Strattera Concerns - ADD / ADHD Message Board

BlueCloudSky4 · 06-30-2004, 03:04 PM

I am concerned and curious about Strattera and I have a few questions about it. I will list them below, and would be very happy if anyone can answer any of them, as well as fill me in on anything they feel that I should know about Strattera (Atomoxetine HCL).

- What other drugs/chemicals is Strattera similar to?
- Is strattera at all similar to cocaine?
-What about abuse of Strattera? Do people snort it and if they did what would happen?
- Is strattera effective in treating depression?
-What happens when people take irregular dosages? (20 mg. one morning, 10 the next, 40 the next, 10 extra here or there, ect.)
-What effect does Strattera have on sleep?

Thank You, and feel free to throw in any other comments.

Curiously,
bluecloudsky4

Redhead23 · 07-01-2004, 05:14 AM

Strattera is not a stimulant, so it is not "similar to cocaine" (or any other amphetamine) or is snorted or otherwise taken for recreational uses.

It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), the only one licensed in the US (Another one used in Europe among other places is "Edronax").

I don't know what substances it is chemically similar to, but its action seems similar to Wellbutrin (which affects Norepinephrien and Dopamine)

Since Norepinehrine, Dopamine and Serotonin can all be involved in depression, an SNRI like Strattera may or may not be effective against depression.

Unlike most antidepressants, which are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), it does not influence serotonin. Unlike stimulants, it does not directly influence Dopamine (although it does indirectly increase it to a lesser degree).