Has your doctor prescribed medication for you or your child for ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? When you hear names like Ritalin and Strattera, you may feel a little confused, wondering, "What kind of medication is this? What's the difference between the two? Which is best for me or my child?" Don't be afraid. This is a problem that many people have. Today, we'll talk about it in a very simple way that you can understand.
First of all, what are Ritalin and Strattera?
Simply put, Ritalin and Strattera are two medications that are used to treat the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Both of these medications improve your ability to focus and concentrate. However, they work in two different ways.
Ritalin (methylphenidate):
This is a stimulant . Think of your brain as having little messengers that carry messages back and forth. We call these neurotransmitters . What Ritalin does is increase the levels of two of these messengers , dopamine and norepinephrine, in your brain. When these chemicals are increased, it becomes easier for you to focus, get things done, and reduce your anxiety. About 8 out of 10 people with ADHD benefit from these stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine):
This is a non-stimulant drug. It doesn't have a big effect on dopamine. Instead, it keeps the aforementioned neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, in the brain for longer. This also helps control your attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior.
Strattera may not work as quickly or as strongly as Ritalin for ADHD, but your doctor may have reasons for prescribing it. For example, if a medication like Ritalin doesn't work for you, or if you have trouble tolerating its side effects , Strattera may be a good option.
The most important thing is that you won't see results right away when you start using Strattera. It can take about 4 to 6 weeks to see the full results. So, don't stop after two or three days and say, "This doesn't work." Keep using it as your doctor tells you.
How long does this medicine last in the body?
This is also a very important question. The duration of action of these two types of medication is also different.
- Ritalin : This is a short-acting drug. The effect of one pill usually lasts for about 3-4 hours . This means that a school-going child or a working person will have to take it several times a day, such as one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to cover the entire day. There are also long-acting forms of Ritalin, such as Ritalin LA . One pill covers about 6-8 hours.
- Strattera: This is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) . It takes a while to start working, but once the body gets used to the medication , it lasts a long time. When taken once (sometimes twice) a day at the same time, it works for 24 hours .
How is the dosage determined?
This is something that only your doctor can decide. He or she will look at your age, weight, and the nature of your symptoms, start with the lowest dose, and gradually work up to the dose that works best for you. Here are some general guidelines.
| Type of medicine | Description of the usual dosage |
|---|---|
| Ritalin tablets (Children over 6 years old) |
|
| Ritalin tablets (Adults) | |
| Strattera (People under 70 kg) | |
| Strattera (People over 70 kg) |
About stopping Ritalin suddenly
Do not stop taking Ritalin suddenly , especially if you have been taking it at a high dose for a long time. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, if you stop taking the medication, do so under the guidance of your doctor, gradually reducing the dose. This is called tapering.
Let's also learn about side effects.
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Most of the time, these are minor and go away as your body gets used to the medicine. But some can be serious.
| Type of medicine | Common side effects | Things that need immediate attention |
|---|---|---|
| Ritalin |
| |
| Strattera | ||
Severe Allergic Reaction - An Emergency! If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, throat tightness, or swelling of the lips/tongue/face after taking either of these two medications, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. | ||
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is a very sensitive issue. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely talk to your doctor about taking ADHD medication and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Can there be problems with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, absolutely. Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking. Be especially careful about these:
- MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): These are an older class of antidepressants. Taking them with Ritalin or Strattera is extremely dangerous . They can cause a very high blood pressure.
- Blood pressure drugs: Ritalin and Strattera can affect the effectiveness of blood pressure drugs.
- Alcohol: Taking alcohol with Ritalin can increase side effects.
Can you become addicted to these medications?
This is a fear that many people have. Let's understand this clearly.
- Ritalin: This is classified as a controlled substance . This is because some people use it incorrectly (for fun), and there is a risk of addiction . However, when taken as prescribed for ADHD, the risk of addiction is very low. Using it as directed by a doctor and using it incorrectly are two different things.
- Strattera: This is not a controlled substance. Also, Strattera has not been reported to be addictive or to have a tendency to misuse. Therefore, if there is a fear of addiction, Strattera may be a safer option.
Take-Home Message
- Ritalin is a stimulant drug, while Strattera is a non-stimulant drug.
- Ritalin works quickly and the effects are short-lived. Strattera takes a few weeks to take effect, but the effects are long-lasting.
- Only your doctor can determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for you or your child.
- Never change the dosage of medication or stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- It is imperative to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Don't be afraid of side effects, and talk openly with your doctor about them. They may be manageable by changing the dosage or switching to a different medication.
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