There are several brain-developmental problems. ADHD is one of them. It is considered as a birth deficit disorder. In this condition, a person or child experiences a lack of focus, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and behavioral problems. When children and adults suffer from any behavioral or neuron-developmental problems, it lessens their brain power and imagination. Therefore, it is important to recognize these disorders during their early stages and get treatment. Today this blog going to discuss two medications Strattera and Vyvanse with a brief analysis of a comparison of Strattera vs Vyvanse.
What is Strattera?
It is an ADHD medicine and the generic drug is Atomoxetine. The drug is manufactured by the US-based Eli-Lilly company. This medicine falls under the Adrenergic uptake inhibitor to treat hyperactivity conditions in children and adults.
The drug contains ingredients like cornstarch, gelatin, titanium dioxide, etc. Strattera is mostly available in oral capsule form with different imprints and varies in color. It is a prescription-only drug, therefore, a doctor’s prescription is mandatory before taking this medicine.
Strattera was approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat ADHD in individuals. Children, who are 6 years old and above, can consume this medication. It stays active in the body for 5 to 21 hours. The medicine is available in both online pharmacies and nearby drugstores.
This medicine is not a CNS stimulant. Thus, there are no adverse effects of taking this drug in individuals.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is used to treat ADHD and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). The medicine comprises Lisdexamfetamine, a generic drug as an active ingredient. And sold under many brand names. This medicine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD children who are 6 years old and above.
Vyvanse lessens the effect of those chemicals that are responsible for hyperactivity and impulse control. The drug falls under the category of Schedule II Controlled Substance and belongs to the CNS stimulant drug class. This medicine is mostly available in oral capsule form with different imprints and dosage strengths. In the body, it stays active for up to 12 hours after consumption.
Some doses of Vyvanse are available in chewable form, for the convenience of the patient. It is a prescription drug so, do not take it without a doctor’s consultation. The manufacturer of this CNS drug is Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, LTD based in Japan.
Comparison: Strattera vs Vyvanse
Both the drugs can be compared depending on the various factors as follows. Let’s take an eye on all of them one by one.
Function of Strattera and Vyvanse:
Strattera
The mechanism of this drug is to increase the norepinephrine levels in the brain. ADHD conditions occur in individuals in the absence of this chemical. There are no abusive effects on the patients because it is a non-stimulant medicine.
Thus, the Strattera capsule supports the neurotransmitters to generate norepinephrine and can decrease the effects of attention deficit disorder.
Vyvanse
The main work of the drug is to stimulate the central nervous system and provide relief to ADHD patients from impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Vyvanse supports individuals to manage his or her hyperactivity behavior and lessens the effect of the chemicals that cause ADHD symptoms in the patient. The medicine has the efficacy of increasing the dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain and minimizes the effects of certain neurotransmitters.
The drug comes in many dosage strengths. Some doses are in the form of oral capsules and some are in chewable pills. The drug is mostly available in the form of oral capsules with different imprinted initials and in various dosage strengths.
Its activeness stays in the body for up to 12 hours after consumption. It is a prescription drug, so, must take it after getting a prescription from a qualified doctor.
Doses of Both Medications: ( Strattera vs Vyvanse)
Following are some doses of Strattera Medicine
- Strattera 10 mg ( white oral capsule)
Imprint: LILLy 3227 10 mg - Strattera 18 mg ( Gold&white oral capsule)
Imprint: LILLY 3238 18 mg - Strattera 25 mg (Blue white oral capsule)
Imprint: LILLY 3228 25 mg - Strattera 40 mg ( Blue oral capsule)
Imprint: LILLY 3229 40 mg
There are various doses of Vyvanse available, some doses are also available in chewable forms:
- Vyvanse 10 mg ( pink oral capsule) Imprint: S489 10 mg
- Vyvanse 20 mg ( white oral capsule) Imprint: S489 20 mg
- Vyvanse 30 mg ( orange & white oral capsule)Imprint: S489 30 mg
- Vyvanse 40 mg (Green & white capsule) Imprint: S489 40 mg
- Vyvanse 60 mg (blue Capsule) Imprint: S489 60 mg
Similarities of Strattera vs Vyvanse Drug:
- Both drugs are used to treat ADHD disorder.
- The two medicines are available in the form of capsules.
- Both the drugs are admissible to use for children.
- These two medicines also come in chewable forms.
- Both are prescription drugs.
- Both medicines are FDA-approved to manage ADHD symptoms.
Differences between Strattera and Vyvanse Drug:
Both medicines contain different generic drugs. Vyvanse is a CNS stimulant drug while Strattera is not a CNS drug. The drug Vyvanse is used to treat multiple disorders while Strattera is used to treat specifically ADHD concerns. Both medicines’ active duration also varies. Straterra increases the dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain while Vyvanse stimulates the brain to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Uses Instructions:
These are the using guides regarding both medicines.
- Do not crush or chew the Strattera and Vyvanse tablets and capsules.
- Make sure hands are dry and washed before taking the capsules.
- While consuming the chewable form of drug avoid drinking water.
- Keep the tablets or any form of medicine, away from sunlight.
- Do not exceed the medication course.
- While consuming oral tablets, drink an adequate amount of water.
Drug interactions: Strattera vs Vyvanse Drug
Both medications may interact with some medications and can increase the risk of side effects. The anti-anxiety medications and the medication that are used for depression. Taking MAO inhibitors should be avoided while taking these drugs. It is important to tell the doctor about all the medication history, and medications that are used to treat various health conditions because they may increase heart rate or blood pressure level. Strattera also interacts with pain relief medicines (such as methadone ), antihistamines, or sleeping pills.
Side Effects
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Body ache
- Weakness in body
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Sweating
- Discomfort
- Urge of frequent urination
- Unusual tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Joint pain
- Dark urine
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Unusual dreams
Precautions Should be Taken while Taking These Drugs:
- Take the doses as per your age and health condition.
- If you are an alcoholic or drug addict, you must tell the doctor about it.
- Pregnant women should not take these drugs.
- Keep the medications out of children’s and pet’s reach.
- Do not perform heavy tasks after consuming these medicines.
- Avoid all prohibited foods and beverages as suggested by a doctor.
- Do not drink alcohol during the medication period.
- Drink an adequate amount of water when taking these drugs.
- Take proper rest after consuming these pills or capsules.
Conclusion:
Individuals can get treatment for brain-developmental problems and can restore their actual strength through medications. Use either one of these medicines under the guidance of a doctor to treat ADHD. We hope this blog will assist you in adapting the knowledge and use of Strattera and Vyvanse medications.