Strattera
® (
atomoxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD). It is the first and only non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD. The medicine is approved for use in children, teenagers, and adults.
It is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.
It is not known exactly how Strattera produces a calming effect. It is known, however, that the medicine affects a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which means that it increases the level of norepinephrine that can be used by brain cells.
Unlike other ADHD medications, Strattera is not a stimulant and is not likely to be abused. Also, because it is not a controlled substance, the rules for prescribing and dispensing it are much less strict. Unlike prescriptions for stimulants, Strattera prescriptions can be faxed or phoned to your pharmacy and can be refilled without getting a new prescription each time (if your healthcare provider approves).
There have been several studies looking at using Strattera for the treatment of
ADHD symptoms. Some of the results of these ADHD research studies are included below:
ADHD in Children and Teenagers
In previous clinical studies, children and teenagers with ADHD who took Strattera had significant behavior improvements, compared to those who did not take it. These studies included children and teens ages 6 to 18 years.
Adult ADHD
Strattera was also studied in people with
adult ADHD. It was shown to be effective at treating adult ADHD symptoms.
When and How to Take Strattera
Some general considerations for when and how to take this medication include:
- It comes in capsule form and should be taken by mouth once or twice a day.
- If taken once daily, it should be taken in the morning. If taken twice daily, the medicine should be taken in the morning and in the late afternoon or early evening.
- Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water (or another beverage). Do not open the Strattera capsules -- the medication inside can be irritating to the eyes.
- You can take it with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Strattera will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Strattera
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Strattera well. When Strattera side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects of Strattera include:
- Dry mouth
- Upper abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- A loss of appetite
- Nausea.
(Click Strattera Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of the drugs, including serious side effects to look out for.)
You can also read about other possible side effects by going to the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you (or your child) have:
- Heart problems of any kind, including heart disease, congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or a recent history of a heart attack
- A history of a stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke"), or other bleeding in the brain (such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Bladder problems
- Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
- Previous suicide attempts or a family history of suicides
- Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
- Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Strattera may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Drowsiness
- Agitation
- Hyperactivity
- Abnormal behavior
- Stomach or intestinal symptoms
- Wide or dilated pupils
- A fast heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
How Should Strattera Be Stored?
The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The capsules should also be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Strattera and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Strattera.
The capsules are available in seven strengths, including:
- Strattera 10 mg
- Strattera 18 mg
- Strattera 25 mg
- Strattera 40 mg
- Strattera 60 mg
- Strattera 80 mg
- Strattera 100 mg.
There is currently no generic version of the drug licensed for sale
(see Generic Strattera for more information).
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