Strattera
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (AT oh mox e teen) is a generic medication prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine belongs to a group of drugs called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Atomoxetine (AT oh mox e teen) is a generic medication prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine belongs to a group of drugs called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
- Generic
- • Capsule
- • 40mg
- • 30 Capsules
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Melanie Sangobowale PharmD
Medically reviewed by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Updated on September 7, 2023
Atomoxetine (AT oh mox e teen) is a generic medication prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine belongs to a group of drugs called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts in children
Atomoxetine has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts in children. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for atomoxetine” section.
Side effects
Side effects of atomoxetine
Atomoxetine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of atomoxetine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about atomoxetine’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for atomoxetine listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with atomoxetine are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Atomoxetine oral capsule’s mild side effects include:
- headache
- upset stomach
- nausea or vomiting
- decreased appetite
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for atomoxetine” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of atomoxetine are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, atomoxetine’s serious side effects include:
- urinary retention (unable to empty your bladder)
- urinary hesitancy (difficulty with starting to urinate or keeping flow)
- priapism (an erection of the penis that lasts several hours or longer)
- heart and blood vessel problems, such as heart attack or stroke
- liver damage*
- boxed warning: risk of suicidal thoughts in children†
- severe allergic reaction†
* This side effect was reported after the drug became available for use.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for atomoxetine” section.
FAQ
Common questions about atomoxetine
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about atomoxetine.
What is atomoxetine’s mechanism of action? How does the drug work?
Atomoxetine belongs to a group of drugs called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Exactly how this drug works to treat ADHD isn’t fully known. It’s thought to work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter (a type of chemical) that helps stimulate your central nervous system (CNS).
Once you start taking atomoxetine, it usually takes several weeks for the drug to reach its full effect.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Are side effects of atomoxetine in adults similar to those seen in children?
Side effects of atomoxetine are similar in adults and children. These side effects can include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dizziness, and tiredness.
It’s important to note that there’s a boxed warning for the increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more about this warning, see the “Interactions and warnings for atomoxetine” section.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about atomoxetine side effects in adults and children.
How does atomoxetine compare with Ritalin or Adderall?
Similar to atomoxetine, Ritalin and Adderall are prescription medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ritalin is the brand-name version of methylphenidate, and Adderall is the brand-name version of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Atomoxetine is a generic version of the brand name Strattera.
Ritalin and Adderall belong to a drug class known as CNS stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain. Ritalin works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. Adderall works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug. Rather, it’s a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain.
Stimulant drugs may cause drug dependence, which means the body needs the drug in order to function like usual. You may also experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking stimulant drugs. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. Atomoxetine is not expected to have these effects.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how these medications compare. They can explain how they’re used to treat ADHD.
Uses
Uses of atomoxetine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as atomoxetine for certain conditions. Approved uses for atomoxetine are described below.
Use for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Doctors may prescribe atomoxetine oral capsule for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
ADHD is a mental health condition that can cause hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors in children and adults. Signs and symptoms may include:
- difficulty focusing on tasks
- losing things often
- constant fidgeting or squirming
- having difficulty waiting your turn or interrupting others’ conversations
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for atomoxetine
Below, you’ll find information about atomoxetine’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of atomoxetine
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take atomoxetine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for atomoxetine” section below.
Warnings for atomoxetine
Some people should not take atomoxetine, and others should take it cautiously.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts in children
Atomoxetine has a boxed warning about the risk of increased suicidal thoughts in children. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
With suicidal thoughts, you have thoughts of harming yourself and have unusual changes in behavior. Your condition may also get worse. This side effect was very rare in studies of atomoxetine. No suicides occurred in these studies.
Signs may include:
- thoughts of harming yourself
- avoiding social contact
- staying away from other people
- sudden mood changes
The risk of this side effect may increase when you first start treatment or during any dose changes.
If you experience suicidal thoughts, tell your doctor. Your doctor may stop treatment with atomoxetine if you experience sudden or severe suicidal thoughts.
To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call 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 are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Other warnings
Atomoxetine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether atomoxetine is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for atomoxetine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Atomoxetine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to atomoxetine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe atomoxetine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to atomoxetine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of atomoxetine
If you take atomoxetine by mouth, you should not take more than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much atomoxetine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and atomoxetine
Information about atomoxetine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Atomoxetine and pregnancy
It’s not known whether atomoxetine 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’re pregnant and you take atomoxetine, you can consider talking with your doctor about joining the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications. This registry monitors the safety of certain drugs, including atomoxetine, during pregnancy. You can also call 866-961-2388 for more information.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about treatment options for your condition during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take atomoxetine during pregnancy.
Atomoxetine and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether atomoxetine should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about atomoxetine or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Are there other medications that you can prescribe to treat ADHD?
- Can I continue to drink coffee while I’m taking atomoxetine oral capsule?
- Will atomoxetine oral capsule affect my blood pressure medication?
Resources
Resources
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. (2022). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
- Atomoxetine capsules, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/24bb7238-7e12-48d1-a572-2c753e69f604/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- What is ADHD? (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
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.
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