Atomoxetine Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Atomoxetine

Generic name: atomoxetine [ AT-oh-mox-e-teen ]
Brand name: Strattera
Dosage form: oral capsule (10 mg; 100 mg; 18 mg; 25 mg; 40 mg; 60 mg; 80 mg)
Drug class: Adrenergic uptake inhibitors for ADHD

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 18, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is atomoxetine?

Atomoxetine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Atomoxetine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking atomoxetine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Do not use atomoxetine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Atomoxetine may cause new or worsening psychosis (unusual thoughts or behavior), especially if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder.

Atomoxetine has caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.

## Related/similar drugs

Adderall, Vyvanse, methylphenidate, Concerta, Strattera, Ritalin

## Before taking this medicine

Do not use atomoxetine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use atomoxetine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

- severe heart or blood vessel problems;

- narrow-angle glaucoma; or

- pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

Atomoxetine has caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in certain people. Tell your doctor if you have:

- heart problems or a congenital heart defect;

- high blood pressure; or

- a family history of heart disease or sudden death.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis;

- suicidal thoughts or actions;

- low blood pressure; or

- liver disease.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking atomoxetine. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of atomoxetine on the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Atomoxetine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

## How should I take atomoxetine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with a full glass of water.

Atomoxetine is usually taken once daily in the morning, or two times per day in the morning and late afternoon. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may take atomoxetine with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the capsules.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood, heart rate, blood pressure, height and weight may also need to be checked often.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, dizziness, stomach problems, tremors, or unusual behavior.

## What should I avoid while taking atomoxetine?

Avoid using or handling an open or broken capsule. If the powder from inside the capsule gets in your eyes, rinse them with water right away and call your doctor.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how atomoxetine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

## Atomoxetine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Atomoxetine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Atomoxetine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- signs of heart problems--chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out;

- signs of psychosis--hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), new behavior problems, aggression, hostility, paranoia;

- liver problems--stomach pain (upper right side), itching, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

- painful or difficult urination; or

- erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (this is a rare side effect).

Common side effects of atomoxetine may include:

- nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;

- dry mouth, loss of appetite;

- mood changes, feeling tired;

- dizziness;

- urination problems; or

- impotence, trouble having an erection.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Atomoxetine side effects (more detail)

## Atomoxetine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Attention Deficit Disorder:

-Initial Dose: 40 mg/day orally.
-Maintenance Dose: Increase dose to 80 mg/day orally after a minimum of 3 days at the initial dose.
-Maximum Dose: After 2 to 4 additional weeks, the dose may be increased up to 100 mg/day in patients who have not achieved an optimal response.
Comments: Take dose once a day in the morning OR as evenly divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.
Use: Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Usual Pediatric Dose for Attention Deficit Disorder:

70 kg or Less:
-Initial Dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day orally.
-Maintenance dose: Increase dose to 1.2 mg/kg/day after a minimum of 3 days at the initial dose.
-Maximum dose: 1.4 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/day, whichever is less.
Over 70 kg:
-Initial Dose: 40 mg/day orally.
-Maintenance dose: Increase dose to 80 mg/day after a minimum of 3 days at the initial dose.
-Maximum dose: After 2 to 4 additional weeks, the dose may be increased up to 100 mg/day in patients who have not achieved an optimal response.
Comments: Take dose once a day in the morning OR as evenly divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.
Use: Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients age 6 and older.

Detailed Atomoxetine dosage information

## What other drugs will affect atomoxetine?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

- an antidepressant;

- asthma medication;

- blood pressure medicine; or

- a cold or allergy medicine that contains a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect atomoxetine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Atomoxetine drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about atomoxetine

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (576)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: adrenergic uptake inhibitors for ADHD
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Strattera

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- ADHD
- Fibromyalgia
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Depression

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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