Strattera® (atomoxetine)
Brand
name:
Strattera®
-
Capsules:
10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80mg, 100 mg
Generic
name: atomoxetine (AT oh mox e teen)
All FDA warnings are at
the end of this fact sheet. Please review before taking this
medication.
What
is Strattera® and what does it treat?
Atomoxetine
is a prescription medication that is used to treat individuals with
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Symptoms
of ADHD interfere with an individual’s ability to function at
school or work or in social settings and include:
-
Inattention
(e.g., making careless mistakes, losing things necessary for tasks)
-
Hyperactivity
(e.g., inability to sit still)
-
Impulsivity
(e.g., interrupting or intruding on others)
Hyperactivity
is less common in adults. A person may have severe inattention
without hyperactivity or impulsivity.
Atomoxetine
is used in addition to non-medication treatments to manage ADHD
symptoms.
What
is the most important information I should know about Strattera®?
It
may take several weeks before you notice the full benefits of this
medication. It is important to continue taking atomoxetine as
directed, even if you do not notice immediate improvement.
Are
there specific concerns about Strattera® and pregnancy?
If
you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your healthcare
provider to best manage your medications. People living with ADHD
who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. Untreated ADHD
has risks for the fetus as well as the mother. It is important to
discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and
caregivers.
Regarding
breastfeeding, caution is advised since it is not know if atomoxetine
passes into human breast milk.
What
should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
Strattera®?
-
Symptoms
of your condition that bother you the most
-
If
you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
-
If
you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with
your provider. Some side effects pass with time, but others may
require changes in the medication.
-
Any
other psychiatric or medical problems you have, including heart
disease
-
All
other medications you are currently taking (including over the
counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements) and any
medication allergies you have
-
Other
non-medication treatment you are receiving, such as talk therapy or
substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these
different treatments work with the medication.
-
If
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
-
If
you drink alcohol or use drugs
How
should I take Strattera®?
Atomoxetine
is usually taken 1 to 2 times per day with or without food.
The
dose usually ranges from 20 mg to 100 mg. Only your healthcare
provider can determine the correct dose for you.
Capsules
should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.
Use
a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you
remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member
or friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are
taking you medication.
What
happens if I miss a dose of Strattera®?
If
you miss a dose of atomoxetine, take
it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your
next dose. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. Do not
double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed.
What
should I avoid while taking Strattera®?
Avoid
drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking this
medication. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your
condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the
medication.
What
happens if I overdose with Strattera®?
If
an overdose occurs call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent
medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at
1-800-222-1222.
A
specific treatment to reverse the effects of atomoxetine does not
exist.
What
are the possible side effects of Strattera®?
Common
Side Effects
-
Upset
stomach, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, dry
mouth
-
Feeling
sleepy, sluggish or weak during the day, trouble sleeping at night
-
Decreased
libido or sexual side effects
Rare
Side Effects
-
Menstrual
cycle changes, urinary retention, hot flushes, sweating, severe
fatigue, irritability or mood swings
-
Rarely,
a painful prolonged erection has been reported in child, adolescent
and adult males
-
Increased
heart rate and blood pressure
-
Risk
of switching to hypomania and mania, particularly in individuals
with bipolar disorder
Serious
Side Effects
Are
there any risks for taking Strattera® for long periods of time?
There
are no known problems associated with long term use of atomoxetine
What
other medications interact with Strattera®?
Atomoxetine
should not be taken with or within 2 weeks of monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs), which are usually used to treat depression.
These include phenelzine (Nardil®),
tranylcypromine (Parnate®),
selegiline (EMSAM®),
isocarboxazid (Marplan®),
and rasagiline
(Azilect®)
The
antibiotic linezolid (Zyvox®)
should be avoided as well because it may act similar to a MAOI.
Taking atomoxetine with or within 2 weeks of MAOIs drugs similar to
MAOIs can result in dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to
death.
The
following medications may increase the levels and effects of atomoxetine
Medications
for asthma/difficulty breathing (e.g. albuterol) can increase the
risk of high blood pressure and rapid heart rate (tachycardia) when
taking atomoxetine.
Because
of atomoxetine’s possible effect on blood pressure it should be
cautiously used with other medications that increase or decrease
blood pressure.
How
long does it take for Strattera® to work?
It
may take 4 - 8 weeks to get the maximum benefit once the right dose
is determined. However, improvements in some symptoms may occur
sooner.
Provided
by the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists
(January
2013)
Summary
of Black Box Warning:
Suicidal
Thoughts or Actions
-
Depression and certain
other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases
in the risk of suicide.
-
In
short-term studies, atomoxetine increased the risk of suicidality in
children, adolescents, and young adults when compared to placebo.
-
Patients
should be closely monitored for suicidality (suicidal thinking and
behavior), worsening of symptoms, or changes in behavior.
-
Families
and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation
and communication with the prescriber.
Black
Box Warnings
Suicidal
Ideation in Children and Adults
In
short-term studies, an increased risk of suicidal ideation was seen
in children or adolescents treated with atomoxetine for ADHD.
When choosing this medication, this risk must be balanced with the
potential benefits. Patients should be closely monitored for
suicidality (suicidal thinking and behavior), worsening of symptoms,
or changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of
the need for close observation and communication with the
prescriber.
|
| 
