Strattera and Alcohol

What is Strattera?

Strattera is the brand name for the generic prescription atomoxetine.  is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [1]. It belongs to a class of medications known as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Strattera affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. A diagnosis of ADHD (DSM-IV) implies the presence of hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that cause impairment and that were present before age 7 years. Many people mix ADHD medication such as Strattera and alcohol to experience certain side effects. However, as with most, if not all, prescription medications, drinking while taking certain drugs can cause adverse reactions.

What is Strattera Used for?

Strattera (atomoxetine) selectively inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter). Still, the exact way Strattera works to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not known but is thought to be related to the increase in norepinephrine concentrations in the nerve synapse (the space between two nerves).

Strattera is not a controlled substance. It does not appear to have any stimulant or euphoric properties and is not associated with abuse. It has not been associated with any withdrawal syndrome on discontinuation or symptom rebound. It can be discontinued without tapering [2].

Skip To:

• What is Strattera?
• Can You Drink Alcohol on Strattera?
• Alcohol and Strattera
• Strattera Interaction with Alcohol
• Strattera Effects with Alcohol
• How Long After Taking Strattera Can I Drink Alcohol?
• Alcoholism Treatment

Learn More:

• ADHD Treatment
• Alcoholism Treatment

Can You Drink Alcohol on Strattera?

Drinking on Strattera can increase your risk of experiencing adverse side effects and potentially overdosing. It can also decrease the effectiveness of the medication, preventing it from alleviating the symptoms it was prescribed to treat in the first place. Although Strattera is not a stimulant, it still produces stimulating side effects, unlike alcohol, which is a depressant. 

When you combine a medication that acts as a stimulant with a depressant, alcohol could counteract the effects of the medication. In this case, while someone with ADHD may mix Strattera with alcohol in an attempt to experience relief from symptoms or feel relaxed, the combination does the opposite. 

Alcohol can inhibit or block Strattera from working properly, preventing it from producing desired effects like increased energy, improved concentration and focus, and improved impulse control. One possible risk of this reaction is the abuse of Strattera. When a person who mixes Strattera and alcohol finds that their medication isn’t as effective, they may take higher doses to experience relief. This only increases the risk of addiction as well as overdose. 

Alcohol and Strattera

When mixing Strattera and alcohol, dangerous symptoms can result. Strattera and alcohol come together to increase the effects of each substance, making it more likely that the user will become sick. Additionally, alcohol tends to weaken Strattera’s medical effectiveness [3]. The abuse of prescription medications is widespread. However, not all prescription medications lend themselves to abuse so easily. This is because it is not an amphetamine in the same way drugs like Adderall are. Instead, as an SNRI, it functions as an antidepressant.

Antidepressants can still be abused. Doing this generally means taking a higher dose than prescribed or taking it more frequently than the user should. However, it can also be abused by mixing it with other medications, alcohol, and street drugs. Strattera addiction is not considered to be possible.

That is because studies have shown it is difficult to abuse and does not result in physical dependence. However, this does not mean people will never feel compelled to use the drug. People can develop a mental dependence on the drug if they think it brings them comfort. While the benefits of Strattera are critical to its use, they can also make patients fear life without it. As such, some might feel addicted even if they are not.

Strattera Interaction with Alcohol

Prescription medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are considered central nervous system stimulants. Combining them with alcohol can lead to dizziness and drowsiness. Another side effect worth noting: Drinking while taking Focalin, Concerta, or Ritalin, can result in impaired concentration—the exact reverse of the medication’s purpose.

There are additional concerns, too. “Stimulant drugs like those for ADHD…can have wildly activating effects when mixed with alcohol,”. Mixing Adderall, Vyvanse, or Dexedrine with alcohol increases the risk of heart problems, and drinking on Strattera carries a risk of liver damage.

Strattera Interaction with Marijuana

Strattera is used in the treatment of marijuana dependence. It can also be combined with medical marijuana to treat ADHD. However, using it with weed recreationally is risky. Much like alcohol, cannabis can increase side effects while decreasing effectiveness. It also makes it more likely that the users will injure themselves.

Strattera Interaction with Zoloft

A person with ADHD and depression or anxiety may be treated with Strattera and other antidepressants. However, combining Atomoxetine and Zoloft is not a good idea. Mixed with Zoloft can cause an irregular heart rhythm that can prove deadly in some patients.

Strattera Interaction with Lexapro

The combination with Lexapro can be deadly due to its impact on the heart. The irregular heart rhythm produced is uncomfortable at best and fatal at worst. Users should avoid combining Lexapro with Strattera.

Strattera Interaction with Prozac

Strattera interactions with Prozac are another dangerous combination. When mixed with Prozac, the blood concentration of Strattera increases, causing severe side effects and dramatically increasing the risk of overdose. It also produces an irregular heart rhythm that can be deadly.

Strattera Effects with Alcohol

When a person who mixes Strattera and alcohol finds that their medication isn’t as effective, they may take higher doses to experience relief. This only increases the risk of addiction as well as overdose. 

Other side effects of alcohol and Strattera include: 

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Impaired concentration and judgment
• Reduced motor coordination 
• Heart attack
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Seizures
• Rapid heart rate
• Chest pain

How Long After Taking Strattera Can I Drink Alcohol?

What should I avoid While taking Atomoxetine? Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking this medication. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your condition) and increase the medication’s adverse effects (e.g., sedation). It may take 4-8 weeks to get the maximum benefit once the right dose is determined. However, improvements in some symptoms may occur sooner.

Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

Please, do not try to detox on your own. The detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. However, getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment. We Level Up provide proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery through our opioid addiction treatment program medically. So, reclaim your life, and call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Alcohol Rehab Near Me

Strattera and alcohol abuse is a condition that can cause major health problems, such as an overdose. We Level Up NJ rehab treatment & detox center can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from this with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition and clarify issues like Strattera and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please understand that each call is private and confidential.