Adderall vs Strattera? | ADHD Information

Strattera typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to build up in your bloodstream so you would not notice an improvement on the first day the way you would with a stimulant like Adderall.  If you want to see Strattera's full effect, you would have to continue for a month or two.

 

So I am about to finish my first day on Strattera. 

I was prescribed Adderall a few years ago but took it only sporadically-- basically as needed for studying etc.  I found it to be very effective.  For 2-4 hrs after I took it ~20 mg (was prescibed 20 mg twice a day but that was too much) I was extremely focused on whatever I was working on.  What I didn't like was the feelings when I started to wear off.  I'd return to being a "scatter-brain" and it actually felt worse than usual.  I also felt exhausted but couldn't sleep.  These feelings worsened and the drug was generally less effective if I took it for more than a few days in a row.  It seemed that the jittery side effects worsened and the positive ones were less strong. 

I went without treatment for several years, but am now reassessing myself and my ADD.  Because of all the above, I asked for non-stimulant therapy and was prescribed Stattera.  I took 36 mg this morning and basically I've found it to be not effective or at least not as effective as Adderall.  Prime example... I'm posting to a forum instead of getting my work done.  It feels like a very weak version of Adderall.  I feel slightly better focused and a bit more alert.  I also feel some of the old side effects; loss of appetite, sweaty armpits, dry mouth, but to a much lesser extent. 

My question is should I continue on Stattera or go back to Adderall and play with dosing etc?  Is there a delay for full positive effects of Strattera to be reached?