Strattera is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Common use

Strattera contains atomoxetine Hcl, which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor of presynaptic norepinephrine vectors used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Manifestations of ADHD detected in more than one social environment include lack of concentration, distractibility, excessive restlessness, impulsiveness, disorganization, restlessness, and other similar conduct disorders.



Dosage and direction

Take it once or twice daily with or without food. Take the capsules whole, do not crush them and sprinkle on food. If Strattera should be canceled, it does not require a gradual reduction of the dose. The recommended initial dose in children, adolescents and adults with body weight over 70 kg is 40 mg. It should be increased to a therapeutic daily dose of 80 mg not earlier than in three days. If the symptoms do not improve the maximal daily dose of Strattera may be increased to maximal daily dose of 120 mg not earlier than 2-4 weeks after start of the treatment. Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, do not take more of this medication than your doctor recommended.



Precautions

Inform your doctor if you have 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. Notify your doctor if you have liver disease, high or low blood pressure, problems with urination, and also bipolar illness, mental illness, psychotic disorder, depression, or suicide attempt in history. It is not known how this medication may affect an unborn baby so Strattera should be administered to pregnant women only if a potential benefit from it use exceeds possible risks.



Contraindications

Strattera is contraindicated in the patients concomitantly treated by MAO inhibitors (Pirlindole, metralindol, Moclobemide, Nialamide) and within 14 days after the treatment with MAO was discontinued, individuals with closure-angle glaucoma, hypersensitivity to the medication.



Side effects

Adverse reactions to Strattera include allergy symptoms (hives, rash, facial swelling, edema), dry mouth, decreased appetite, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, changes in mood, problems to fall asleep, dizziness, difficulty urination, and sexual side effects. More serious side effects which you should report about immediately to your doctor if they become bothersome are fast or uneven heartbeats, 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.



Drug interaction

This medication cannot be co-administered with MAO inhibitors, a break between the last MAO inhibitors intake such as Nardil (phenelzine sulfate) and Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate) and administration of Strattera should be at least 14 days long. Fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), quinidine, may incrase blood levels of Strattera due to inhibition of the liver enzyme that eliminates atomoxetine from the body. Inform your doctor about all medications and herbal products you use including 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

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or time for your next dose is in a short while. Do not take double doses of this medication or extra doses of it. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.



Overdose

The majority of reported Strattera overdose effects were moderate. They included 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 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.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.