Strattera is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment plan, including psychological, social, and other treatments.

How to Use

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using atomoxetine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times a day. The first dose is usually taken when you wake up in the morning. If a second dose is prescribed, take it as directed by your doctor, usually in the late afternoon/early evening. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia).

Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. If the capsule is accidentally opened or broken, avoid contact with the powder and wash away any loose powder as soon as possible with water. If the powder gets in your eyes, flush with plenty of water right away and contact your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other drugs you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side effects

Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation, tiredness, loss of appetite/weight loss, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or decrease in sexual ability/desire may occur. In women, menstrual cramps or missed/irregular periods may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To lessen the chance of dizziness, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficulty urinating, unusually fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, numbness/tingling.

Atomoxetine may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including: dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting/loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin.

This medication may rarely cause serious problems such as a heart attack or stroke. Get medical help right away if you experience any of the following: chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, slurred speech, sudden vision changes.

Rarely, males (including young boys and teens) may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours while using this medication. Caregivers/parents should also be watchful for this serious side effect in boys. If a painful or prolonged erection occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

How Does Strattera Work?

Strattera affects how much norepinephrine is taken up by receptors in your brain. Doctors and scientists don’t really know how that treats symptoms of ADHD. The mechanism of action is thought to be similar to a close class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Strattera Dosage

The dosage of Strattera will vary based on a patient’s age, size, and symptoms. Typically, adults start on a dose of 40 mg taken once a day for at least three to four days. Then, the dosage usually increases to 80 mg, either taken once a day or split into two 40 mg doses. After two to three weeks, patients may then be increased to a dosage of 100 mg per day. Always follow your prescribing doctors dosage instructions and check with them before changing your dose.

Can You Buy Strattera Online?

Federal law states that you must talk to a doctor before getting any prescription medication, including Strattera. That means you can't buy Strattera directly off a website and have it shipped to your door. However, you can have a video or phone appointment with a licensed doctor, who can send prescriptions for non-controlled medications to your local pharmacy.