Nowadays, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become a common neurological Problem, especially in many countries. There are species of medications available for the treatment of ADHD, with Strattera and Vyvanse being two of the most popular and commonly prescribed medicines. In this blog, we will compare Strattera vs Vyvanse in detail.
Difference Between Strattera and Vyvanse
What is Strattera?
The generic tag of Strattera is Atomoxetine. This is a sedative medicine that is FDA-approved to treat ADHD specifically. Strattera functions to regulate a chemical in the brain, termed norepinephrine.
How Does Strattera Work?
Strattera functions by clogging the brain’s norepinephrine neurotransmitters and increasing their accessibility, which improves attention and impulse control. The consequence of this medicine develops slowly, and it may take 4-6 weeks to show its peak results.
Uses of Strattera
- ADHD
Off-level Uses:
- Anxiety (Off-level uses)
- Substance Use Disorder
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Depression
Side Effects of Strattera
- Sickness, vomiting, and upset stomach
- Mood swings and irritability
- Weight reduce
- Sexual dysfunction
- Liver damage in rare cases
What is Vyvanse?
The generic tag is Lisdexamfetamine. It is an excitant drug and is used for the medical intervention of ADHD. It is a pro-drug that gets changed into dextroamphetamine.
How Does Vyvanse Work?
This variant of medicine increases dopamine and norepinephrine chemical messengers, which help with attention, focus, and hyperactivity control. Its impact usually starts in 1-2 hours and ends in 10-12 hours.
Uses of Vyvanse
Off-level Uses:
- Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Narcolepsy
Side Effects of Vyvanse
- Food aversion
- Insomnia (staying asleep)
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety and Mood Swings
- Risk of dependence (risk of addiction)
Key Difference
- Start Time: Strattera begins working in 3 to 7 days, but Vyvanse begins working in only 1-2 hours.
- Duration: Strattera stays for 24 hours, but Vyvanse is only 10-14 hours.
- FDA Approved: Both are used for ADHD, but in case of Vyvanse is used for Binge Eating Problem.
- Dependency Risk: Strattera is much less, but Vyvanse is very high.
- Effect on Anxiety: Strattera is quite safe, but in Vyvanse, it was worsened.
Which is Better? Strattera or Vyvanse
Comparing two medications for treating ADHD depends on the individual’s medical history, how each person’s body responds, and their needs. Generally, Vyvanse is more effective and faster acting. On the other hand, Strattera is often better for people with co-occurring anxiety. Though Vyvanse is a fast-acting drug, it shows symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and focus. But Strattera is safer for long-term use in individuals at risk for substance misuse or with stimulant sensitivities. For individuals who can’t tolerate stimulants, have a history of addiction, and have anxiety, Strattera is more preferable. At the same time, those who need rapid symptom relief, have no history of substance misuse, and don’t mind a controlled medication, Vyvanse is effective for them.
Conclusion
The conclusion to take Strattera or Vyvanse will depend on your doctor and your medical history. This therapy is personalized, and taking any medicine randomly can be injurious to health. If you need lasting steadiness in focus, attention, and impulse control without the threat of stimulants, Strattera is a good choice. But if you want fast, powerful consequences and can tolerate stimulants, Vyvanse may be more powerful.
Every time, remember not to start or stop any ADHD medication without the advice of a doctor. Keep in mind both the advantages and benefits. And the misapplication of controlled substances is not safe for both legal and health reasons.