Author: Charles Frank

Atomoxetine Strattera NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

If a second dose is prescribed, take it as directed by your doctor, usually in the late afternoon/early evening. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Medicines that interact with Strattera may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Strattera. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when they first start taking this medicine, or whenever the dose is changed. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms, especially if you have ever had suicidal thoughts. Strattera is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Strattera is the brand name for the drug atomoxetine, which is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that allows the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to be available to the brain’s neurons for longer. Medications for asthma/difficulty breathing (e.g., albuterol) can increase the risk of high blood pressure and rapid heart rate (tachycardia) when taking atomoxetine. Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, may be prescribed as part of a person’s ADHD treatment regimen. Most people take atomoxetine capsules by mouth once or twice a day. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Strattera for ADHD symptoms in adults and children over 6 years old in 2002 then approved the first generic versions of the drug in 2017.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open a Strattera capsule. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the capsules. Strattera may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Strattera affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.

Strattera ADHD Medication: Side Effects

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Strattera only for the indication prescribed. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Do not use Strattera if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others. Strattera has caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. If you have heart problems, your doctor may perform certain heart tests (EKG, echocardiogram) before you start this medication.

What Does Strattera Do?

One Strattera review indicated that around 50% of adults with ADHD continued to experience these positive effects six months after they stopped taking the drug. The above is not a complete list of all possible drug interactions. If side effects are bothersome, or do not go away, talk to your doctor. The above is not a complete list of potential side effects. If you notice any health changes not listed above, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist. During treatment, your doctor should check vital statistics including blood, heart, and blood pressure; or evaluate height and weight.

1. Do not stop taking except on your care team’s advice.
2. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
3. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
4. The most common reason why patients don’t experience optimal benefits from Strattera is a high level of side effects, which prevents them from taking a dose high enough to be therapeutic.

You may report side effects to FDA at FDA-1088 or at /medwatch. Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation, tiredness, loss of appetite/weight loss, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or decrease in sexual ability/desire may occur. In women, menstrual cramps or missed/irregular periods may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What if I miss a dose?

Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Lab and/or medical tests (such as pulse, blood pressure, liver function) may be done while you are taking this medication. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Atomoxetine may help to control the symptoms of ADHD but will not cure the condition. Do not stop taking atomoxetine without talking to your doctor.

Learn about the benefits and side effects of atomoxetine, a nonstimulant ADHD medicine. As with all medications, follow your Strattera prescription instructions exactly. Strattera is taken orally, with or without food, once or twice daily. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. However, it can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, sexual side effects, and reduced appetite.

Patients with structural cardiac abnormalities and other serious heart problems have experienced sudden death, stroke, heart attack, and increased blood pressure while taking Strattera. Capsules should be swallowed whole with water or other liquids. Capsules are available in 10mg, 18mg, 25mg, 40mg, 80mg, and 100mg dosages.

Youth who start the medication should be closely monitored. If you, your child, or someone you know experiences thoughts of suicide while taking Strattera, seek medical help right away. Atomoxetine is usually taken one to two times per day with or without food.The dose usually ranges from 20 mg to 100 mg.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using atomoxetine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.