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].
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.
Get Your Life Back
Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care at the We Level Up Treatment Centers Network.
Hotline (877) 378-4154Alcohol 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.
First-class Facilities & Amenities
World-class High-Quality Addiction & Mental Health Rehabilitation Treatment
Rehab Centers TourRenowned Addiction Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient rehab programs vary.
Addiction Helpline (877) 378-4154Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:
15+
Years of Unified Experience
100s
5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers
10K
Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network
- Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
- Onsite Medical Detox Center
- Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
- Coaching, Recovery & Personal Development Events
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.
World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.
CALL (877) 378-4154End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.
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.
Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.
See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.
Start a New Life
Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers various recovery programs at each treatment facility. Call to learn more.
- Personalized Care
- Caring Accountable Staff
- World-class Amenities
- Licensed & Accredited
- Renowned w/ 5-Star Reviews
We’ll Call You
Alcoholism Treatment
First and foremost, if you think a loved one is abusing Strattera and alcohol, you should research the substances and their associated addiction to understand better what your loved one needs. Next, you must plan an intervention to provide your loved ones with options to battle the effects of Strattera and alcohol abuse in a safe and supportive environment. During this intervention, offer compassion and support instead of judgment. Lastly, show your support throughout the entire treatment process.
In addition, prolonged drug use can have severe physical and psychological effects on you, so it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Inpatient drug rehab offers intensive care that can help you promptly get through the early stages of withdrawal.
Alcohol Detox
Strattera and alcohol detox is the process of weaning someone off of a dependency on a substance. It allows members of rehab centers like We Level Up NJ to recover safely and comfortably. While an uncomfortable withdrawal from alcohol is unavoidable, it doesn’t have to be unbearable.
Medical detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated Strattera and alcohol withdrawal but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to drug use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete the Strattera and alcohol detox.
Cravings are very common during Strattera and alcohol detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can give medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and Strattera and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient Strattera and Alcohol Rehab
There isn’t one treatment approach or style that will suit everyone. Treatment should speak to the needs of the individual. Inpatient rehab and addiction treatment aren’t just about drug use. the goal is to help the patient stop using alcohol and other substances, but alcohol rehab should also focus on the whole person’s needs.
Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. When someone or their family is considering different treatment facilities, they should account for the complexity of addiction and the needs of the individual. The objective of attending an inpatient rehab center for addiction treatment is to stop using the drug and re-learn how to live a productive life without it.
Following a full medical detox, most people benefit from inpatient rehab. Inpatient drug rehab can last anywhere from 28 days to several months. Patients stay overnight in the rehab facility and participate in intensive treatment programs and therapy. Once someone completes rehab, their addiction treatment team will create an aftercare plan, which may include continuing therapy and participation in a 12-step program like Narcotics Anonymous.
Psychotherapy
Many rehab programs will also have early morning classes or programs. Group sessions occur during inpatient rehab, as do individual therapy sessions. Family therapy may be part of inpatient rehab when it’s feasible. Alternative forms of therapy may be introduced during inpatient rehab, like a holistic therapy program, yoga for addiction recovery, or an addiction treatment massage therapy.
Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.”
- Solution-focused therapy is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in a mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend mainly on the treatment for both diseases done by the same team or provider.
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.
Search Strattera and Alcohol Topics & Resources
Sources:
[1] DailyMed – STRATTERA- atomoxetine hydrochloride capsule (nih.gov)
[2] Atomoxetine (Strattera®) – Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
[3] Adjunctive atomoxetine to SSRIs or SNRIs in the treatment of adult ADHD patients with comorbid partially responsive generalized anxiety (GA): an open-label study – PubMed (nih.gov)
[4] 021411s004s012s013s015s021lbl.pdf (fda.gov)
[5] Advances in the science and treatment of alcohol use disorder – PMC (nih.gov)
[6] Atomoxetine treatment of adults with ADHD and comorbid alcohol use disorders – PubMed (nih.gov)
[7] ADHD Treatment – 1st Class Effective Treatment Options (welevelup.com)