| Drug Name: | Strattera (Atomoxetine) |
|---|---|
| Tablet Strength: | 10mg, 18mg, 25mg, 40mg Pills |
| Best Price: | $41.04 (Per Pill $0.51) |
| Where to buy |
Strattera is a prescription-only drug that has Atomoxetine as the active ingredient. It belongs to a drug class called Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor. FDA approved this medicine in November 2002 to treat Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.
The medication is taken by mouth. Strattera is available in various dosages, including 100 mg, 80 mg, 40 mg, 25 mg, and 10 mg capsules.
What Are Strattera Uses?
Strattera (Atomoxetine) https://medicalhomecare.com/strattera/ is mainly used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sometimes, this medication also helps to treat cognitive disengagement syndrome. It may be used alone or together with stimulant medication.
Note: Atomoxetine is only recommended for persons at least six years old.
Mechanism of Action
Atomoxetine is thought to work by raising Norepinephrine levels in the brain. Norepinephrine is a chemical messenger involved in impulse control and hyperactivity. Strattera improves the executive functions of:
- Sustained attention
- Self-motivation
- Inhibition
- Reaction time, and
- Working memory
How Do You Take Strattera?
You should take Atomoxetine at the same time daily in the morning or twice per day – morning and late afternoon. Take the medicine with a full glass of water.
You may take Strattera with or without food. Do not chew, crush, break, or open a capsule; swallow it whole. Follow all your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Dosing Information
The typical adult and pediatric Strattera dose for ADHD is as described below.
Adults Dose
- Starting dose – 40 mg per day for at least 3 days.
- Maintenance dose – 80 mg per day for 2-4 weeks.
- Maximum dose – After using Strattera at 80 mg per day for 2-4 weeks, patients who haven’t achieved an optimal response can increase the dose to 100 mg daily.
Pediatric Dose
For patients 70 kg or less:
- The initial dose is typically at 0.5 mg/kg per day orally.
- You can increase the dose to 1.2 mg/kg daily after at least 3 days of using the initial dose.
- The maximum dose is usually 1.4 mg/kg per day or 100 mg daily, whichever is less.
For patients above 70 kg:
- Start at 40 mg per day orally.
- You can increase this dose to 80 mg daily following a minimum of three days at the starting dose.
- After 2-4 weeks of taking 80 mg/day, patients who haven’t achieved an optimal response can increase the dose to 100 mg daily.
Missed Dose
In case you miss a dose, please take it as soon as you remember. However, you can skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next scheduled dose.
Overdose
In the event of an overdose, seek emergency medical help. Overdose symptoms may include stomach issues, dizziness, drowsiness, unusual behavior, or tremors.
Warnings
Note these warnings before and while using Strattera:
- Watch out for unfamiliar symptoms or changes in your mood. There are reports of some young people having suicidal thoughts when they first begin using this medication or when the dose is changed.
- Do not take a capsule that’s accidentally broken or open. The drug in the capsule can harm you if it gets in the eyes. If the medicine gets in your eyes, rinse them with plenty of clean water.
- Strattera could impair your reactions. Do not drive or engage in dangerous activity until you know how the drug affects you.
- Do not share Strattera with anyone, not even a person with the same condition as you. The medicine could harm them.
Side Effects of Strattera
The following are some of the commonly reported Strattera side effects:
- Nause, stomach upset, vomiting;
- Loss of appetite, dry mouth;
- Feeling tired, urination issues, mood changes;
- Impotence (trouble having an erection)
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of these severe side effects:
- Allergic reactions. Common signs may include difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips.
- Anxiety or panic attacks or trouble sleeping.
- Feeling impulsive, being easily irritable, hostile, agitated, or having suicidal thoughts.
- Signs of heart issues, including trouble breathing, chest pain, or feeling like you may pass out.
- Psychosis symptoms including hallucinations, aggression, or paranoia.
- Painful urination or erection
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of Strattera side effects. Others may happen. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Contraindications
You should not take Strattera if you have:
- Allergy to Atomoxetine ingredient
- Narrow-angle glaucoma or adrenal gland tumor
- A history of any heart-related condition. There are reports of this drug causing heart attack, stroke, or sudden death in people with heart disease or high blood pressure.
- Taken any MAO inhibitor (antidepressant) drug in the last 14 days. These include rasagiline, linezolid, methylene blue injection, or tranylcypromine.
- Unusual thoughts or behavior. This medication may cause new or worsening psychosis. That’s especially true for people with a history of mental illness, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Whether Strattera will harm an unborn baby is still unknown. Nevertheless, you should inform your doctor in advance if you’re pregnant or plan to get pregnant.
It may be unsafe to breastfeed while using this drug. Consult your healthcare provider about any risks.
Strattera Interaction With Other Drugs
Other medicines, including vitamin supplements, over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and herbal products, may interact with Strattera. Inform your doctor about any medicines that you might be using, particularly:
- Asthma medication
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure medicines
- Allergy or cold medicines
Strattera Storage
You should store Strattera in a cool and dry place at room temperature, 15°C to 30°C (59 to 86°F). Keep the drug out of the reach of children and other people.