Two medicines, side by side

Atomoxetine vs dextroamphetamine

Atomoxetine and dextroamphetamine are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of atomoxetine since 2002 and of dextroamphetamine since 1976. Pharmacies paid $0.442 per atomoxetine HCl 40 mg capsule and $0.373 per dextroamphetamine 10 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. In FDA's classes, atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and dextroamphetamine a central nervous system stimulant.

Check it at the source: the atomoxetine FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 25, 2026); the dextroamphetamine FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 26, 2025).

Highlights of the atomoxetine record

Atomoxetine (Strattera) · label of May 25, 2026

Boxed warning

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: indications
Atomoxetine 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 dextroamphetamine record

Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) · label of November 26, 2025

Boxed warning

ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Dextroamphetamine sulfate 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 dextroamphetamine 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: indications
Zenzedi ® (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablets, USP) is indicated for: Narcolepsy. […]

On the market

Earliest approval on file: August 2, 1976
Generic labelers: 14 labelers
Pharmacy cost: $0.373 per tablet

Supply and safety

Shortage: No current entry
Recalls: 24

Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Atomoxetine label of May 25, 2026, Dextroamphetamine label of November 26, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)

How do atomoxetine and dextroamphetamine differ on the record?

In FDA's classes, atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and dextroamphetamine a central nervous system stimulant.

Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.

Generics: atomoxetine since 2010; dextroamphetamine since 1975 (Drugs@FDA).

DEA schedule: atomoxetine none; dextroamphetamine CII.

	Atomoxetine	Dextroamphetamine
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	August 2, 1976
First generic approved	September 16, 2010	May 29, 1975
Generic labelers (NDC)	20 labelers	14 labelers
Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ)	$0.442 per capsule (Atomoxetine HCl 40 mg capsule)	$0.373 per tablet (Dextroamphetamine 10 mg tablet)
12-month price change	-27%	-33%
Boxed warning	Yes	Yes
Shortage now	No current entry	No current entry
Recalls recorded	15	24
FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used)	26,969	7,605
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?

Dextroamphetamine label, warnings
If concomitant use of dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets with other serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors is clinically warranted, initiate dextroamphetamine 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?

Atomoxetine: the full record
Dextroamphetamine: the full record
Alternatives to atomoxetine: every medicine labeled for the same conditions