Two Medications, Two Different Approaches
When it comes to treating ADHD with medication, two names come up more than any other: Ritalin and Strattera.
They both treat ADHD, but they work in completely different ways.
How Ritalin Works
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a stimulant. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
- Effects are felt within 30 to 60 minutes
- Each dose lasts 3 to 4 hours (immediate release) or 8 to 12 hours (extended release)
- It is taken only on days when focus is needed (some people skip weekends)
- It is the most prescribed ADHD medication worldwide
Ritalin is fast, effective, and well-studied. For many people with ADHD, it is life-changing.
How Strattera Works
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant. It works by selectively blocking the norepinephrine reuptake transporter, which increases norepinephrine availability in the brain.
- It takes 2 to 4 weeks to reach full effect
- It is taken every day, with no breaks
- The effect is constant throughout the day (24-hour coverage)
- It is often prescribed when stimulants are not an option
Strattera is slower to work, but it provides steady, all-day coverage without the peaks and crashes of stimulants.
Ritalin Is Banned in Algeria
Here is the hard truth: Ritalin is not available in Algeria.
Algeria classifies methylphenidate as a controlled psychotropic substance. This means Ritalin, Concerta, and all stimulant ADHD medications are banned from being prescribed or sold in the country.
This also applies to Adderall and all amphetamine-based medications.
If you travel to Algeria with these medications, you risk legal consequences.
This leaves Strattera as the only approved ADHD medication in Algeria.
Atomoxetine in Algeria: Names, Dosages, and Prices
There are two brands of atomoxetine registered in Algeria:
Strattera (brand name)
Manufactured by Eli Lilly (Spain). This is the original brand.
| Dosage | Price |
|---|---|
| Strattera 10 mg (box of 28) | 11,148 DZD (~$86 / ~€73) |
| Strattera 18 mg (box of 28) | 11,148 DZD (~$86 / ~€73) |
| Strattera 25 mg (box of 28) | 11,225 DZD (~$86 / ~€73) |
| Strattera 40 mg (box of 28) | 11,225 DZD (~$86 / ~€73) |
Strattera is not reimbursed by national health insurance.
Stratan (generic)
Manufactured by Laboratoire EL KENDI in Algeria. This is the locally-produced generic version, and it is significantly cheaper.
| Dosage | Price |
|---|---|
| Stratan 18 mg (box of 30) | 6,779 DZD (~$52 / ~€44) |
| Stratan 25 mg (box of 30) | 6,779 DZD (~$52 / ~€44) |
| Stratan 40 mg (box of 30) | price not yet defined |
Stratan is reimbursable - but only on initial hospital prescription from specialized psychiatry, pediatrics, or neurology services, for ADHD in children diagnosed according to WHO criteria.
Note: The higher dosages that exist internationally (60 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg) are not registered in Algeria under either brand. Patients requiring higher doses need to combine capsules.
What This Means for Algerians with ADHD
The situation is difficult:
- The most effective and most commonly prescribed ADHD medication (Ritalin) is banned
- Atomoxetine (Strattera/Stratan) is the only option, costing between 6,779 and 11,225 DZD per month
- Higher dosages are not available, forcing patients to buy multiple boxes
- Reimbursement is limited to children with a hospital prescription - adults pay out-of-pocket
For a country where the average salary makes this a significant expense, many families still struggle to afford consistent treatment.
Meanwhile, Next Door in Tunisia
Just across the border, the situation is completely different.
In Tunisia, Ritalin is legal, prescribed to both children and adults, and has been part of standard ADHD treatment for years. It has helped countless Tunisians manage their daily lives - studying, working, and functioning normally.
And the cost? A box of 30 pills of Ritalin 10 mg costs around 30 Tunisian Dinars (~$10 / ~€9).
To put that in perspective:
| Medication | Country | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ritalin 10 mg (box of 30) | Tunisia | |
| Stratan 18 mg (box of 30) | Algeria | 6,779 DZD (~$52 / ~€44) |
| Strattera 10 mg (box of 28) | Algeria | 11,148 DZD (~$86 / ~€73) |
Algerians pay 5 to 8 times more for a non-stimulant medication - while the most effective treatment is available next door for a fraction of the price.
Which One Is Better?
There is no universal answer. Both medications help people with ADHD, but in different ways:
- Ritalin is faster, more flexible, and has decades of clinical data behind it. Despite common misconceptions, methylphenidate is not addictive when taken as prescribed - this has been confirmed by extensive research
- Strattera provides steady all-day coverage and does not require a controlled substance prescription
In an ideal world, doctors would choose based on each patient’s needs. In Algeria, there is only one choice.
Prices sourced from PharmNet-DZ, Algeria’s official pharmaceutical database. For medical advice, consult your psychiatrist.