Strattera (Atomoxetine)

General information

Strattera belongs to the class of the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Its active ingredient is atomoxetine Hcl. Usually the medicine is prescribed for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The condition has the following symptoms impulsiveness, disorganization, lack of concentration, distractibility, excessive restlessness, restlessness, and other similar conduct disorders.

Directions

The recommended dose is 40 mg per day. It should be taken 1-2 times a day with or without food. Doses above 100 mg daily are not recommended. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules.

Precautions

Before starting your treatment with Strattera you should inform your doctor about all conditions you may have especially about hypertension, tachycardia, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular circulation disorders, congenital heart defect, coronary artery disease, heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high or low blood pressure, heart attack not so long ago, or have a condition which can cause arterial hypotension, liver disease, problems with urination, and also bipolar illness, mental illness, psychotic disorder, depression, or suicide attempts, glaucoma (narrow angle). This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn't use the medicine.

Contraindications

Patients with closure-angle glaucoma, overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, advanced hardening of the arteries, hypersensitivity to the medicine or who are taking MAO inhibitors can't take Strattera.

Side effects

Side effects can be the following: allergy: hives, rash, facial swelling, edema; dry mouth, decreased appetite, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty urination, tiredness, changes in mood, sexual side effects, fast or uneven heartbeats, problems to fall asleep, chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed or fainting, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, increased blood pressure, decreased urination or anuria. Contact your doctor if you experience one of the side effects listed above.

Drug interaction

Strattera can interact with MAO inhibitors, Fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), cimetidine (Tagamet), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), celecoxib (Celebrex), methadone (Methadose, Dolophine), quinidine (Quinidex, Cardioquin, Quinaglute), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), ranitidine (Zantac), terbinafine (Lamisil), metoclopramide (Reglan), ritonavir (Norvir).

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time of the next intake just skip it and go back to your schedule.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are tachycardia and dry mouth, convulsions, hyperactivity, behavioral disorders, drowsiness or agitation, stomach upset, mydriasis (an excessive dilation of the pupil), blurred vision, drowsiness, and fast heartbeat.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.