What is Strattera used for?
ATOMOXETINE is used for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which is also known as ADHD. It is not a stimulant like other drugs for ADHD. This drug is used to improve attention span, concentration, and emotional control. It can also reduce restlessness or excess activity.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Strattera?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- glaucoma
- abnormal blood pressure
- history of stroke
- irregular heartbeat or other cardiac disease
- liver disease
- mania or bipolar disorder
- suicidal thoughts
- an unusual or allergic reaction to atomoxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Strattera should be taken?
Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. If it’s upsetting your stomach, proceed taking it during the meals. If you have difficulty sleeping and you take more than 1 dose per day, take your last dose before 6 PM. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. It should never be taken more often than prescribed. You shouldn’t stop the treatment course unless your physician specifically advised you to do so.
Consult with your pediatrician regarding the possibility of the use of this medicine by children. While it is possible to prescribe this drug for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, certain precautions should be applied.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Strattera?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Strattera with the other medicine/food/etc?
This medicine should never be taken with any of the following drugs:
- medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
- methylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate
- reboxetine
It may also trigger possible interactions with the following:
- amphetamines
- atropine
- breathing treatments, like albuterol, formoterol or salmeterol
- certain heart medicines, like amiodarone or quinidine
- ephedra, Ma huang or ephedrine
- medicines for depression, anxiety or other mood problems
- medicines for weight loss
- medicines that increase blood pressure like ephedrine
This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you are using. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while taking Strattera?
It may take up to a week or more for you to feel the full effect of this medicine. This is why it is crucial that you continue taking the medicine and do not miss any doses. If you have been using this medicine regularly for some time period, you should never stop using it abruptly. Consult with your physician for more information on the issue.
This medicine may increase suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts by children and teenagers in rare instances. Contact your child's health care professional right away if your child or teenager has any suicidal thoughts or has mood and behavior changes including becoming irritable or anxious. You should regularly monitor a child that takes this drug for the above listed behavioral changes.
You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients used in those medications can increase possible side effects for this drug.
Your might experience dry mouth symptom. If you do, chew sugarless gum or suck a sugar candy. Drinking plenty of water will also help to overcome it.
Does Strattera have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
- issues with breathing
- chest pain
- dark urine
- fast irregular heartbeat
- general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
- high blood pressure
- stomach pain or tenderness
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- vomiting
- weight loss
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
The below side effects usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- change in sex drive or performance
- constipation or diarrhea
- headache
- loss of appetite
- menstrual period irregularities
- nausea
- stomach upset
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I store Strattera?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.