Strattera Timing: Morning or Evening Administration
Strattera (atomoxetine) can be taken either as a single dose in the morning OR split into two doses (morning and late afternoon/early evening), with the choice primarily driven by side effect management rather than efficacy. 1
FDA-Approved Dosing Schedule
The official FDA labeling provides clear flexibility in timing 1:
- Single daily dose in the morning (most common starting approach)
- Divided dosing: Morning and late afternoon/early evening (evenly split doses)
- Evening-only dosing can be considered if daytime side effects are problematic 2
Key Principle: Unlike Stimulants, Timing Matters Less for Efficacy
Atomoxetine provides "around-the-clock" effects rather than immediate onset and offset, meaning it works continuously throughout the day regardless of when you take it 2. This is fundamentally different from stimulant medications like Adderall or Ritalin, which have immediate effects tied to their dosing schedule.
- Treatment effects typically don't appear until 6-12 weeks after starting, so timing adjustments won't produce immediate changes 2
- A single morning dose has been proven effective into the evening hours 3, 4
Decision Algorithm for Timing
Choose your dosing schedule based on side effects:
Take in the Morning If:
- You experience somnolence (drowsiness) as a side effect—evening dosing may worsen this 2
- You want simplicity and better adherence with once-daily dosing 3
- You have no significant side effects
Split Morning/Evening If:
- You experience gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or decreased appetite with single dosing—divided doses reduce peak side effects 2, 3
- You have tolerability issues with once-daily dosing 1
Take in the Evening Only If:
- Daytime side effects (particularly sedation) are problematic and interfere with school or work 2
Practical Dosing Details
For children and adolescents up to 70 kg 1:
- Start at 0.5 mg/kg total daily dose
- Target dose: 1.2 mg/kg/day
- Can be given as single morning dose OR divided (morning + late afternoon/early evening)
For adolescents over 70 kg and adults 1:
- Start at 40 mg total daily dose
- Target dose: 80 mg/day
- Can be given as single morning dose OR divided (morning + late afternoon/early evening)
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not assume you need to take Strattera at a specific time for it to "work" during certain hours. Unlike stimulants that wear off after a few hours, atomoxetine maintains steady therapeutic effects throughout the day once steady-state is reached, regardless of dosing time 2, 3. The timing decision is purely about managing side effects and convenience, not about when you need symptom control.
Food Considerations
Strattera may be taken with or without food 1. Taking it with food may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects if these occur.