Strattera (Atomoxetine)
Strattera (Atomoxetine) Dosage and Side Effects
Strattera (Atomoxetine) is prescribed to adults, adolescents and children over the age of six years old to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which works to control chemicals in the brain and nervous system that affect hyperactivity and impulse control. Unlike other medications to treat ADHD, Strattera (Atomoxetine) is not a stimulant and is not considered habit-forming.
Proper Use
Do not take this medication differently than directed by your doctor. It is important to take the prescribed dosage at the times of day recommended. To avoid missing a dose, take Strattera (Atomoxetine) at the same time each day and consider setting an alarm to remind you. This medication may be taken with food, but it is also ok to take it without. It comes as a capsule that should not be opened. If it is damaged or broken, avoid contact with the medicinal powder.
If you are experiencing an overdose, contact an emergency health professional. A missed dose should be taken as remembered. Do not take more than your directed daily dose.
Side Effects of Strattera (Atomoxetine)
While not all patients treated with Strattera (Atomoxetine) will experience its side effects, it is possible. Some of the most common side effects may be resolved by taking this medication at different times a day and with meals. Talk to your doctor about changing your schedule, if you experience stomach upset, sleepiness or tiredness or nausea. In most cases, side effects will subside after taking Strattera (Atomoxetine) for a few weeks.
Other side effects may include:
Teens and children over 6 years old:
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Upset stomach
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
Adults:
- Tiredness
- Constipation
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- Menstrual cramps
- Nausea
- Urination problems
- Decreased appetite
- Sleeping problems
- Dizziness
- Sexual side effects
Warnings and Precautions
There are a number of warnings associated with taking. Some of them include:
- Suicidal thinking
- There is a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some children and teenagers. Pay close attention to your teens during treatment with Strattera (Atomoxetine). If you notice changes, contact the doctor. Some signs to watch:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Agitation
- Mania
- Panic attacks
- Restlessness
- Trouble sleeping
- Impulsivity
- Irritability
- Aggressiveness
- Hostility
- Heart-related problems
- Sudden death in patients with existing heart problems
- Stroke or heart attack in adults
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate
- Severe liver damage. Signs to watch:
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- Unexplained flu-like symptoms
- Itching
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Right upper belly pain
- Dark urine
Do not drive a car or operate machinery when you first take Strattera (Atomoxetine). Give it time to see how your body will react to this medication.
If you or the child, or teenager who is taking this medication, have experienced the following conditions, talk to your doctor.
- Circulation problems
- Nursing, pregnant or planning to breastfeed or become pregnant
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Low blood pressure
- Heart abnormalities
- Irregular heartbeat
- Long QT interval
- Liver problems
- High blood pressure
- Mental problems
- Seizures
- Taking ADHD medications
- Strenuous exercise
- Disorder of the blood vessels in the brain
- Family history of sudden death or death due to heart problems
Interactions with this Medication
Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking and include prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Do not take Strattera (Atomoxetine) without discussing with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following drugs:
- Blood pressure medications
- Asthma medicines
- Anti-depression drugs
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.