Strattera (Atomoxetine) Detox: Side Effects And Timeline

Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication. It is not habit-forming and is not known to cause drug dependence or withdrawal symptoms with stopped use.

However, it’s not recommended that anyone who’s taking Strattera stop taking it all at once without first speaking to a doctor. Adverse side effects may occur.

Like any drug, Strattera can become a drug of abuse. If it is abused in combination with one or more drugs, including alcohol, a detox program may be recommended.

Learn more about detoxing from antidepressants

Risks Of Strattera Detox

Strattera is not a stimulant. It is not habit-forming and not known to be a common drug of misuse. However, it should not be stopped without first consulting your doctor.

Strattera is classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This means it affects the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which can help regulate mood and attention.

Unlike stimulant medications like Vyvanse or Adderall (amphetamine), Strattera does not affect dopamine. Because of this, discontinuing Strattera does not cause a crash.

However, stopping Strattera very suddenly, or all at once, could cause rebound ADHD symptoms, including difficulties with concentration, mood, or activity level.

Do I Need To Detox From Strattera?

Strattera does not cause physical dependence or withdrawal when taken by itself as directed by a doctor. Withdrawal may occur if you abuse Strattera with other drugs.

You may need to detox if you:

• have a history of Strattera abuse
• misuse Strattera in combination with other drugs
• have a recent history of drug or alcohol abuse

What Are The Symptoms Of Strattera Withdrawal?

Strattera is not known to cause withdrawal when taken and stopped alone.

If you are addicted to another type of drug, however, this could result in withdrawal symptoms if you detox from all drugs at once.

Common symptoms of drug withdrawal include:

• sweating
• tremors
• headache
• anxiety
• insomnia
• physical discomfort
• drug cravings
• fatigue
• depression
• disorientation

Alcohol withdrawal and benzodiazepine withdrawal (e.g. Xanax detox) can be very dangerous. If you have a drug abuse problem, seek medical advice before stopping any type of drug all at once.

Timeline For Strattera Detox

Strattera is not a type of drug that requires weaning, nor does it cause symptoms of withdrawal when use of the drug is stopped.

For other types of drug abuse, or alcohol abuse, detox may last anywhere from three to 10 days, depending on the type of drug, severity of dependence, and other factors.

Strattera Detox FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Strattera detox, withdrawal, and treatment for Strattera abuse.

❓ Do You Have To Wean Off Atomoxetine?

✔️ Weaning off atomoxetine, or tapering doses, is not typically necessary. However, it’s best to talk to a doctor about stopping this drug before making any adjustments to your medication usage.

❓ How Long Does It Take To Get Atomoxetine Out Of Your System?

✔️ Atomoxetine (Strattera) has a half-life of about five hours. It can take several half-lives for a drug to be fully eliminated from your system.

Factors such as age, metabolism, body composition, and the use of other substances (including alcohol) may affect how long it takes for Strattera to leave your system.

Read more about how long drugs stay in your system

Find Help With Strattera Detox And Drug Abuse Treatment

Millions of Americans misuse prescription drugs, including antidepressants and ADHD medications, each year. If this describes you or a loved one, we may be able to help.

Call our helpline today to learn more about Strattera detox and treatment options for Strattera abuse.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff