Strattera

Generic name: Atomoxetine hydrochloride

What is Strattera?

Strattera is used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Strattera may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity. It should be used as part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies.

What is the most important information I should know about Strattera?

In some children and teenagers, Strattera may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Call your doctor right away if your child has thoughts of suicide or sudden changes in mood or behavior, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose. New mental problems in children and teenagers may also occur. Call your doctor right away if your child has new psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices, believing things that are not true, being suspicious), or new manic symptoms.

Strattera can cause liver damage. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has itching, right upper belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms.

Strattera use has been associated with heart-related problems, including sudden death in people who have heart problems or heart defects, stroke or heart attack in adults, and increased blood pressure and heart rate. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.

Strattera has not been studied in children less than 6 years of age.

Who should not take Strattera?

Do not take Strattera within 14 days of taking antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline. The combination of Strattera and an MAOI can cause severe, even fatal, reactions. If you experience high fever, rigid muscles, rapid changes in heart rate, delirium, and coma, call your doctor immediately.

You should not take Strattera if you have narrow-angle glaucoma (high pressure in the eye) or if you are allergic to anything in Strattera.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Strattera?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Strattera. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if there is a history of bipolar disorder or depression, heart problems, high or low blood pressure, irregular heart beat, liver disease, mental problems, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

The daily dose of Strattera can be taken as a single dose in the morning, or divided into 2 equal doses taken in the morning and late afternoon or early evening.

Adults and teenagers over 154 pounds: The usual starting dosage is 40 milligrams (mg) per day. After at least 3 days, your doctor may increase the daily total to a recommended level of 80 mg. After another 2-4 weeks, dosage may be increased to a maximum of 100 mg daily. If you have liver problems, your dosage will be reduced.

Children and teenagers 154 pounds or less: the usual starting dosage is 0.5 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day. After at least 3 days, the doctor may increase the daily total to a recommended level of 1.2 mg per 2.2 pounds. Daily doses should never exceed 1.4 mg per 2.2 pounds, or a total of 100 mg, whichever is less.

Strattera has not been tested in children less than 6 years of age.

How should I take Strattera?

Take Strattera exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not chew, crush, or open the capsules. Swallow the capsules whole with water or other liquids. Strattera can be taken with or without food. Take your dose at the same time each day to help you remember.

What should I avoid while taking Strattera?

Avoid touching a broken Strattera capsule. Wash hands and surfaces that touched an open capsule. If any powder gets in your eyes or your child's eyes, rinse them with water right away and call your doctor.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Strattera?

If Strattera is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Strattera with the following: albuterol and similar asthma medications, dopamine, dobutamine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and quinidine.

What are the possible side effects of Strattera?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects in adults may include: constipation, decreased appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, menstrual cramps, nausea, problems urinating, sexual side effects, trouble sleeping

Side effects in children and teenagers may include: decreased appetite, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, mood swings, tiredness, upset stomach

Erections that won't go away (priapism) have occurred rarely during treatment with Strattera. If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, seek medical help right away because of the potential for lasting damage, including the potential inability to have erections.

Can I receive Strattera if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Strattera during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Strattera?

Take it as soon as remember on that day. If you miss a day of Strattera, do not double your dose. Just skip the day you missed.

How should I store Strattera?

Store at room temperature.