Strattera

Chemical Name: ATOMOXETINE

Common uses

This medicine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

Before using

THIS MEDICINE INCREASES THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. Any physician wanting to prescribe this medicine to children or adolescents should consider this risk and only prescribe this medicine if the potential benefit outweighs the risk. Any children or adolescents receiving this medicine must be observed closely during the first few months of treatment, or any time there is a dose change. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice worsening or unusual behaviors, agitation, irritability, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself. Families and caregivers should also observe children and adolescents closely and report any concerns to the prescribing physician. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking a MAO inhibitor (such as furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine). DO NOT take MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking paroxetine, fluoxetine, quinidine, asthma medicines (such as albuterol or metaproterenol). DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including a history of depression, if you have had thoughts of harming yourself, or if you have liver problems, heart problems (such as high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, or coronary heart disease), low blood pressure, strokes, bladder or prostate problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have glaucoma (narrow angle). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A MEDICATION GUIDE. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. This medicine is usually taken either as a single dose in the morning or divided into two doses in the morning and late afternoon or early evening; or as directed by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function, blood pressure, and pulse may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINES, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT GROWTH RATE in children. Your child's growth should be checked regularly while using this medicine especially if they experience side effects of the drug including loss of appetite or weight loss. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Check the labels on all of your medicine (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask you pharmacist about the safe use of those products. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially the dizziness effect. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, loss of appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, trouble sleeping, menstrual cycle changes, or mood changes. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience decreased interest in sex, or difficulty urinating. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience weight loss, decrease in sexual ability (such as impotence or ejaculation problems), unusually fast heartbeat, severe headache, blurred vision, yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, unusual fatigue or tiredness, abdominal or stomach pain, unexplained flu-like symptoms, or thoughts of harming yourself. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice any other effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

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

Additional information

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.