Two medicines, side by side
Atomoxetine vs amphetamine
Atomoxetine and amphetamine are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of atomoxetine since 2002 and of amphetamine since 2016. Pharmacies paid $0.442 per atomoxetine HCl 40 mg capsule and $0.449 per amphetamine sulfate 10 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. Amphetamine's other strengths are brand-only: $2.76 per mL (Dyanavel XR 2.5 mg/mL suspension). In FDA's classes, atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and amphetamine a central nervous system stimulant.
Check it at the source: the atomoxetine FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 25, 2026); the amphetamine FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 20, 2026).
Highlights of the atomoxetine record
Atomoxetine (Strattera) · label of May 25, 2026
SUICIDAL IDEATION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS Atomoxetine increased the risk of suicidal ideation in short-term studies in children or adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Anyone considering the use of atomoxetine in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Co-morbidities occurring with ADHD may be associated with an increase in the risk of suicidal ideation and/or behavior.
Used for
From the label: indicationsAtomoxetine capsule is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor indicated for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Atomoxetine capsule is indicated for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- November 26, 2002
- Generic labelers
- 20 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.442 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 15
Highlights of the amphetamine record
Amphetamine (Dyanavel) · label of August 20, 2026
WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION AMPHETAMINE SULFATE TABLET HAS A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE AND MISUSE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, INCLUDING ADDICTION. MISUSE AND ABUSE OF CNS STIMULANTS, INCLUDING AMPHETAMINE SULFATE, CAN RESULT IN OVERDOSE AND DEATH (SEE OVERDOSAGE)], AND THIS RISK IS INCREASED WITH HIGHER DOSES OR UNAPPROVED METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION, SUCH AS SNORTING OR INJECTION.
Used for
From the label: indicationsAmphetamine Sulfate Tablets USP are indicated for: Narcolepsy Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity as an integral part of a total treatment program which typically includes other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a stabilizing effect in children with behavioral syndrome characterized by the following group of developmentally inappropriate symptoms: moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- January 27, 2016
- Generic labelers
- 13 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.449 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Atomoxetine label of May 25, 2026, Amphetamine label of August 20, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do atomoxetine and amphetamine differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and amphetamine a central nervous system stimulant.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: atomoxetine since 2010; amphetamine since 1976 (Drugs@FDA).
DEA schedule: atomoxetine none; amphetamine CII.
| Atomoxetine | Amphetamine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | ADHD | ADHD |
| Pharmacologic class | Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor | Central Nervous System Stimulant |
| How it works (label) | The precise mechanism by which atomoxetine produces its therapeutic effects in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is unknown, but is thought to be related to selective inhibition of the pre-synaptic norepinephrine transporter … | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | Atomoxetine has a half-life of about 5 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | November 26, 2002 | January 27, 2016 |
| First generic approved | September 16, 2010 | February 26, 1976 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 20 labelers | 13 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.442 per capsule (Atomoxetine HCl 40 mg capsule) | $0.449 per tablet (Amphetamine sulfate 10 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -27% | +14% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 15 | 0 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 26,969 | 8,452 |
| DEA schedule | none | CII |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Amphetamine label, warningsIf concomitant use of Amphetamine Sulfate Tablets with other serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors is clinically warranted, initiate Amphetamine Sulfate Tablets with lower doses, monitor patients for the emergence of serotonin syndrome during drug initiation or titration, and inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to atomoxetine
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions