atomoxetine vs lisdexamfetamine
Side-by-side comparison of atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
minor Known Drug Interaction
From a pharmacokinetic perspective, no dose adjustment for drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2 (e.g., theophylline, duloxetine, melatonin), CYP2D6 (e.g., atomoxetine, desipramine, venlafaxine), CYP2C19 (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, clobazam), and CYP3A4 (e.g., midazolam, pimozide, simvastatin) is necessary when VYVANSE is co-administered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Recommendation: You can take these medications together without needing to adjust your dosage.
Strattera
Vyvanse
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a medicine that can help people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It works by affecting a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine.
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a stimulant medicine. It can help improve focus and reduce impulsive behavior.
Atomoxetine is used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD can cause you to be hyperactive, impulsive, and have trouble paying attention. This medicine can help you focus, be less impulsive, and feel calmer. It is for both kids and adults.
This medicine treats Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older. It also treats moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. This medicine is not for weight loss.
Atomoxetine works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain. Norepinephrine is a chemical that helps you pay attention and control your impulses. By increasing norepinephrine, atomoxetine can improve ADHD symptoms.
Lisdexamfetamine affects chemicals in your brain. These chemicals help control hyperactivity and impulses. It can also help reduce binge eating.
- • Feeling sick to your stomach
- • Throwing up
- • Feeling tired
- • Not feeling hungry
- • Belly pain
- • Anorexia
- • Anxiety
- • Decreased appetite
- • Weight loss
- • Diarrhea
- Feeling sick to your stomach 431
- Head pain 407
- Feeling tired 401
- The health problem got worse 395
- High blood pressure 388
- Taking too much medicine on purpose 1,068
- Purposely hurting yourself 1,009
- Problem getting the medicine 487
- Feeling tired 402
- Head pain 377
Atomoxetine can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and teenagers. Watch carefully for worsening mood or any unusual changes in behavior. Tell your doctor right away if you have any suicidal thoughts or feelings.
This medicine has a high risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Misusing it can lead to overdose and death. Your doctor will check your risk before and during treatment. Store this medicine safely and do not share it with anyone.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if atomoxetine will harm your unborn baby. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take ADHD medicines during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about how to register.
This medicine may harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine.
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How to Read This atomoxetine vs lisdexamfetamine Comparison
atomoxetine is classified in the Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor drug class, while lisdexamfetamine sits within the CNS Stimulant class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, atomoxetine has 2,022 submissions while lisdexamfetamine has 3,343. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to lisdexamfetamine does not affect the specific liver enzyme that processes atomoxetine.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.