Generic Drugs // Other // Atomoxetine (Strattera)

Strattera is used for:
Treating ADHD. Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Exactly how Strattera works to treat ADHD is not known. Strattera increases certain chemicals (eg, norepinephrine) in the brain. This may affect attention span and behavior.

Strattera is used for:
Treating ADHD. Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Exactly how Strattera works to treat ADHD is not known. Strattera increases certain chemicals (eg, norepinephrine) in the brain. This may affect attention span and behavior.

Do NOT use Strattera if:
    * you are allergic to any ingredient in Strattera
    * you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days
    * you have certain heart problems (eg, heart defect, heart failure), certain types of irregular heartbeat, severe blood vessel problems, or narrow-angle glaucoma

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Strattera:
Some medical conditions may interact with Strattera . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

    * if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
    * if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
    * if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
    * if you have a personal or family history of heart problems (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), or a family history of sudden death
    * if you have a personal or family history of mood or mental problems (eg, agitation, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, tension), abnormal thoughts, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence
    * if you have brain or heart blood vessel problems, liver problems, high or low blood pressure, trouble urinating, or Raynaud syndrome

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Strattera . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

    * MAOIs (eg, phenelzine) because severe and sometimes fatal side effects, including severe high blood pressure, high fever, muscle problems, severe agitation, and coma, may occur
    * Quinidine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine, paroxetine) because the risk of side effects and toxic effects may be increased by Strattera
    * Albuterol because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Strattera

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Strattera may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Strattera:
Use Strattera as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Strattera comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Strattera refilled.
    * Take Strattera by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
    * Swallow Strattera whole. Do not open or take the capsules apart.
    * Taking Strattera at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
    * Continue to take Strattera even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
    * If you miss a dose of Strattera , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Strattera.

Proper storage of Strattera:
Store Strattera at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Strattera out of the reach of children and away from pets.