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3 foods to avoid while taking Strattera

Limit fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol to get the most out of this ADHD medication
Sarah Bradley writer headshot
By | Apr. 10, 2025 Medically reviewed by Chad Shaffer, MD
An iced coffee, a hot dog, and a beer | foods to avoid while taking Strattera

Key takeaways

  • Strattera is a non-stimulant medication that increases norepinephrine in your brain to improve attention and focus.

  • Fatty foods can delay the absorption of Strattera, making it less effective.

  • Caffeine and alcohol may worsen symptoms and cause other side effects, like insomnia and inattention.

In this article:

Strattera (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’s 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.

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’s 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’s what to know.

How Strattera works

Stimulant medications—such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine dextroamphetamine)—are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. However, some people can’t 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’s considered a second-line treatment, often used when you don’t 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’ tendency for misuse and addiction.

Strattera is part of a class of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These drugs increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain. Norepinephrine “plays a crucial role in attention, focus, and cognition,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. 

Dr. Dimitriu says increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain typically results in reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, it’s important to note that Strattera doesn’t work immediately, the way stimulant drugs do. “It typically takes four to six weeks to see improvements in attention and focus, so it’s important to stay on this medication long enough to give it a chance to work,” Dr. Dimitriu explains.

3 foods to avoid with Strattera

Some foods and drinks affect how your body absorbs Strattera or increase your risk of side effects. While you don’t have to strictly avoid these foods, it’s helpful to know how they may influence your experience with Strattera. 

1. High-fat foods  

High-fat foods delay the absorption of Strattera, says Erika Gray, 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’s not absorbed into your system as quickly.

You don’t need to eliminate fat from your diet completely. It’s okay to eat healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in moderation, such as avocados, nuts, olive oil, and full-fat dairy. You’ll just need to be mindful of the timing of your Strattera dosage.

Dr. Gray suggests waiting two hours after taking it before eating a high-fat meal. This isn’t a hard rule, though. “If 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,” explains Dr. Gray.

2. Alcohol 

In general, experts advise against drinking alcohol with SNRIs 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.

That said, you may not need to cut alcohol out completely while taking Strattera. There aren’t many studies on how drinking alcohol with SNRIs affects people with ADHD; most of the studies focus on people with depression symptoms. However, one study 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.

3. Caffeinated food and drinks

Just like Strattera, caffeine has an effect on your central nervous system. 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’s a good idea to monitor your intake—and your body’s response to mixing caffeine with Strattera. 

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 coexisting sleep disorders or struggle to get enough restful sleep. Lack of sleep can worsen symptoms relating to mood swings, attention, and focus.

What should you eat while taking Strattera?

If you’re taking Strattera for ADHD, prioritize foods that help reduce ADHD symptoms and foods that are beneficial for people taking SNRIs.

The following foods could help boost brain function and supply essential nutrients that people with ADHD may be lacking:

  • Salmon and other fatty fish
  • Nuts and seeds, like almonds
  • Dark, leafy greens, such as kale and spinach
  • Bananas
  • Whole grains
  • Lean protein
  • Eggs

Conveniently, these are also many of the same foods experts recommend if you experience common side effects of SNRIs, like nausea, constipation, and weight gain. 

Gastrointestinal side effects of Strattera

Strattera may cause some gastrointestinal side effects, including dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, stomach pain, and vomiting. Of these, nausea is the most common, affecting as many as 26% of people who take it.

Dr. Gray says the nausea is typically temporary and resolves after a couple of weeks once your body adjusts to the medication. One way to minimize an upset stomach is to take Strattera with food or, if you’re already taking it with food, increase the size of your meal. Some people may have nausea with Strattera that doesn’t go away over time. If this happens to you, you should talk to your healthcare provider to see if you have any other treatment options. 

Tips for maximizing Strattera benefits

In general, the best practices for taking Strattera involve the timing of your medication: 

  • Pay attention to what you eat. You can take Strattera on a full or empty stomach, says Dr. Dimitriu. Just be sure to pay attention to how this choice makes you feel. Taking the medication with food can reduce nausea, but high-fat meals can slow its absorption. If your medication doesn’t start working until later in the day, you might not have the cognitive benefits (like alertness and focus) when you need them—or could end up wide awake at night when it’s time to sleep.
  • Work with your healthcare team to find the best timing for your dose. Dr. Gray says one in five people may experience insomnia, so until you know how it affects you, take a morning dose. Dr. Dimitriu adds that a lack of sleep can make medications like Strattera less effective.  
  • Be sure to take your medication at the same time every day, says Dr. Gray. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose—then skip your missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Never take two doses within a couple of hours of one another. This puts you at increased risk of side effects.
  • Try to give the medication a full six-week trial period before deciding whether or not it’s helping you, Dr. Dimitriu suggests. Strattera doesn’t work quickly like stimulant medications.
  • Tell your provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, including supplements. Strattera has several drug interactions with drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), albuterol, Paxil (paroxetine), and Prozac (fluoxetine). This is not a complete list of interactions, so always consult a pharmacist.

Learning what works for you and avoiding any dietary interactions that reduce its effectiveness will help you get the most out of this medication.