atomoxetine (Strattera)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if a non-stimulant ADHD medication like atomoxetine (Strattera) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
ADHD

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What are non-stimulant ADHD medications?

Non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (sNRIs) and alpha agonists. Unlike stimulant ADHD medications, they are not classified as controlled substances and do not come with an increased risk for misuse.

How do non-stimulant ADHD medications work?

sNRIs work to increase the availability of norepinephrine in the brain, which both increases focus and concentration, and may have downstream effects to increase dopamine availability in the brain. Alpha agonists work by telling the brain to reduce its output of stimulating brain chemicals, thereby reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity and improving focus.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is atomoxetine (Strattera) used for?

Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Is atomoxetine (Strattera) a controlled substance?

No, atomoxetine is not a controlled substance and is not habit-forming.

How long does it take for atomoxetine (Strattera) to work?

Atomoxetine starts to work after you take a dose, though it may take 4-8 weeks of taking it regularly before you notice an improvement in your symptoms. If you have questions about how effective atomoxetine might be for you, talk with your provider.

Does atomoxetine (Strattera) cause weight loss?

Yes, weight loss can occur in some people due to taking atomoxetine. Both loss of appetite and weight loss are common side effects of the medication. If you're concerned about weight loss with atomoxetine treatment, talk with your provider.

Does atomoxetine (Strattera) give you energy?

No—in fact, tiredness is a common side effect of atomoxetine. This may happen when you first begin treatment and ease as you continue taking the medication. If you have questions about how atomoxetine may affect you, you can contact your provider for more information.

Does atomoxetine (Strattera) help with anxiety?

Atomoxetine may help with co-occurring anxiety and ADHD symptoms, though in some cases, it can also cause mild anxiety. Talk with your provider to learn more about how atomoxetine may help your anxiety symptoms.

How long does atomoxetine (Strattera) last?

Atomoxetine's half-life is between about 5 to 21 hours, which means it takes this long for about half the medication to leave your body. In total, it can take about 5 half-lives for atomoxetine to leave your body completely. If you have questions about the effectiveness of atomoxetine, talk with your provider.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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