Strattera
Atomoxetine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Strattera
Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) drug. The exact mechanism of action of Strattera is not known. Strattera increases certain chemicals like norepinephrine in the brain and this may affect attention span and behavior.
Therapeutic Uses of Strattera
Strattera is used for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It may also be used in some other medical conditions as your doctor decides.
Direction of use of Strattera
Use Strattera as directed by your doctor or as given below:
- Strattera should be taken orally with or without food. If you experience stomach upset, take Strattera with food to reduce stomach irritation.
- Swallow Strattera whole without opening it, breaking it or take the capsules apart.
- Strattera should be taken at the same time each day, which will help you remember to take it and will also give best possible results.
- Keep taking Strattera even if you feel well, without missing any dose of Strattera.
If You Miss a Dose of Strattera
If you miss a dose of Strattera, you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Strattera and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
How to Store Strattera
Strattera should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light; and keep Strattera out of the reach of children. Do not store Strattera in your bathroom.
More Information About Strattera
Strattera is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult your doctor. If you feel well also you should keep taking it without missing any dose of Strattera.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Strattera
Do not use Strattera if you have any medical problem listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Strattera.
- If you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like phenelzine within the last 2 weeks.
- If you have heart problems like, any heart defect, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, severe blood vessel problems, or narrow-angle glaucoma.
Important notes about Strattera:
- Strattera may cause dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be more, if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks, like operating heavy machinery which need constant attention and monitoring, until you know how you react to Strattera.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting etc. which are caused by Strattera, may be more promonent due to alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these side effects.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose or take for longer than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: If you are pregnant you should not use Strattera. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using Strattera during pregnancy. It is not clearly known if Strattera is xecreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Strattera, consult your doctor and discuss if there is any possible risk to your baby.
- Use Strattera with caution in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness, drowsiness etc.
- Strattera should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 6 years old, as the safety and effectiveness of Strattera, in these children have not been established.
- Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in children and teenagers in some cases. Children may need regular growth checks during taking Strattera.
- Lab tests, (including heart rate, blood pressure, and liver function), should be performed while you taking Strattera. These tests may be used to monitor your condition as well as to check for any side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Children and teenagers who take Strattera may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or suicidal actions (adults may also be affected). The risk may be greater in patients who have history of past suicidal thoughts or actions. The risk of suicidal thoughts or suicidal actions may also be greater in patients who have had bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or if their family members have had it. Monitor patients who are taking Strattera closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur (these may be symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions). Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
- Do not open the capsules or take them apart before taking it. Wash your hands immediately after using Strattera. Do not get Strattera in your eye, as it may irritate your eye if you do. If you get Strattera in your eyes or nose, rinse at once with cool tape water.
Possible Adverse Effects of Strattera
- The common and mild side effects of Strattera are nausea, vomiting, headache, indigestion, constipation, coughing; decreased appetite; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue, increased sweating, stomach upset, tiredness etc. If any of these common side effects become persistent or bothersome, consult your doctor or other health care provider.
- The serious and uncommon side effect of Strattera are severe allergic reaction (the manifestations of severe allergic reaction are rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, persistent fatigue or tiredness, menstrual cycle changes; dark urine; decreased sexual ability (symptoms are impotence, ejaculation problems); fainting; fever, chills, or sore throat (symptoms of infection); hallucinations, mental or mood changes (like agitation, anxiety, depression, irritability, persistent crying, unusual sadness); new or worsening behavior changes (aggression, hostility, restlessness); numbness or tingling; one-sided weakness; pale stools;; prolonged or painful erection; seizure; severe or persistent headache; stomach pain or tenderness; suicidal thoughts or attempts; trouble sleeping; trouble urinating; unusual vision or speech changes; unusually cold or blue fingers or toes; yellowing of skin or eyes etc. If you experience any serious side effects of Strattera, you should get immediate medical attention.