Strattera

Strattera Drug Information

• Strattera Overview

  Atomoxetine is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment plan, including psychological, social, and other treatments. It may help to increase the ability to pay attention, concentrate, stay focused, and stop fidgeting. It is thought to work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

• Strattera Warnings

  A small number of people (especially children/teenagers) who take atomoxetine for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may experience worsening of their condition, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of Strattera (especially for children/teenagers). Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening of your condition/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, hallucinations, delusions, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when you first start Strattera or when the dose is changed.

• How to Use Strattera

  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. Take Strattera with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times a day. The first dose is usually taken when you wake up in the morning. If a second dose is prescribed, take it as directed by your doctor, usually in the late afternoon/early evening. Taking Strattera late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. If the capsule is accidentally opened or broken, avoid contact with the powder and wash away any loose powder as soon as possible with water. If the powder gets in your eyes, flush with plenty of water right away and contact your doctor. The Dosage of Strattera is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other drugs you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Do not increase your dose or take Strattera more often than directed. Use Strattera regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

• Strattera Precautions

  Before taking atomoxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Strattera may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Strattera, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,a certain adrenal problem (pheochromocytoma), bladder or prostate problems, glaucoma, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, previous heart attack, problems with heart structure), family history of heart problems (such as sudden cardiac death, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, liver disease, personal/family history of mental/mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, suicidal thoughts), stroke. Strattera may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If used for a long time, Strattera may affect a child's growth rate, weight, and final adult height. To reduce the risk, the doctor may recommend briefly stopping the medication from time to time. Check the child's weight and height regularly, and consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. During pregnancy, Strattera should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Strattera passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Strattera Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Strattera, take it as soon as you remember if it is the same day. If it is the next day, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Strattera Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Taking MAO inhibitors with Strattera may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with Strattera. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with Strattera. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking Strattera. Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products or diet aids).

• Strattera Side Effects

  What are Strattera side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Strattera may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Strattera as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Strattera

  The side effects of Strattera may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Strattera. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Strattera may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Strattera, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Strattera.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Strattera, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Strattera and the side effects associated with Strattera are described in the following:

  Common Strattera Side Effects

  Severe

  • urinary retention
  • erectile dysfunction
  • dysmenorrhea

  Less Severe

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • xerostomia
  • constipation
  • drowsy
  • insomnia
  • fatigue
  • headache disorder
  • flushing
  • anorexia
  • urinary hesitancy
  • sedation

  Less Frequent Strattera Side Effects

  Severe

  • mood changes
  • depression
  • tachycardia
  • irritability
  • irregular menstrual periods
  • menstrual disorder
  • dizziness

  Less Severe

  • libido changes
  • disorder of ejaculation
  • orthostatic hypotension
  • dysuria
  • dyspepsia
  • hyperhidrosis
  • tremor
  • paresthesia
  • skin rash
  • sinus headache
  • prostatitis
  • weight loss
  • conjunctivitis
  • blurred vision
  • pelvic pain

  Rare or Very Rare Strattera Side Effects

  Severe

  • suicidal ideation
  • agitation
  • aggressive behavior
  • hypertension
  • acute myocardial infarction
  • prolonged QT interval
  • cerebrovascular accident
  • Raynaud's phenomenon
  • chest pain
  • angioedema
  • priapism
  • acute hepatic failure
  • drug-induced hepatitis
  • urticaria
  • drug-induced psychosis
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • syncope
  • seizure disorder
  • anaphylaxis
  • manic disorder
  • hostility
  • jaundice
  • hyperbilirubinemia
  • rhabdomyolysis

  Less Severe

  • orgasm disorder
  • mydriasis
  • palpitations
  • pharyngitis
  • sensation of cold
  • pruritus of skin
  • lethargy
  • hypesthesia
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • general weakness
  • alopecia

• Strattera Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Strattera when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.