Strattera (atomoxetine) affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Strattera is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Strattera may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Strattera if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, an adrenal gland tumor, heart disease or coronary artery disease, or moderate to severe high blood pressure.
Do not use Strattera if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, including isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Strattera has caused sudden death in people with certain heart problems.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking Strattera, or whenever the dose is changed. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use Strattera if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
You should not use Strattera if you are allergic to atomoxetine, or if you have:
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moderate to severe high blood pressure;
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heart disease or coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
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narrow-angle glaucoma; or
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pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).
Strattera has caused sudden death in certain people. Tell your doctor if you have:
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has ever had:
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depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis;
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suicidal thoughts or actions;
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low blood pressure; or
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liver disease.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking Strattera, or whenever the dose is changed. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
It is not known whether Strattera will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether atomoxetine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Strattera is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
How should I take Strattera?
Take Strattera exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with a full glass of water.
Strattera is usually taken once daily in the morning, or two times per day in the morning and late afternoon. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
You may take Strattera with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an Strattera capsule. Swallow it whole. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the capsules.
Use Strattera regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Do not use a capsule that has been opened or accidentally broken. The medicine from inside the capsule can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes. If this occurs, rinse your eyes with water. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken capsule.
While taking Strattera, your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your heart rate, blood pressure, height and weight may also need to be checked often.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Strattera dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Attention Deficit Disorder:
40 mg once a day the morning. Alternatively, the dose may be administered as 20 mg orally twice a day, in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.
The dose may be increased after a minimum of three days to a target total daily dose of approximately 80 mg administered as either a single daily dose in the morning or as evenly divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.
After two to four weeks, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 100 mg in patients who have not received optimal response.
There are no data to support increased effectiveness at higher doses.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Attention Deficit Disorder:
Less than 6 years: The safety and efficacy of Strattera in patients less than 6 years of age have not been established.
Greater than or equal to 6 years of age and up to 70 kg body weight:
0.5 mg/kg once a day in the morning. Alternatively, the dose may be administered as 0.25 mg/kg orally twice a day, in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.
The dose may then be increased after a minimum of three days to a target total daily dose of approximately 1.2 mg/kg administered either as a single daily dose in the morning or as evenly divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.
No additional benefit has been demonstrated for doses higher than 1.2 mg/kg/day.
Greater than or equal to 6 years of age and over 70 kg body weight:
40 mg once a day the morning. Alternatively, the dose may be administered as 20 mg orally twice a day, in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.
The dose may be increased after a minimum of three days to a target total daily dose of approximately 80 mg administered as either a single daily dose in the morning or as evenly divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.
After two to four weeks, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 100 mg in patients who have not received optimal response.
There are no data to support increased effectiveness at higher doses.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, dizziness, stomach problems, tremors, or unusual behavior.
What should I avoid while taking Strattera?
Avoid using or handling an open or broken capsule. If the medicine from inside the capsule gets in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water and call your doctor.
Strattera may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Strattera side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Strattera: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Strattera can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
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hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), new behavior problems, aggression, hostility, paranoia;
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painful or difficult urination;
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erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (this is a rare side effect); or
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liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common Strattera side effects may include:
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nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;
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dry mouth, loss of appetite;
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mood changes, feeling tired;
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dizziness; or
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impotence, trouble having an erection.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Strattera?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with atomoxetine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
