Two medicines, side by side
Atomoxetine vs methylphenidate
Atomoxetine and methylphenidate are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of atomoxetine since 2002 and of methylphenidate since 1955. Pharmacies paid $0.442 per atomoxetine HCl 40 mg capsule and $0.158 per methylphenidate 10 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. Methylphenidate's other strengths are brand-only: $2.43 per mL (Quillivant XR 25 mg/5 mL suspension). In FDA's classes, atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and methylphenidate a central nervous system stimulant.
Check it at the source: the atomoxetine FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 25, 2026); the methylphenidate FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 31, 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 methylphenidate record
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) · label of July 31, 2026
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Methylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD 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 Methylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD, 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.
Used for
From the label: indicationsMethylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 to 15 years of age. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 5, 1955
- Generic labelers
- 31 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.158 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- In shortage
- Recalls
- 55
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Atomoxetine label of May 25, 2026, Methylphenidate label of July 31, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do atomoxetine and methylphenidate differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and methylphenidate 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 …”; Methylphenidate, “Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant.”
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: atomoxetine since 2010; methylphenidate since 1977 (Drugs@FDA).
DEA schedule: atomoxetine none; methylphenidate CII.
| Atomoxetine | Methylphenidate | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 … | Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known. |
| Half-life (label) | Atomoxetine has a half-life of about 5 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | November 26, 2002 | December 5, 1955 |
| First generic approved | September 16, 2010 | December 23, 1977 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 20 labelers | 31 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.442 per capsule (Atomoxetine HCl 40 mg capsule) | $0.158 per tablet (Methylphenidate 10 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -27% | -14% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
| Recalls recorded | 15 | 55 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 26,969 | 73,102 |
| 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)
Do their labels mention each other?
Atomoxetine label, drug interactionsCoadministration of methylphenidate with atomoxetine did not increase cardiovascular effects beyond those seen with methylphenidate alone.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to atomoxetine
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions