Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about ADHD and Adult ADD

  1. What is ADHD?
  2. What is the difference between ADHD and ADD?
  3. Is ADHD a genetic disorder?
  4. How is Adult ADD and ADHD diagnosed?
  5. How many people have ADHD?
  6. Is there a cure for ADHD?

Questions about Strattera

  1. What is Strattera?
  2. How does Strattera work?
  3. How do I take Strattera?
  4. What are the benefits of non-stimulant Strattera?
  5. How effective is Strattera in controlling ADHD symptoms?
  6. What data are being used to support the approval of Strattera?
  7. Does Lilly have any data on switching from stimulants such as Ritalin® to Strattera?
  8. What are possible side effects of Strattera?
  9. What risks do I need to consider with Strattera?
  10. What about Strattera in ADHD patients with coesxisting anxiety?

Answers to questions about ADHD or Adult ADD

  1. What is ADHD?

    Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological brain disorder that manifests as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. ADHD begins in childhood, and, as has only recently been understood, can persist into adulthood as well. While some children outgrow ADHD, about 60% continue to have symptoms into adulthood. The disorder manifests differently in adults as hyperactivity tends to diminish.
    -More Information: What is ADHD? >>

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  2. What is the difference between ADHD and ADD?

    ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the term used in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria. ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) with or without hyperactivity is the older term from the DSM-IIIR.

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  3. Is ADHD a genetic disorder?

    Research repeatedly demonstrates that ADHD runs in families. There are also indications that ADHD that persists into adulthood is more highly genetic than the type that remits in childhood.
    -More Information: Causes of ADHD >>

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  4. How is Adult ADD and ADHD diagnosed?

    The basis for the adult diagnosis of ADHD is a tool your doctor uses called the DSM-IV-TR. Your physician diagnoses ADHD based on three components:
    • Symptoms
      Adults with ADHD may tell their physician about symptoms including: lack of focus, disorganization, restlessness, difficulty finishing projects and/or losing things.
    • Impairment
      An adult with ADHD may have difficulties at work, at home and in their personal relationships.
    • History
      Adults with ADHD must have had their first symptoms prior to age 7 and these symptoms must have continued to cause impairment on a regular basis since then.

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  5. How many people have ADHD?

    It is believed that approximately 3%-7% of school-age children, and 4% of adults have ADHD.

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  6. Is there a cure for ADHD?

    Like other chronic disorders, ADHD is not curable. Some patients have success treating their disease, and are able to lead productive adolescent and adult lives. However, approximately 60% of children with ADHD will carry their symptoms into adulthood.

    ADHD is treatable. Fortunately, research is progressing on many fronts, making the outlook for people with ADHD much more positive. Progress has been made toward better understanding this illness and its treatment, and scientists are using many approaches to learn more about what causes ADHD. While no single therapy has been devised that "cures" ADHD, many people with ADHD are able to lead more satisfying lives.

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Answers to questions about Strattera

  1. What is Strattera?

    Strattera is the first and only non-stimulant prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. Strattera is part of a total treatment program. Six placebo-controlled registration studies have proven prescription Strattera to be safe and effective in treating all symptoms of ADHD. More than 4 million patients have been treated since FDA approval in 2002. For more information see About Strattera.

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  2. How does Strattera work?

    Strattera works differently from other available ADHD medications. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The precise role that norepinephrine plays in the treatment of ADHD is not known. However, scientists believe it may be important in regulating attention, impulsivity, and activity levels.

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  3. How do I take Strattera?

    • Take Strattera exactly as directed by your physician. Strattera offers flexible dosing, once or twice daily. Discuss a convenient schedule for taking Strattera with your doctor.
    • Strattera can be taken with or without food, and it must be taken whole. Breaking open the capsule can cause eye irritation.
    • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but do not take more than your total daily dose in any 24-hour period.
    • Taking Strattera at the same time each day may help you remember.
    • Call your doctor right away if you take more than your prescribed dose of Strattera.
    -More Information: How to Take Strattera >>

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  4. What are the benefits of non-stimulant Strattera?

    Everyone reacts differently to medication, so finding the right treatment can take time. Getting friends and family involved in your treatment program can be helpful—they may notice positive changes before you do.

    If Strattera does work for you, there are several benefits for you to discuss with your doctor as you explore treatment options.

    • Full-day symptom relief
      Strattera provides relief from ADHD symptoms throughout the day and into the evening.
    • Continuous symptom improvements
      While you are likely to notice improvements in ADHD symptoms by week 2, it may take up to a month to see the full therapeutic benefits of Strattera. Your system adjusts to Strattera gradually over the first month of taking it, and it can provide effective and even ADHD symptom management.
    • Does not cause insomnia in children and adolescents
      With Strattera, there was no difference in insomnia versus sugar pill in children and adolescents.
    • Effective in patients with ADHD and co-existing anxiety
      Strattera is clinically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms in child and adolescent patients with ADHD and anxiety. In clinical trials, Strattera was shown not to worsen anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD and coexisting anxiety and not to induce anxiety in adult ADHD patients. Strattera in not indicated to treat symptoms of anxiety.
    • Lack of abuse potential
      Strattera has not shown potential for abuse. It is a non-controlled prescription medication.
    • Phone-in refills
      Strattera is not a controlled substance, so you can get phone-in refills between doctor visits.
    • Not a stimulant
      If you have previous experience with stimulant medication, you might have observed an immediate impact when it took effect and also when it stopped working. You will not experience this with Strattera, since it is not a stimulant.
    • Free samples available from your doctor
      If your doctor determines that Strattera is a good choice for you/your child, ask your doctor about receiving a free sample.

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  5. How effective is Strattera in controlling ADHD symptoms?

    In each of six registration trials, Strattera was statistically superior to placebo in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. The positive effects of Strattera were seen for overall ADHD symptoms including hyperactive /impulsive symptoms and inattentive symptoms.
    -More Information: Clinical Trials >>

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  6. What data are being used to support the approval of Strattera?

    In six placebo-controlled registration studies, two in children, two in children and adolescents, and two in adults, Strattera significantly reduced core symptoms of ADHD, and was well tolerated. In all studies, participants met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition (DSM-IV-TR), criteria for ADHD.

    Eli Lilly and Company is continuing to study Strattera in short-term and long-term trials. As of April 2005, more than 6,000 child and adolescents have taken Strattera in clinical trials for ADHD.
    -More Information: Clinical Trials >>

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  7. Does Eli Lilly and Company have any data on switching from stimulants such as Ritalin® to Strattera?

    There are a variety of approaches doctors have used to initiate Strattera in patients who are on stimulant therapy. In clinical trials, some patients discontinued their stimulant medications within one or two days of beginning Strattera. Since we have launched the product, some doctors have chosen to add on Strattera and taper patients off stimulants. Individual patients have different needs therefore patients should discuss what treatment option is right for them with their doctor. Talk with your doctor to find out if switching to Strattera is right for you or your child.

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  8. What are possible side effects of Strattera?

    Common side effects with Strattera may include:

    • Nausea—A common side effect may be nausea. To possibly minimize nausea, your doctor may advise your child to take Strattera with food.
    • Tiredness—Another common side effect can be problems with tiredness. To possibly minimize tiredness, your doctor may advise you to adjust the time of day your child takes the medication.

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  9. What risks do I need to consider with Strattera?

    Every medicine offers benefits for many patients, along with the possibility of undesired effects. For additional risk information, see the Important Safety Information for Strattera and the FDA Medication Guide.

    Some rare, but important, risks to consider with Strattera are:

    • Suicidal thoughts—An analysis of clinical trial data conducted by Lilly has indicated that suicidal thoughts were more frequently observed among children and teens treated with Strattera (4 out of every 1,000 patients, or about 1/2 of 1%). There were no suicides in patients taking Strattera during clinical trials. There was no indication of an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors among adult Strattera patients.

      Parents should monitor their child carefully to see if they appear more subdued, withdrawn, or have persistent feelings of being hopeless, helpless, or worthless, or show expressions of self-harm. Children may also act out, so watch for signs of irritability, agitation, anger, or aggression. While none of these signals alone means your child is feeling suicidal, they may be signs to talk with and listen to your child about his or her thoughts and feelings. Pay close attention to changes in his or her moods or actions, especially if the changes occur suddenly. If your child has thoughts of suicide or sudden changes in mood or behavior, contact your child's doctor right away.
    • Liver damage—Strattera can cause liver damage in rare cases. During the first two years on the market there were 2 reported cases of severe liver injury out of more than 2 million patients who had taken Strattera. In both of these cases, the patients' liver function recovered after discontinuing Strattera. Call your doctor right away if your child has itching, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, upper right-side abdominal tenderness, or unexplained "flu-like" symptoms.

    It is important to share your concerns about the benefits and risks of treating ADHD vs. not treating it with your healthcare professional. All therapies for ADHD, including Strattera, have potential benefits and risks that should be understood.

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  10. What about Strattera in ADHD patients with coesxisting anxiety?

    Strattera does not induce anxiety in Adult ADD patients. Strattera is clinically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms in child and teen patients with ADHD and anxiety.

Thank you for your interest in Strattera. If you did not find the answer to your question on this site, please call 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979). A healthcare professional is available to answer your questions, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

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