Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Strattera

Generic Name: atomoxetine (Pronunciation: AT oh mox e teen)

• What is atomoxetine (Strattera)?
• What are the possible side effects of atomoxetine (Strattera)?
• What is the most important information I should know about atomoxetine (Strattera)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atomoxetine (Strattera)?
• How should I take atomoxetine (Strattera)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Strattera)?
• What happens if I overdose (Strattera)?
• What should I avoid while taking atomoxetine (Strattera)?
• What other drugs will affect atomoxetine (Strattera)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is atomoxetine (Strattera)?

Atomoxetine affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

Atomoxetine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Atomoxetine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Strattera 10 mg

white, imprinted with Lilly 3227, 10 mg

Strattera 100 mg

brown, imprinted with Lilly 3251, 100 mg

Strattera 18 mg

gold/white, imprinted with Lilly 3238, 18 mg

Strattera 25 mg

blue/white, imprinted with Lilly 3228, 25 mg

Strattera 40 mg

blue, imprinted with Lilly 3229, 40 mg

Strattera 60 mg

blue/yellow, imprinted with Lilly 3239, 60 mg

Strattera 80 mg

brown/white, imprinted with Lilly 3250, 80 mg

What are the possible side effects of atomoxetine (Strattera)?

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

Stop taking atomoxetine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or uneven heartbeats;
• feeling light-headed or fainting;
• unusual thoughts or behavior, aggression, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there);
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure); or
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

• feeling irritable;
• feeling dizzy or drowsy;
• constipation;
• cough, dry mouth;
• skin rash or itching;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• increased menstrual cramps; or
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about atomoxetine (Strattera)?

Do not use atomoxetine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you use atomoxetine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to atomoxetine, or if you have glaucoma.

Some ADHD medicines have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects. Tell your doctor if you have any heart problems.

You may have suicidal thoughts or behavior while taking atomoxetine. Watch for symptoms of depression, unusual behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself. Your doctor may need to check you at regular visits while you are taking this medication.

In addition to you watching for changes in your mood or behavior, your family or caregivers should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Do not use an open or broken capsule. If the medicine from inside the capsule gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and call your doctor.

Atomoxetine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.