{"id":631780,"date":"2025-04-10T09:30:26","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T13:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631780"},"modified":"2025-04-01T15:35:18","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T19:35:18","slug":"foods-to-avoid-while-taking-strattera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/foods-to-avoid-while-taking-strattera\/","title":{"rendered":"3 foods to avoid while taking Strattera"},"content":{"rendered":"

Strattera<\/span><\/a> (atomoxetine) is a brand name, non-stimulant drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It\u2019s also prescribed off-label for other medical conditions, such as treating a specific type of low blood pressure called neurogenic orthostatic hypotension and reducing symptoms of major depressive disorder in people who also have ADHD.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you’re on Strattera, managing your diet can be just as important as managing your medication. Some foods and drinks can interfere with how Strattera works, potentially reducing its effectiveness or causing unwanted side effects. To make the most of your treatment, it\u2019s crucial to know what to avoid. Luckily, among dietary factors, only high-fat foods, highly caffeinated foods or drinks, and alcohol can interact significantly with Strattera. Here\u2019s what to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Strattera works<\/span><\/h2>\n

Stimulant medications\u2014such as <\/span>Ritalin (methylphenidate)<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Adderall (amphetamine dextroamphetamine)<\/span><\/a>\u2014are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. However, some people can\u2019t take stimulants because of unpleasant side effects or health conditions like high blood pressure or heart problems. In those cases, Strattera is another option. It\u2019s considered a second-line treatment, often used when you don\u2019t tolerate stimulants or they are ineffective. Unlike stimulants, Strattera is not listed as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), meaning that it does not share stimulants\u2019 tendency for misuse and addiction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Strattera is part of a class of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (<\/span>SNRIs<\/span><\/a>). These drugs increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain. Norepinephrine \u201cplays a crucial role in attention, focus, and cognition,\u201d says <\/span>Alex Dimitriu<\/span><\/a>, MD, psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Dimitriu says increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain typically results in reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, it\u2019s important to note that Strattera doesn\u2019t work immediately, the way stimulant drugs do. \u201cIt typically takes four to six weeks to see improvements in attention and focus, so it\u2019s important to stay on this medication long enough to give it a chance to work,\u201d Dr. Dimitriu explains.<\/span><\/p>\n

3 foods to avoid with Strattera<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some foods and drinks affect how your body absorbs Strattera or increase your risk of side effects. While you don\u2019t have to strictly avoid these foods, it\u2019s helpful to know how they may influence your experience with Strattera.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. High-fat foods\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

High-fat foods delay the absorption of Strattera, says <\/span>Erika Gray<\/span><\/a>, Pharm.D., cofounder of Toolbox Genomics. This means it can take longer for the medication to take effect. It could be less effective since it\u2019s not absorbed into your system as quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need to eliminate fat from your diet completely. It\u2019s okay to eat <\/span>healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats<\/span><\/a> in moderation, such as avocados, nuts, olive oil, and full-fat dairy. You\u2019ll just need to be mindful of the timing of your Strattera dosage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Gray suggests waiting two hours after taking it before eating a high-fat meal. This isn\u2019t a hard rule, though. \u201cIf you take Strattera with a high-fat meal occasionally, you will still absorb the same amount of the medication. You just may experience a slightly delayed effect,\u201d explains Dr. Gray.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Alcohol\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

In general, <\/span>experts advise against drinking alcohol with SNRIs<\/span><\/a> like Strattera. Combining alcohol with these medications may make the drug less effective in relieving your ADHD symptoms or increase your risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Dr. Dimitriu recommends avoiding alcohol and substances like cannabis to maximize the effectiveness of the medication to improve attention and focus.<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, you may not need to cut alcohol out completely while taking Strattera. There aren\u2019t many studies on how drinking alcohol with SNRIs affects people with ADHD; most of the studies focus on people with depression symptoms. However, one <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> found only a minimal increase in side effects when people with ADHD mixed Strattera with alcohol (though the study authors note the data is limited). Seek medical advice from healthcare professionals before consuming alcohol while being treated with Strattera.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Caffeinated food and drinks<\/span><\/h3>\n

Just like Strattera, <\/span>caffeine has an effect on your central nervous system<\/span><\/a>. In fact, both can increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain. There are no firm rules against drinking caffeinated beverages or eating caffeinated foods (like dark chocolate) when taking Strattera. Though, it\u2019s a good idea to monitor your intake\u2014and your body\u2019s response to mixing caffeine with Strattera.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Caffeine can cause many of the same effects as Strattera, like alertness, increased heart rate, and mood changes. Combining the two may intensify these effects. Keep in mind, too, that excessive amounts of caffeine may lead to trouble sleeping, which can be a particular problem for people with ADHD, who often have <\/span>coexisting sleep disorders or struggle to get enough restful sleep<\/span><\/a>. Lack of sleep can worsen symptoms relating to mood swings, attention, and focus.<\/span><\/p>\n

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