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.