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 (atomoxetine) 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. Notably, children may experience slowed weight gain during the first year of treatment, but growth typically returns to expected rates with continued use.
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.
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Managing Appetite and Nutrition While on Strattera
For those worried about “how to prevent excessive weight loss on Strattera,” clinicians recommend proactive strategies:
- Eat frequent, smaller meals.
- Eat when appetite is at its best, such as in the morning.
- Choose calorie-dense, nutritious foods if intake is low.
- Monitor growth, especially in children and teens, with regular check-ins for weight and height.
- Notify a healthcare provider if there’s significant, unintentional weight loss or ongoing trouble eating.
- Never use Strattera “off-label” for weight loss or as part of a diet plan, as this is not an approved or safe use.
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
- American Family Physician. 2005. Atomoxetine in the Treatment of Patients with ADHD. Accessed on September 19, 2025 at https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/0515/p1879.html
- 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
Strattera vs Adderall: What is the difference?
Strattera contains atomoxetine whereas Adderall contains a mixture of amphetamine salts (MAS). Both Strattera and Adderall are effective for ADHD; however, Strattera is not a stimulant which means it is not likely to be abused or cause dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms on discontinuation. Continue reading
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
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Drug information
- Strattera Information for Consumers
- Strattera prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Strattera (detailed)
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