Strattera (Atomoxetine) Abuse, Addiction, & Treatment Options

Strattera is the brand name of atomoxetine hydrochloride—a drug that treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. It’s the first non-stimulant medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat this disorder.

While Strattera addiction is rare, some people abuse it. Taking higher doses than your doctor prescribes or taking it longer than recommended can increase the risk of adverse side effects.

Do People Abuse Strattera?

Unlike Schedule II ADHD drugs Adderall (amphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate), Strattera (atomoxetine) isn’t a controlled substance. Adderall and Ritalin are addictive and widely abused, but research shows that Strattera has low abuse potential.

Some people may abuse Strattera to improve their concentration, which can cause an imbalance of brain chemicals if they don’t need the drug for ADHD.

Can You Get High On Strattera?

As a non-stimulant drug, Strattera (atomoxetine) doesn’t affect your brain the same way as addictive prescription drugs that cause euphoria, and it won’t get you high.

Addictive substances target dopamine, opioid receptors, or GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and change your brain structure in ways that cause cravings. 

Strattera primarily increases norepinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that helps you focus. 

How Strattera Works

Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that increases norepinephrine.

Since low levels of norepinephrine are linked to a lack of energy and difficulty concentrating. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms by improving memory, attention, and impulse resistance.

Strattera is thought to be less effective at treating ADHD than stimulants, so it’s often not the first-line treatment.

Effects Of Strattera Abuse

Taking too much Strattera (atomoxetine) can cause it to have the opposite of its desired effect. It may raise your blood pressure, make you hyperactive, and give you panic attacks. 

Strattera abuse makes it more likely that you’ll experience side effects.

Common Strattera side effects are:

• decreased appetite
• weight loss
• upset stomach
• nausea
• vomiting
• dry mouth
• constipation
• headaches
• fatigue
• trouble sleeping (less severe than with stimulant drugs)
• decreased sex drive

Less common side effects of Strattera include:

• mood swings
• irritability
• sweating
• hot flashes
• increased heart rate

Rarely, a man may experience a painful, prolonged erection after taking Strattera. 

If you have bipolar disorder, Strattera can cause you to bounce between hypomania and mania.

Serious side effects of Strattera can be life-threatening. In severe cases, Strattera use can cause: 

• swelling under the skin (angioedema)
• liver toxicity (may be shown by yellowing of the skin, dark urine, or abdominal pain)
• heart problems
• suicidal thoughts

Mixing Strattera with other substances can cause drug interactions as well:

• Some antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can intensify the effects of Strattera. 
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and asthma medications (such as albuterol) may trigger high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and seizures. 
• Any drug that alters blood pressure should be used cautiously if combined with Strattera.

Strattera Abuse Treatment Options

If you or a loved one is struggling with Strattera (atomoxetine) abuse, now is the time to ask for help. 

Substance use disorder treatment programs can be tailored to your personal needs to give you the best chance at recovery.

Depending on the rehab facility, treatment options may include:

• cognitive-behavioral therapy
• support groups
• art therapy
• yoga
• meditation
• exercise programs

Combining treatment types ensures that you heal both physically and mentally. A quality rehab program will help you determine why you’re abusing Strattera and what your triggers to substance use are. 
We offer customized treatment programs at Ark Behavioral Health that meet you where you are with substance abuse. Reach out to one of our mental health specialists today to learn more.