Strattera and Weight Loss

Weight loss and loss of appetite are possible side effects of Strattera. In previous clinical trials, up to 14 percent of children and teens (and up to 10 percent of adults) reported loss of appetite while taking Strattera. Weight loss occurred less commonly than loss of appetite (in only 2 percent of children, teens, and adults). Excessive weight loss can be unhealthy for growing bodies. If your child is taking Strattera and weight loss becomes a problem, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider.

 

Strattera and Weight Loss: An Overview

Strattera® (atomoxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There are a number of possible side effects with Strattera, and weight loss is one that appears to occur commonly. For some people, this may be a good thing. For many people, however, unintended weight loss can be a problem. For example, weight loss can be a problem in growing children.
 

Side Effects and Clinical Trials

Before medicines are approved, they must go through several clinical studies in which thousands of people are given a particular medicine and compared to a group of people not given the medicine. In these studies, side effects are always carefully documented. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine. Side effects are then usually separated into those that occur in more than 1 percent of people (common side effects) and those that occur in less than 1 percent of people (rare side effects).
 
In previous studies, up to 14 percent of children and teens (and up to 10 percent of adults) reported loss of appetite as a side effect of Strattera. However, only 2 percent of children, teens, and adults actually lost weight. Although weight loss may be a desirable side effect for some children and teens, too much weight loss can be a problem for growing bodies.
 
(Strattera and Weight Loss Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;