Is Strattera better than Ritalin?

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Although much hype surrounds the new Eli Lilly drug, Strattera, there are no well designed head to head trials that compare Strattera to Ritalin. More studies comparing the two therapeutic options need to be done.

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From my daughter's experience, the answer is NO. Strattera had more side effects and the side effects were extreme. They included tiredness, irritability, anger, and extreme mood swings. The withdrawal from Strattera was horrible. When she took Ritalin, while she needed it more frequently (a few times a day), she was more focused in school and we didn't see the extreme mood swings that we did with Strattera and we did not experience horrible withdrawal effects. I've seen no studies comparing the two drugs, and there have been no long term studies on Strattera since it has not been on the market very long. Stick with the known and don't let a loved one be a guinnea pig for the new drugs that aren't helping, but are rather making the drug manufacturers rich.

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For me, personally, YES.

For several years, I had been taking Cylert, but was concerned about the liver function checks that I had to go through taking that medication. Ritalin is not an alternative for me; I have bad side effects from long-term use, including mild amphetamine psychosis and seriously disabling migraine headaches.

Last year, they found a type-3 Bosniak Cyst in my right kidney. The kidney had to be removed.

For seven months after my hosptial discharge my ADHD went unmedicated: knowing the damage that amphetamines do to the kidneys, I didn't see any way around learning to live without the Meds. Needless to say, this was a BAD IDEA; after convalescence, upon return to work, my job performance ratings went straight down the ol' toilet!

I've been on Strattera for 6 weeks now, and I'm REALLY pleased. My family certainly notices the difference, and I can see a difference for the better in my performance at work!

Side effects...well, I now *do* have some difficulty urinating; but it's usually only a few moments pause before I begin; I notice that the urinary flow is not as rapid as it once was, and that it takes me longer to urinate, but that seems relatively minor. Sometimes I still "feel" like I have to urinate after I've urinated. This usually stops after a few minutes.

I have noticed a mild bit of sexual dysfunction, but that seems to be wearing off. I haven't noted any others, no extreme constipation, no nauseau (unless one of the pills accidently breaks in your mouth-- man! Does it taste NASTY!), no difficulty operating heavy machinery.

For me, Strattera seems to be a good fit. I *do* have some concern about the difficulty urinating, because I now have only one kidney, but my overall performance is better with this than with any other medication I've tried for ADD, all of which were amphetamine based.

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My step son's mother put him on Strattera about 4 months ago(His dad and I beleive he doesn't have ADHD.)and he has become cruel to animals and his friends. He is very hyper, can't concentrate,and has developed other new problems that he didn't have before he was on the medication. I don't want to try and put anything in anyones head, but medication is not always the answer. With some it might be the only answer, but please remember this is your child and there are so many REALLY BAD SIDE EFFECTS with these DRUGS that could last a life time or even cost a CHILD'S LIFE. If you care enough about your child please read up on some of the things these drugs can cause(THINK ABOUT IT)READ;DEATH FROM RITALIN this has lots of great information and Strattera contains the same drug as Ritalin does that killed many children.

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I think it really depends on the individual. For me, the answer is no, because of the side effects.

Ritalin causes my mood swings to be a little worse at times, but when I could afford Concerta, the time release version, it wasn't as bad. Ritalin and Concerta help me concentrate, make me less impulsive, and evens out my energy level throughout the day.

Strattera makes me very tired, more depressed and angry, and caused severe pain and discomfort in my "male parts". It helped me a little with impulsiveness, but did not help me in the other areas.

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My mother (62) and myself (31) started on Strattera simultaneously about four weeks ago. We had just recently been diagnosed, and not been on any medication for Adhd previously. We were both calmer from the first day. Within the first week my mother started speak more coherently. During the second week, I had to organize and oversee several important projects at work, and for once I wasn't an anxious mess. Also, I was hearing what people were saying without falling out or interupting. WOW! Somewhere during the third week, I began to have thorough thoughts. That is to say, I could think through an issue without being highjacked by other stuff in my head. I have to say I was amazed at the level of intellectual thought that was going on! Felt like I could really conquer the world with my brain functioning like this. My side effects, a sort of "drugged" feeling, seemed to go down after getting used to each increase in dosage. My mother, unfortunately, had to go off as she was tired and sweat profusely in what resembled hot flashes (even though she has long since passed menopause). My doctor switched me to Ritalin, since he feels more sure it is totally safe, and after a great first week (I have never been so sweet and nice in my life, lots of energy and no drugged feeling), I started to have mild anxiety. Now I don't know what to do. I really liked Strattera, but the drugged feeling felt unhealthy and potentially dangerous. Ritalin on the other hand, seems to provoke my anxiety, and wears off during the day, which I think is terribly unfortunate since I would like to think clearly around the clock.

First answer by Walresa. Last edit by Getacar. Contributor trust: 633 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 143 [recommend question]