What Is Strattera Used For? -- An Overview
Strattera® (
atomoxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD) in children, teenagers, and adults.
ADHD is a condition involving difficulty paying attention, sitting still, and controlling behavior. In a child with ADHD, these problems are worse than would be expected for a typical child of the same age. Usually, the ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of seven to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also affect the person's school, work, or social life in a negative way to qualify as ADHD
(see ADHD and School and Relationships and ADHD for more information).
Large clinical studies have shown Strattera to help children, teenagers, and adults with ADHD. The medicine can help children with ADHD to sit still and pay attention in the classroom. It can also help to improve the behavior of these children. Strattera is also effective at treating adult ADHD symptoms
(see Adult ADHD).
Strattera is especially useful for treating ADHD in people with
Tourette syndrome or
anxiety disorders. Studies have shown that, unlike most ADHD medications, Strattera typically does not make these conditions worse.
Any behavioral change involves a well-balanced ADHD treatment plan, including social, educational, and mental therapy
(see Behavior Therapy for ADHD). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective at changing ADHD behavior, ADHD medications (such as Strattera) may be necessary.
