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).
References
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/
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
Fedder, D., et. al. (2023). Atomoxetine. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed 06/21/2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493234/
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/
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 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 (544)
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