What is Strattera?
Strattera is the trade name for atomoxetine, a prescription drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a capsule that is generally taken once daily. The drug's active ingredient, the chemical atomoxetine, is what makes the drug effective. It is considered in a therapeutic class of medication called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. The medication Strattera works by changing the brain's natural supply of norepinephrine; this then influences how we feel overall. This will affect or alter your body's chemical substance and decrease your hyperactiveness, attention span and impulsive behaviours [1, 2].
What is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is a prescription or pharmaceutical drug, also known by the generic name bupropion. It is an oral tablet usually prescribed for major depressive disorder (MDD, also known as clinical depression) to treat and prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD) [3, 4, 5]. Wellbutrin is also prescribed along with other drugs. Your endocrinologist may put you on Wellbutrin and Lexapro simultaneously.
Wellbutrin is a member of a class of drugs called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors, which increase certain kinds of brain activity [6]. The tablets are either sustained-release (SR) or extended-release (XL), depending upon the recommended method of ingestion. Both of these forms are designed to be swallowed. Wellbutrin SR is used to treat MDD, whereas Wellbutrin XL is used to treat MDD or suppress SAD [3].
Furthermore, not only do its qualities aid in the treatment of depression, but Wellbutrin is also prescribed to persuade individuals to stop smoking under the brand name Zyban [7].
Comparing Strattera and Wellbutrin
Strattera and Wellbutrin differ in their working mechanism, as well as in side effects. However, both are utilized in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Strattera (atomoxetine hydrochloride) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that modifies brain function by altering how the central nervous system takes the monoamines norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. This can impact mood. By interfering with the functioning of norepinephrine in the body, Strattera can reduce hyperactivity, increase attention span and decrease impulsive behaviours [2].
In contrast, Wellbutrin (the trade name for bupropion) is an aminoketone class antidepressant, and a highly selective norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor used not only to treat ADHD but also for depression, obesity and smoking cessation because of its ability to boost certain types of activity in the brain [6, 8].
Dosage and Administration
The dosing and administration are different, too — Strattera is an ‘immediate-release’ drug that starts working right away.
How much Strattera you take depends, in part, on your prescription and other factors, such as your body weight. For example, 1.4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) is considered a ‘typical dose’, which can also go up to a ‘maximum daily total of 100 mg’ [2].
On the other hand, Wellbutrin is generally prescribed three times a day, with doses at least 6 hours apart, or four times a day, with doses at least 4 hours apart. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of bupropion, and they will probably switch you to a higher dose in the coming weeks. Furthermore, you might not begin to feel your bupropion’s full effects for 4 weeks or longer [8].
Side Effects and Risks
The side effects and risks of these two medications also vary. Strattera does not lead to dependence and is not likely to be abused [9]. However, Wellbutrin has complex pharmacokinetics and interindividual variability in metabolism and bioactivation may influence therapeutic response, tolerability, and safety [8].
In conclusion, Strattera can be used to treat not only ADHD but also depression, whereas Wellbutrin is a widely used antidepressant that can help with some of the symptoms of ADHD. However, as these two drugs have different mechanisms of action, the dosages and side effects vary. Discuss the differences with your healthcare provider to find the proper medication.