Strattera is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD in adults and certain children. The drug may cause headache in some people. Find out whether headache is a common side effect of Strattera and how you can relieve it.
Headache is a possible side effect of Strattera, but how often it occurs may vary.
In studies, some adults reported headache while taking Strattera. However, children and adolescents more frequently reported headache. The most common side effects in adults include constipation, dry mouth, and dizziness.
More recent reports suggest that headache may be among the more common side effects of Strattera and other ADHD medications. In addition, research suggests there may be a link between headaches and ADHD in general, regardless of the medication used.
Why can Strattera cause headache?
Strattera works by affecting norepinephrine, a chemical in your brain that helps regulate attention and impulse control. Norepinephrine also plays a role in blood vessel function, so its effects on blood vessels may contribute to headache.
Headache may also be linked to other Strattera side effects, such as:
- high blood pressure
- orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up)
- dry mouth and dehydration
If you experience frequent or severe headaches while taking Strattera, your doctor can help determine whether the drug or another factor may be causing them.
There are currently no studies that suggest Strattera causes long-term headaches.
For many people, headache and other side effects of Strattera are temporary and ease as the body adjusts to the drug. This adjustment period may take a few days to several weeks.
If you have persistent headaches while taking Strattera, consider keeping a headache diary. This can help you track when headaches occur, how severe they are, and any patterns or possible triggers. This information can help your doctor determine whether Strattera, an underlying condition, or another factor may be contributing to your headaches.
If you have occasional headaches while taking Strattera, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may help. However, frequent use of pain relievers can lead to medication overuse headaches, so you should use them sparingly.
Here are other strategies that may help:
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a common headache trigger. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day may help prevent or reduce headache.
- Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can worsen headache. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Manage caffeine intake: Caffeine can trigger headache in some people but help relieve them in others. If you notice a pattern between your caffeine intake and headaches, adjusting your consumption may help.
- Practice stress management: Stress is a common headache trigger. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise may help reduce stress-related headaches.
- Limit screen time: Staring at screens for long periods can strain your eyes and contribute to headache. Try using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eyestrain.
If headaches become severe, frequent, or worsen over time, talk with your doctor. They may adjust your Strattera dosage. Your doctor may also recommend switching to a different ADHD medication or exploring other headache management strategies.
Headache is a possible side effect of Strattera. In many cases, headaches are temporary and ease as your body adjusts to the drug.
If you have severe or persistent headaches, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help determine the cause and discuss treatment options with you.