Strattera (atomoxetine)

Strattera is used for the treatment of ADHD in children, adolescents and adults.

What brand names are available for atomoxetine?

Strattera

Is atomoxetine available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for atomoxetine?

Yes

The most common side effects of Strattera in children and adolescents are:

• Upset stomach
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Mood swings
• A loss of weight

The most common side effects in adults are:

• Problems sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Decreased appetite
• Upset stomach
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Problems urinating
• Sexual side effects

Other possible side effects include:

• Sinus headache
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Irritability

Possible serious side effects:

• Serious allergic reactions
• High blood pressure
• Liver failure
• Priapism
• Abnormal heart beats
• Depression

Other serious side effects and adverse events include:

• In rare cases, Strattera causes allergic reactions, such as fluid accumulation (edema) or hives, which can be serious.
• Strattera may increase blood pressure and heart rate. Blood pressure should be measured before starting Strattera, following increases in dose, and periodically while on therapy.
• Strattera may cause severe liver injury, and patients should be instructed to contact their physician immediately if they develop symptoms or signs suggesting liver injury such as pruritus, dark urine, jaundice, right upper abdominal pain or unexplained "flu-like" symptoms.
• Priapism defined as painful and nonpainful penile erection lasting more than 4 hours have been reported in pediatric and adult patients treated with stimulants. The erection usually resolves when the drug is stopped. Prompt medical attention is required in the event of suspected priapism.

• Strattera is taken once or twice daily. It may be taken with or without food. The capsules should never be broken and sprinkled on food. They must be taken whole.
• The recommended starting dose for and children weighing more than 70 kg is 40 mg once daily.  The dose is increased after 3 days to 80 mg PO once daily or divided and given every 12 hours. The dose may be increased up to 100 mg daily to achieve the optimal response.
• Children older than 6 years and weighing 70 kg or less should receive 0.5 mg/kg once daily. The dose may be increased after 3 days to 1.2 mg/kg once daily or divided every 12 hours. The maximum daily dose should not to exceed 1.4 mg/kg or 100 mg, whichever is less.

• Strattera should not be taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI, for example, phenelzine sulfate (Nardil) and tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate).
• Fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), quinidine, and other medications can block the enzyme in the liver that eliminates Strattera from the body. This can increase the amount of Strattera in the blood and possibly increase the risk of side effects.

• In some animal studies (rabbits and rats), very high doses of Strattera (6- to 23-fold higher than those that would be used in humans) were associated with lower birth weight and lower fetal survival. No adequate studies have been done in pregnant women. Therefore, before prescribing Strattera to pregnant women, physicians must weight the potential benefits against the potential and unknown risks.
• Strattera is excreted in the breast milk of animals. Although not similarly studied in humans, it is likely that Strattera is excreted in human breast milk as well. The benefits and potential risks of Strattera therefore must be weighed before it is prescribed to nursing mothers.

What preparations of atomoxetine are available?

Capsules of 10, 18, 25, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg strengths.

How should I keep atomoxetine stored?

Strattera capsules should be stored at room temperature, 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C).