Does Strattera help with depression?

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

Strattera was originally studied as an antidepressant in the 1980s, but large-scale studies did not prove it to be effective compared to placebo. The medication has been shown to be beneficial for patients with depression in small studies, including patients who have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression. However, larger 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 (SNRIs). Some 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).