Strattera

Strattera's active ingredient is atomoxetine hydrochloride, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Strattera was approved by the FDA on November 26, 2002, for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is approved for adults, adolescents, and children 6 years of age and older. Speak to a pediatric doctor for children under the age of six.

The mechanism of action of how Strattera treats ADHD symptoms is not fully understood, but it is thought to raise norepinephrine levels in the brain. It also blocks the reuptake of dopamine in specific parts of the brain to help improve attention and reduce impulsive behavior.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Strattera. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Strattera:

• Take the medication at similar times daily, with water. Strattera is often taken once daily in the morning or twice daily in the morning and late afternoon. Follow your healthcare provider's directions.
• Avoid crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening capsules. Swallow the capsule whole.
• To maximize the benefits of Strattera, use it regularly.
• Do not use an opened or accidentally broken capsule. The drug inside the pill can be harmful if it gets into your eyes. If this happens, flush your eyes with water.
• While taking Strattera, your doctor will need to monitor your progress regularly. Your heart rate, blood pressure, height, and weight may also need to be monitored regularly.

The most common side effects of Strattera seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Upset stomach or constipation.
• Dry mouth.
• Loss of appetite or weight loss.
• Mood swings.
• Tiredness, trouble sleeping, or dizziness.
• Urination problems.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Strattera. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of an allergic reaction including hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck.
• New or worsening symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, or feeling impulsive, irritable, angry, agitated, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), sad, or thinking about self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• Signs of heart difficulties include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate (tachycardia) difficulty breathing, and a sense that you could pass out.
• Signs of psychosis like hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), new behavioral difficulties, violence, anger, and paranoia.
• Liver problems or signs of liver injury like stomach pain (upper right side), flu-like symptoms, jaundice, dark urine, and itching.
• Prolonged and painful erection.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Strattera. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Strattera, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. Examples include linezolid, isocarboxazid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
• Allergies to atomoxetine.
• Tumor in the adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma).
• Narrow-angle glaucoma.
• High blood pressure.
• A family history of heart disease, heart problems, or have had a heart attack.
• Depression, mental health illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis.
• Low blood pressure.
• Liver problems
• It is advised that you should not use Strattera if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, an adrenal gland tumor, heart disease, coronary artery disease, or moderate to severe high blood pressure.

• Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) now or during the last 14 days.
• Narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Pheochromocytoma is a form of adrenal gland tumor.
• Certain serious heart or blood vascular disorders.

Symptoms may improve within two weeks of starting the medication course, but Strattera typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to function in the body.

When Strattera is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• CYP2D6 inhibitors such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, and quinidine.
• Drugs that increase blood pressure and heart rate, including cold/allergy medications with decongestants, albuterol, and stimulant medications like amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin).
• This is not all medication interactions and you should speak to your healthcare provider before taking Strattera.

The medication may be taken all at once in the morning. It can also be given in two equal doses throughout the day (once in the morning and once in the late afternoon/early evening).

Children weighing more than 154 pounds (70 kilograms) and adults: The typical starting dose is 40 milligrams taken orally each day. After about three days, your provider will increase your dose to 80 mg each day. The maximum daily dose is 100mg.

Adults and toddlers who weigh 154 pounds (70 kilograms) or less: The typical starting dose is 0.5 mg/kg body weight orally each day. After about three days, the dose is increased to 1.2 mg/kg/day. The maximum daily dose is 1.4 mg per kg (or 100 mg, whichever is less).

If you miss a dose, take your missed dose as soon as you recall. If your next planned dose is coming up soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take additional medication to compensate for the missing dosage.

Store in a safe place at room temperature, 59 to 86°F (15 to 30°C), and out of reach of children.

Eli Lilly and Company is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Strattera, since 2002.

There are several generic versions of Strattera available as ADHD medications. Strattera generic is available with the active ingredient atomoxetine.

Strattera should never be stopped abruptly because it can cause withdrawal symptoms. If you decide you no longer want to take Strattera, your doctor will usually gradually reduce your dose so your body can acclimatize to receiving less and less of the medicine.

If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, see your healthcare provider about the advantages and dangers of taking Strattera. There is not enough information to determine whether taking Strattera while pregnant increases the risk of pregnancy issues or harm to the unborn baby. Animal studies revealed that when administered in higher-than-normal quantities, this medicine caused serious and even fatal injury to newborns.

There have been no strong clinical studies to determine how safe the medicine is for women and their nursing newborns. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.