Concerta and Strattera are medications prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, a psychiatric disorder with three main symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Concerta is the stimulant methylphenidate, and Strattera is the selective norephinephrine reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine. Although both drugs are used to treat ADHD, they are from two different drug classes, and thus have different side effects.
Gastrointestinal
Concerta has common gastrointestinal side effects of stomach pain, constipation and vomiting. A less common side effect is diarrhea. Strattera has common side effects of stomach pain, vomiting, constipation and nausea.
Psychiatric
Concerta has common psychiatric side effects of insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, depressed mood, agitation, confusion, tension, aggression and depression. A less common side effect is motor hyperactivity and fatigue. It is important to note that Concerta is a controlled substance and could become addictive if abused, while Stattera is not a controlled substance. Strattera has common side effects of fatigue, irritability and mood swings. A dangerous side effect is suicidal ideation, although no suicides have been reported from users of Strattera.
Nervous System
Concerta has common nervous system side effects of dizziness, headache and tremors. Strattera has common side effects of headache, dizziness, tremors, tiredness and sleep disorders.
Sexual
Concerta has a reported sexual side effects of decreased libido in a small percentage of patients; however, most stimulants can increase libido and frequency of sex by increasing the attention the patient has to the sexual act and his partner, thus making sex more pleasurable. Concerta has been less commonly reported to cause erectile dysfunction. Strattera is known to decrease libido, cause erectile dysfunction and delay ejaculation.
Infections
Concerta has common side effects of increasing susceptibility to infections, including the common cold, fever, cough and sore throat. A less common side effect is decrease in white blood cell count. Strattera has common side effects of chills and heat flashes.
Vision
Concerta has a common visual side effect of blurred vision. A less common side effect is dry eyes. Strattera is not reported to impact vision.
Miscellaneous
Concerta has common side effects of dry mouth, decrease in weight, appetite suppression, muscle tightness and excessive sweating. Less common side effects include increase in heart rate, increase in blood pressure, heart murmur and shortness of breath. Strattera has common side effects of weight decrease, appetite suppression, dry mouth, painful urination, hesitation to urinate, excessive sweating and rash. Strattera may also cause missed or elimination of periods in women.
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