Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

ATOMOXETINE - ORAL

(at-oh-MOX-eh-teen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Strattera

Uses

Atomoxetine is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

How To Use

This medication may be taken with or without food. Take this medication as prescribed, usually either as a single daily dose in the morning or divided into two doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening; or as directed by your doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than prescribed. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

Side Effects

Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, loss of appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, trouble sleeping, menstrual cycle changes, or mood changes may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: decreased interest in sex, difficulty urinating. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: weight loss, decrease in sexual ability (e.g., impotence, ejaculation problems), unusually fast heartbeat, severe headache, blurred vision. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: glaucoma (narrow angle). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, coronary artery disease), low blood pressure, strokes, bladder or prostate problems, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a lying or seated position (especially when you first start using this drug or if your doctor changes your dose). Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially the dizziness effect. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. It is important to monitor weight and growth in children who are taking this drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Certain medications taken with this drug could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: paroxetine, fluoxetine, quinidine, asthma drugs (e.g., albuterol, metaproterenol). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusually fast heartbeat, severe headache.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., pulse and blood pressure) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.