Uses

Strattera (Atomoxetine) is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It balances natural chemicals within the brain to achieve beneficial effects in the treatment of ADHD.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.

If stomach upset occurs, you can take it with food or milk to decrease this effect.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

If you have trouble sleeping and are taking this medicine twice per day, try to take the second dose before 6 PM.

Be sure to read the med guide carefully that will be given to you at each refill.

It may take a few weeks before this medication begins to work. Do not stop taking unless directed by your doctor.

Contact a healthcare provider if you get an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours or feels painful. This is very important in order to decrease chances of possible permanent damage to your body.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without consulting with your doctor if you have been taking it regularly for a significant amount of time. It may be recommended to gradually reduce the dose.

Stand and sit slowly when first starting this medication to avoid dizziness.

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.

Consult with your doctor before taking medications to self treat coughs and colds while taking this medication.

This medicine can make your mouth dry, drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on candy can help to decrease this side effect.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Suicidal thoughts, pheochromocytoma, bipolar disorder or other psychiatric conditions, history of stroke, glaucoma, irregular blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, any heart diseases, allergic reaction history, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, heartbeat changes (fast heartbeat), flu like symptoms, chest pain,  darkened urine, high blood pressure, prolonged or painful erection(lasting more than 4 hours), weight loss, vomiting, changes in the passing of urine, yellowing of skin or eyes,

Other Side Effects

Libido changes, upset stomach, nausea, irregular menstrual cycles, loss of appetite, headache, diarrhea, constipation.

Adult Dose

ADHD

40 mg by mouth daily as a starting dose. The dose is then increased to the target dose of 80 mg/day by mouth given in 1-2 divided doses.

Sources

1. The MTA Cooperative Group. Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD. A 14-month randomized clinical trial of treatment strategies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1999;56:1073-86.

2. Strattera (atomoxetine) [package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Co; 2015.