Strattera (Atomoxetine)

What is Atomoxetine?

Atomoxetine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking atomoxetine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Do not use atomoxetine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Atomoxetine may cause new or worsening psychosis (unusual thoughts or behaviour), especially if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder.

Atomoxetine has caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.

Before Taking This Medicine

Do not use atomoxetine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use atomoxetine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe heart or blood vessel problems;
• narrow-angle glaucoma;
• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

Atomoxetine has caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in certain people. Tell your doctor if you have:

• heart problems or a congenital heart defect;
• high blood pressure;
• a family history of heart disease or sudden death.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis;
• suicidal thoughts or actions;
• low blood pressure;
• liver disease.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking atomoxetine. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of atomoxetine on the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Atomoxetine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

How Should I Take Atomoxetine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with a full glass of water.

Atomoxetine is usually taken once daily in the morning, or two times per day in the morning and late afternoon. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may take atomoxetine with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the capsules.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood, heart rate, blood pressure, height and weight may also need to be checked often.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Atomoxetine Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Atomoxetine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of heart problems -- chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
• signs of psychosis -- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), new behaviour problems, aggression, hostility, paranoia;
• liver problems -- stomach pain (upper right side), itching, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• painful or difficult urination;
• erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (this is a rare side effect).

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;
• dry mouth, loss of appetite;
• mood changes, feeling tired;
• dizziness;
• urination problems;
• impotence, trouble having an erection.

What Other Drugs Will Affect Atomoxetine?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• an antidepressant;
• asthma medication;
• blood pressure medicine;
• a cold or allergy medicine that contains a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect atomoxetine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further Information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.