Can't fill your Atomoxetine prescription? Explore non-stimulant ADHD medication alternatives like Viloxazine, Guanfacine, Clonidine, and Bupropion.
If you've been prescribed Atomoxetine (Strattera) for ADHD and can't find it at your pharmacy, you may be wondering what alternatives are available. Whether you're facing a temporary stockout or looking for a long-term switch, there are several other non-stimulant ADHD medications worth discussing with your doctor.
In this article, we'll cover what Atomoxetine is, how it works, and walk through the most common alternatives — so you can have an informed conversation with your prescriber.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication FDA-approved for treating ADHD in children aged 6 and older and in adults. Sold under the brand name Strattera and widely available as a generic, it's one of the most commonly prescribed non-stimulant options for ADHD.
Unlike stimulant medications like Adderall or Ritalin, Atomoxetine is not a controlled substance. This means it has no abuse potential, no DEA scheduling restrictions, and can be prescribed with refills. For many patients — especially those with a history of substance use or who experience side effects from stimulants — Atomoxetine is a preferred choice.
For a complete overview, see our article: What Is Atomoxetine? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
Atomoxetine works by selectively inhibiting the norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the brain. This prevents the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in attention, focus, and impulse control. By increasing norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex, Atomoxetine helps improve executive function and reduce ADHD symptoms.
It also indirectly increases dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex (though not in reward-related brain areas, which is why it doesn't carry abuse potential). It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to reach full therapeutic effect. Learn more in our detailed guide on how Atomoxetine works.
If you can't find or tolerate Atomoxetine, the following medications work through different mechanisms but are also used to treat ADHD without stimulant properties.
Viloxazine is the newest non-stimulant ADHD medication on the market. Sold under the brand name Qelbree, it was FDA-approved in 2021 for children and adolescents (ages 6–17) and expanded to adults in 2022.
How it works: Like Atomoxetine, Viloxazine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. However, it also modulates serotonin receptors, which gives it a slightly different pharmacological profile.
Key differences from Atomoxetine:
Cost: Qelbree is a brand-name medication with no generic available yet, making it significantly more expensive than generic Atomoxetine. Check with your insurance or look for manufacturer coupons.
Guanfacine ER is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist FDA-approved for ADHD in children ages 6–17. It's also used off-label in adults. The brand name is Intuniv, and a generic version is available.
How it works: Rather than affecting norepinephrine reuptake, Guanfacine works by stimulating alpha-2A receptors in the prefrontal cortex. This strengthens neural connections involved in attention and impulse control.
Key differences from Atomoxetine:
Cost: Generic Guanfacine ER is relatively affordable, often $20–$50 for a 30-day supply with coupons.
Clonidine ER is another alpha-2 adrenergic agonist FDA-approved for ADHD in children ages 6–17. The brand name is Kapvay, and generic versions are available.
How it works: Similar to Guanfacine, Clonidine stimulates alpha-2 receptors, but it's less selective. It affects more receptor subtypes, which means it can have broader effects — including lowering blood pressure and causing more sedation.
Key differences from Atomoxetine:
Cost: Generic Clonidine ER is affordable, typically $15–$40 for a 30-day supply with coupons.
Bupropion is an antidepressant that's used off-label for ADHD in adults. It's not FDA-approved for ADHD, but many prescribers use it when other options aren't suitable.
How it works: Bupropion inhibits the reuptake of both norepinephrine and dopamine. This dual mechanism can help improve focus and attention, though its ADHD effects are generally considered milder than those of Atomoxetine or stimulants.
Key differences from Atomoxetine:
Cost: Generic Bupropion is widely available and affordable, often $10–$30 for a 30-day supply with coupons.
If you're considering an alternative to Atomoxetine, here are some tips for the conversation with your prescriber:
For help finding a prescriber, see our guide: How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Atomoxetine Near You.
Not being able to fill your Atomoxetine prescription is stressful, but you do have options. Viloxazine (Qelbree), Guanfacine (Intuniv), Clonidine (Kapvay), and Bupropion (Wellbutrin) are all legitimate alternatives that your doctor can consider based on your individual needs.
Before switching, try using Medfinder to see if Atomoxetine is available at other pharmacies near you. Sometimes a simple pharmacy change is all it takes. And if cost is a concern, don't miss our guide on how to save money on Atomoxetine.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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