strattera starts to work for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as soon as the first day of taking a dose. However, it can take 8-12 weeks for its full effects to be reached. Some people may continue to notice an increased response for up to 24 weeks or longer.
The time it takes for Strattera (atomoxetine) to work can depend on your dosing schedule. The dose is usually started low and then raised up to a maintenance dose over days to weeks. Strattera doesn’t work for everyone. If your ADHD symptoms don’t improve within 6 to 8 weeks, your doctor may consider other treatment options.
How is Strattera Dosed?
In children and teens who weigh up to 70 kg, the usual starting dose of Strattera is 0.5 mg/kg by mouth per day. After a few days, the dose is increased to 1.2 mg/kg per day. The maximum recommended dose is 1.4 mg/kg per day or 100 mg (whichever is less).
In people over 70 kg, the usual starting dose is 40 mg by mouth per day. After a few days, the dose is increased to 80 mg per day. The dose can be increased again after 2-4 weeks, up to 100 mg.
If you have liver problems or are taking certain medications that interact with Strattera, your prescriber may recommend a different dose.
Strattera can be taken as a single dose in the morning, or as two equal doses (in the morning and late afternoon or early evening).
Factors That Affect Strattera’s Effectiveness
Multiple factors can influence how quickly and how well Strattera works. These include:
- Age and weight, which determine dose calculation
- Coexisting mental health conditions (such as anxiety or learning disorders)
- Consistency in daily medication intake and adherence to follow-up appointments
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Tracking Progress on Strattera
Monitoring daily or weekly ADHD symptoms with a structured tool can help both patients and caregivers objectively track how well Strattera is working. Professionals often recommend keeping a log of attention span, impulsivity, restlessness, and emotional regulation, as well as noting side effects and medication adherence.
Using tools like the Conners’ Rating Scale or a simple printable symptoms tracker can facilitate accurate feedback during follow-up visits. It can also help your healthcare provider decide whether medication adjustments are needed.
What to Do If Strattera Doesn’t Seem to Work
If after 6–8 weeks on an appropriate dose there is little to no symptom improvement, clinicians often follow a stepwise troubleshooting approach:
- Check for missed doses or inconsistent use
- Ask patient about side effects that may be decreasing adherence
- Reassess the dose and possibly adjust upward within safe limits
- Evaluate for other conditions that may affect symptoms, such as depression or sleep disorders
- Consider alternative treatments or adjunct therapies, including behavioral interventions or switching medications if necessary
This is not all the information you need to know about Strattera (atomoxetine) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full patient medication guide and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Cedergren, K., Östlund, S., Åsberg Johnels, J., Billstedt, E., & Johnson, M. (2022). Monitoring medication response in ADHD: what can continuous performance tests tell us?. European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, 272(2), 291–299. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-021-01319-y
- Clemow, D. B., et. al. (2015). Atomoxetine in patients with ADHD: A clinical and pharmacological review of the onset, trajectory, duration of response and implications for patients. Journal of Psychopharmacology. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26349559/ [Accessed May 1, 2024].
- Stahl, S. M. Atomoxetine. Prescriber’s Guide. October 2021. Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/prescribers-guide/atomoxetine/2F95EF4C484E4091A28E3489ECBDF251 [Accessed May 1, 2024].
- 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
Does Strattera give you energy like Adderall?
Strattera can make you feel tired or more awake. During clinical studies, some patients with ADHD who took Strattera reported feeling tired or drowsy as a side effect. However, trouble sleeping was also commonly reported. Continue reading
Qelbree vs. Strattera: How do they compare?
Qelbree and Strattera are both oral nonstimulant medicines shown in clinical studies to be effective in treating ADHD in children 6 years and older and adults. They are not controlled substances. Strattera is available as generic option known as atomoxetine, which may save you money. Continue reading
Does Strattera cause weight loss?
Some people may experience weight loss as a side effect of taking Strattera. On average, children taking Strattera for up to 9 weeks may lose around 0.5 kg. While weight gain in children lags behind normal population data for 9-12 months, it tends to rebound and return to normal after this time.
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Drug information
- Strattera Information for Consumers
- Strattera prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Strattera (detailed)
- Strattera user reviews (546)
Related support groups
- Strattera (48 questions, 158 members)
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