Name of the Drug
Strattera (Atomoxetine)
Uses of the Drug
Strattera helps to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
How to Take
Strattera should be taken as per the doctor’s recommendations:
- Take Strattera orally with food or simply without food. In case of stomach upset, you should take along with food for reducing stomach irritation.
- Swallow the whole Strattera. Don’t take or open capsules apart.
- Try to take Strattera at same timing everyday so that you do not forget taking it.
- Even though you feel good do not stop taking Strattera. A single dose should not be missed.
Consult your doctor if you have any question regarding the usage of Strattera.
Drug Mechanism and Class
Strattera is the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The working of Strattera for treating ADHD is still not known. Strattera helps in increasing some chemicals (e.g., norepinephrine) within the brain. This might affect behavior and attention span.
Missed Dose
If you ever miss a dosage of Strattera and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Strattera should be stored at the room temperature somewhere between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). It should be kept away from children and pets. Strattera should be stored away from light, moisture and heat.
Warnings Precautions
Strattera should NOT be taken if:
- you are prone to allergies to a single ingredient present in Strattera
- you take or already taken the MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) e.g., phenelzine within past 14 days;
- you have some heart problems (e.g., heart failure, heart defect), certain kinds of unbalanced heartbeat, narrow-angle glaucoma, or serious blood vessel issues.
You should get in touch with the doctor very soon if you notice any of the above-mentioned problems.
Important:
- Strattera might cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. These effects might worsen in case you are taking it along with certain medicines or alcohol. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Carefully use Strattera. Don’t perform some dangerous tasks or even drive until and unless you know the reaction of the medicine.
- Strattera might cause lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting; hot weather, alcohol, fever, or exercise might increase these side effects.
- Don’t take any amount greater than as prescribed by the doctor.
- Teenagers and children taking Strattera might have suicidal actions or thoughts. Contact your doctor if you see any of these thoughts. Adults can also get affected.
- You should not make an attempt of opening capsules or breaking them apart. The hands should be washed immediately after you use Strattera.
- Lab tests, such as heart rate, liver function, and blood pressure, might be performed when you are using Strattera . These tests help in monitoring your condition for the side effects.
- The elderly people should use Strattera very carefully as they can be very sensitive towards its effects particularly dizziness.
- Corticosteroids might affect growth in teenagers and children in many cases. They might need to go for regular check ups when they are taking Strattera.
- Children below 6 years should not use this drug. Effectiveness and safety in the children are not yet confirmed.
- Breast-feeding and Pregnancy: Strattera can cause harmful effects to your fetus. If you conceive, consult with your medical professional about the risks and benefits of taking this drug during pregnancy. Strattera may be secreted through the breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding should be strictly avoided when you are taking Strattera.
Common Side Effects
All medicines can have side effects. However, there are some people who have either less or no side effects. Check whether you have any of the side effects as mentioned below and in that case consult your doctor as soon as possible:
* decreased appetite; constipation; coughing; dizziness; dry mouth; drowsiness; increased sweating; fatigue; headache; stomach upset; indigestion; nausea; vomiting; tiredness.
You should consult your doctor immediately in case you have the serious side effects as mentioned below:
* Serious allergic reactions (hives; rash; itching; tightness in chest; difficulty in breathing; swelling of face, lips, mouth, or tongue); dark urine; chest pain; fainting; decreased sexual capability (e.g., ejaculation problems, impotence,); irregular or fast heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; menstrual cycle changes; hallucinations; worsening or new behavior changes (e.g., hostility, aggression, restlessness); mood or mental changes (e.g., depression, agitation, anxiety, irritability, unusual sadness, persistent crying); one-sided weakness; tingling or numbness; persistent tiredness or fatigue; pale stools; seizure; painful or prolonged erection; stomach tenderness or pain; persistent or severe headache; trouble sleeping; suicidal attempts or thoughts; unusual speech or vision changes; trouble urinating; yellowing of eyes or skin; unusually blue or cold toes or fingers.
More Information
You should consult your pharmacist in case of any query. This medicine should be exclusively used by only the patient. Do not share Strattera with some other people. In case the symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.