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Does Strattera help with depression?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 13, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Strattera (atomoxetine) is not FDA approved to treat depression. However, it may be used off-label to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression.

Early studies investigated atomoxetine as an antidepressant, and more recent small-scale trials and case reports suggest possible benefits for mood, especially in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression. Large-scale studies did not prove it to be effective compared to placebo. More studies of Strattera are needed to demonstrate its effectiveness for treating depression.

In clinical studies, children and teens taking Strattera for ADHD had a higher risk of suicidal thoughts. However, this risk was low (0.4%). This risk was not seen in adults taking Strattera for major depressive disorder. Children and teens taking Strattera should be watched carefully for mood or behavior changes, especially during the start of treatment and after any dose changes.

Is Strattera an Antidepressant?

Strattera is not classified as an antidepressant. It belongs to a group of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or selective NRIs. Certain SNRIs are FDA-approved to treat depression, but Strattera is not one of them. Instead, Strattera is approved to treat patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dual Diagnosis: Strattera's Role in ADHD and Depression

Patients with both ADHD and depression often face unique treatment challenges. According to clinical reviews and studies, atomoxetine may be beneficial for these dual diagnosis cases, improving both attention and mood. Strattera’s selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibition may provide an alternative for those who don't respond well to stimulant medications or serotonergic antidepressants.

References
  1. Blier, P. (2006). Psychopharmacology for the Clinician Psychopharmacologie pratique. In: Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. Accessed 06/21/2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1488907/
  2. Clemow, D. B., Bushe, C., Mancini, M., Ossipov, M. H., & Upadhyaya, H. (2017). A review of the efficacy of atomoxetine in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adult patients with common comorbidities. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 13, 357–371. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S115707
  3. Dadashova, R., et. al. (2012). Off-label use of atomoxetine in adults: is it safe? In: Mental Illness Journal. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081%2Fmi.2012.e19
  4. Fedder, D., et. al. (2023). Atomoxetine. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed 06/21/2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493234/
  5. Preti, A. (2002). Tomoxetine (Eli Lilly & Co). In: Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs. Accessed 06/21/2024 at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12020059/
  6. Strattera [package insert]. (Revised Jan 2022). Eli Lilly and Company. Accessed 06/20/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=309de576-c318-404a-bc15-660c2b1876fb

Read next

What are 13 key Strattera side effects to watch out for?

Common side effects of Strattera include headache, poor appetite, dry mouth, and nausea.

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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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