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
What are 12 key Strattera side effects to watch out for?
Common side effects of Strattera include headache, poor appetite, and nausea. It can also cause dry mouth, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Strattera can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. Rare cases of liver damage have also been reported. Continue reading
What are the benefits of taking Strattera at night?
Research has shown Strattera works just as well whether it’s taken once a day in the morning or twice a day (morning and evening). Symptom improvement lasts for 24 hours, regardless of what time it is taken. This allows patients and their healthcare providers to be flexible on a dosing schedule that works for them. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
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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 (543)
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