Strattera (Atomoxetine)

What is Strattera?

Strattera or atomoxetine HCl is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

What is Strattera used for?

Strattera is a medication indicated for the treatment of attention deficit disorder, with or without hyperactivity. It is prescribed to the patients with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), which causes impulsive behavior, posing difficulty for patients to perform their day-to-day activities.

How does Strattera work?

Strattera works by controlling activity of certain chemicals in the brain and helps create better sense of attention, focus and calmness in adults and children suffering from ADHD.

How to use Strattera

Adhere to the dose prescribed to you by the doctor. Do not take the medicine in larger amounts or for longer period than recommended.

Strattera dosages differ with age and other associated factors. The medicine is usually taken once everyday, with a full glass of water. You may take it in the morning or late afternoon.

Strattera warnings and precautions

Strattera should be taken by patients who have taken an MAOI such as tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) in the past 2 weeks. It is advisable not to take this medicine if you are allergic to atomoxetine, or if you have glaucoma.

Heart problems and blood pressure patients should avoid taking it. Intimate your doctor if you have problems with urination, or a personal/family history of psychotic disorder, mental illness, bipolar illness, or depression.

If you suffer from a condition of low blood pressure, it can cause an attack, when you first stand up. Also, it causes severe dehydration and can even result in blood pressure fluctuations. Prefer detailed evaluations by doctor if Strattera is being given to children.

Pregnant and lactating women should seek permission from their doctors prior to taking this medication.

What do I do if I have missed a Strattera dose?

If you have missed your Strattera dose, you should take the medicine as soon as you recall. You can skip the missed dose, if it is time for taking another one.

What do I do if I have taken a Strattera overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Strattera, you should consult the medical experts, rather than trying anything on your own. If the overdose is unacceptably high, contact the emergency services or poison control centre.

Strattera interactions

Strattera, when taken with other drugs affecting the brain monoamine concentrations, can prove harmful. As it is linked with possible side effects in high or low blood pressure cases, Strattera is recommended to be used with doctor’s directions. Patients already taking beta-2-agonists should also use it with caution. People being treated for glaucoma, which causes eye pressure, are also not instructed to take Strattera.

Strattera side effects

Although, Strattera has a lesser risk of drug abuse and diversion, some side effects are related to it.

The side effects of Strattera include allergic reactions like loss of appetite, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, mood alterations and dizziness. In children, it causes unnecessary crying, coughing, diarrhea, ear infection, runny nose and even skin inflammation, in some cases.

In adults specifically, dryness of mouth, nausea, sexual problems, menstrual cramps, problems urinating, and problems in sleeping, can occur. Also, problems like impotence, indigestion, insomnia, gas, muscle pain headaches, prostate inflation, fever, sinusitis and skin inflammations have been noted by some patients using Strattera.