This article describes possible side effects of atomoxetine oral capsule. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for atomoxetine. You can explore this overview article to learn more about atomoxetine oral capsule, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Atomoxetine oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Strattera.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents
Atomoxetine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of atomoxetine in detail” section below.
More common side effects of atomoxetine
Atomoxetine oral capsule may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of atomoxetine oral capsule in adults include:
- constipation
- dry mouth
- nausea
- decreased appetite
- dizziness
Commonly reported side effects of atomoxetine oral capsule in children include:
- nausea and vomiting
- fatigue (low energy)
- decreased appetite
- abdominal pain
- sleepiness
Mild side effects of atomoxetine
Atomoxetine may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or bother you.
Mild side effects of atomoxetine oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
- nausea and vomiting
- fatigue (low energy)
- decreased appetite
- abdominal pain or upset stomach
- sleepiness
- dizziness
- constipation
- dry mouth
- headache
- insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- hot flashes
- mild allergic reaction*
Atomoxetine oral capsule may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of atomoxetine in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of atomoxetine
Atomoxetine may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from atomoxetine oral capsule, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with atomoxetine.
Serious side effects of atomoxetine oral capsule that occurred in studies of the drug include:
- behavioral changes, including hostility and aggression
- liver damage
- priapism (a persistent and painful erection)
- sexual side effects, including decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction
- painful menstrual periods
- slowed growth in children
- heart and blood vessel problems*
- urinary problems*
- risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents†
- severe allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of atomoxetine in detail” section below.
† Atomoxetine oral capsule has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of atomoxetine in detail” section below.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Side effects of atomoxetine in children
For children, doctors prescribe atomoxetine oral capsule to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug is used for this purpose in children ages 6 years and older.
Atomoxetine oral capsule has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of atomoxetine in detail” section below.
Other side effects reported in children taking atomoxetine oral capsule for ADHD include:
- nausea and vomiting
- fatigue (low energy)
- decreased appetite
- abdominal pain
- sleepiness
- slowing of growth in height and weight
- allergic reaction*
If you’d like to know more about side effects in children taking atomoxetine oral capsule, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of atomoxetine in detail” section below.
Common questions about side effects of atomoxetine
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of atomoxetine oral capsule. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is withdrawal a possible side effect of atomoxetine?
No, it’s not thought to be. Withdrawal wasn’t reported as a side effect in studies of atomoxetine.
Withdrawal describes symptoms that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. Withdrawal can be a side effect of stimulant medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including Adderall and Ritalin. But it shouldn’t occur with atomoxetine. (Atomoxetine isn’t a stimulant.)
Does atomoxetine cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases atomoxetine oral capsule may cause long-term side effects. These can last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with atomoxetine oral capsule include:
- liver damage
- heart and blood vessel problems*
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects, how to manage them, and how long these side effects of atomoxetine may last.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of atomoxetine in detail” section below.
Coupon for atomoxetine
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Side effects of atomoxetine in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of atomoxetine oral capsule.
Risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents
Atomoxetine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Suicidal thoughts were rare in studies of children and adolescents taking atomoxetine oral capsule for ADHD. This side effect is serious.
With suicidal thoughts, you have ideas of harming yourself. Symptoms can include feeling hopeless, avoiding social contact, and expressing the belief of being a burden to others.
Certain factors can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts with atomoxetine oral capsule. These include:
- being in the first few months of treatment with atomoxetine
- whenever your doctor changes your dosage of atomoxetine
- having a mental health condition, such as depression
Ways to manage
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. This line provides free, confidential support. You can also go to the closest emergency room or urgent care center.
If you experience symptoms or have concerns about suicidal thoughts and behaviors while taking atomoxetine, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend you stop taking atomoxetine. And they can recommend ways to treat your symptoms.
It can be helpful to let a close friend or family member know you’re taking atomoxetine if you’re comfortable doing so. They can help you monitor your symptoms and mood.
Heart and blood vessel problems
In studies, heart and blood vessel problems were rare in people taking atomoxetine oral capsule. These side effects are serious.
Heart and blood vessel problems that can occur when taking atomoxetine include:
Symptoms of a heart attack include:
- pain or pressure in your chest
- pain or discomfort in your upper body, including your arms, neck, jaw, or back
- shortness of breath
Symptoms of a stroke include:
- an unevenness or drooping on one side of your face
- numbness or weakness, particularly in one side of your body
- difficulty speaking or slurred speech
Having an existing heart condition can increase the risk of heart and blood vessel problems with atomoxetine oral capsule.
Ways to manage
Stroke and heart attack are life threatening medical emergencies. Immediately call 911 or go to the closest emergency room if you think you’re having symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
Your doctor will likely stop your atomoxetine treatment if you experience a heart or blood vessel problem while taking the drug.
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Get free cardUrinary problems
In studies, urinary problems were rare in people taking atomoxetine oral capsule. These side effects may be mild or serious.
Urinary problems reported in studies of atomoxetine include:
- urinary hesitancy (difficulty starting to urinate or continuing flow)
- urinary retention (inability to empty your bladder)
Urinary retention is typically more serious than urinary hesitancy. Symptoms of urinary retention include:
- difficulty starting to urinate
- weak or unpredictable urine stream
- a feeling of fullness or discomfort in your hips or bladder
Certain factors, including being age 65 years or older, can increase the risk of urinary retention.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of urinary problems, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping treatment with atomoxetine. They can also recommend a treatment for your symptoms.
Allergic reaction
For some people, atomoxetine oral capsule can cause an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to atomoxetine are rare but possible.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to atomoxetine oral capsule, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for atomoxetine
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking atomoxetine oral capsule.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents
Atomoxetine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of atomoxetine in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take atomoxetine oral capsule if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether atomoxetine oral capsule is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking atomoxetine oral capsule, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
- mental health conditions, including depression
- heart conditions, including an irregular heartbeat
- liver problems
- glaucoma
- whether you’re currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor drug, such as phenelzine (Nardil), within the past 14 days
- past allergic reaction to atomoxetine
Atomoxetine and pregnancy
It’s not known whether atomoxetine oral capsule should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
If you and your doctor agree you’ll take atomoxetine while pregnant, consider joining the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications. You can call 866-961-2388 or visit the website for more information or to sign up. Pregnancy registries monitor the safety of medications when taken during pregnancy.
Atomoxetine and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether atomoxetine oral capsule should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Atomoxetine and alcohol
Atomoxetine oral capsule is not known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume during your treatment with atomoxetine oral capsule.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of atomoxetine oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Is my risk of side effects from atomoxetine higher due to my health history?
- How do side effects of atomoxetine compare with those of other treatments for ADHD?
- Does my atomoxetine dosage affect my risk of side effects?
- Can my diet or lifestyle habits affect my risk of side effects with atomoxetine?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.