Two medicines, side by side
Atomoxetine vs lisdexamfetamine
Atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of atomoxetine since 2002 and of lisdexamfetamine since 2007. Pharmacies paid $0.442 per atomoxetine HCl 40 mg capsule and $2.44 per lisdexamfetamine 20 mg capsule (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 lisdexamfetamine a central nervous system stimulant.
Check it at the source: the atomoxetine FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 25, 2026); the lisdexamfetamine FDA label on DailyMed (effective April 30, 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 lisdexamfetamine record
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) · label of April 30, 2026
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION VYVANSE 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 VYVANSE, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10) ], and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing VYVANSE, assess each patient's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Used for
From the label: indicationsVYVANSE ® is indicated for the treatment of: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- February 23, 2007
- Generic labelers
- 19 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $2.44 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- In shortage
- Recalls
- 11
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Atomoxetine label of May 25, 2026, Lisdexamfetamine label of April 30, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and lisdexamfetamine a central nervous system stimulant.
How each works, in its label's words: Atomoxetine, “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 …”; Lisdexamfetamine, “Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine.”
Half-life, in each label's words: Atomoxetine, “Atomoxetine has a half-life of about 5 hours.”; Lisdexamfetamine, “The plasma elimination half-life of dextroamphetamine was approximately 8.6 to 9.5 hours in pediatric patients 6 to 12 …”
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: atomoxetine since 2010; lisdexamfetamine since 2023 (Drugs@FDA).
DEA schedule: atomoxetine none; lisdexamfetamine CII.
| Atomoxetine | Lisdexamfetamine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | ADHD | ADHD, Binge eating disorder |
| 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 … | Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine. Amphetamines are non-catecholamine sympathomimetic amines with CNS stimulant activity. The exact mode of therapeutic action in ADHD and BED is not known. |
| Half-life (label) | Atomoxetine has a half-life of about 5 hours. | The plasma elimination half-life of dextroamphetamine was approximately 8.6 to 9.5 hours in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years and 10 to 11.3 hours in healthy adults. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | November 26, 2002 | February 23, 2007 |
| First generic approved | September 16, 2010 | August 25, 2023 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 20 labelers | 19 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.442 per capsule (Atomoxetine HCl 40 mg capsule) | $2.44 per capsule (Lisdexamfetamine 20 mg capsule) |
| 12-month price change | -27% | -32% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
| Recalls recorded | 15 | 11 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 26,969 | 34,602 |
| 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?
Lisdexamfetamine label, warnings and precautionsIf concomitant use of VYVANSE with other serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors is clinically warranted, initiate VYVANSE 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