Drug Name

Strattera (Atomoxetine)

Drug Uses

Strattera is used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

How to use

Use Strattera as directed by your doctor.

• Take Strattera by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Swallow Strattera whole. Do not open or take the capsules apart.
• Taking Strattera at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to use Strattera even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Exactly how Strattera works to treat ADHD is not known. Strattera increases certain chemicals (e.g., norepinephrine) in the brain. This may affect attention span and behavior.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Strattera, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Strattera at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Strattera out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Strattera if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Strattera;
• you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) within the last 14 days;
• you have certain heart problems (e.g., heart defect, heart failure), certain types of irregular heartbeat, severe blood vessel problems, or narrow-angle glaucoma.

• Strattera may cause dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Strattera with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Strattera may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose or take for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Children and teenagers who take Strattera may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Adults may also be affected. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. The risk may also be greater in patients who have had bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or if their family members have had it. Watch patients who take Strattera closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• Do not try to open the capsules or take them apart. Wash your hands immediately after using Strattera . Do not get Strattera in your eye. It may irritate your eye if you do. If you get Strattera in your eyes or nose, rinse at once with cool water.
• Lab tests, including heart rate, blood pressure, and liver function, may be performed while you use Strattera . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Strattera with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.
• Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in children and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they take Strattera.
• Strattera should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Strattera while you are pregnant. It is not known if Strattera is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Strattera , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; coughing; decreased appetite; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; headache; increased sweating; indigestion; nausea; stomach upset; tiredness; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; decreased sexual ability (e.g., impotence, ejaculation problems); fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; menstrual cycle changes; mental or mood changes (e.g., agitation, anxiety, depression, irritability, persistent crying, unusual sadness); new or worsening behavior changes (e.g., aggression, hostility, restlessness); numbness or tingling; one-sided weakness; pale stools; persistent fatigue or tiredness; prolonged or painful erection; seizure; severe or persistent headache; stomach pain or tenderness; suicidal thoughts or attempts; trouble sleeping; trouble urinating; unusual vision or speech changes; unusually cold or blue fingers or toes; yellowing of skin or eyes.

More Information

Strattera is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.