Common uses of Strattera (atomoxetine) for ADHD
Strattera, the brand name for atomoxetine, is a non‑stimulant medication approved to treat attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. It works by selectively inhibiting the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter, increasing norepinephrine availability in the prefrontal cortex, a region important for attention, working memory, and impulse control. Because it is not a stimulant and not a controlled substance, Strattera can be a good option for people who do not tolerate stimulants, have comorbid anxiety, a history of substance misuse, or need round‑the‑clock symptom coverage without rebound.
Unlike stimulants that act within hours, atomoxetine’s therapeutic effect accumulates gradually, with meaningful improvements often emerging after 2 to 4 weeks and continuing through 8 to 12 weeks. Clinical benefits may include better sustained attention, reduced distractibility, improved task completion, and fewer impulsive behaviors. Many patients also appreciate steadier mood and sleep patterns and a lower risk of appetite suppression compared with stimulant therapies.
Strattera dosage and directions: how to take atomoxetine
Dosing for Strattera is individualized. Adults typically start at 40 mg once daily and increase after at least 3 days to 80 mg daily, taken either as a single morning dose or divided morning and late afternoon/early evening. If response is partial after 2 to 4 additional weeks, some patients may increase to a maximum of 100 mg daily. For children and adolescents up to 70 kg, the usual starting dose is 0.5 mg/kg/day, titrated to a target of about 1.2 mg/kg/day; do not exceed the lesser of 1.4 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/day. Patients 70 kg or more follow adult dosing. Swallow capsules whole with or without food; do not open them, as contents can irritate eyes and skin directly.
Dose adjustments are necessary in hepatic impairment because atomoxetine is metabolized by CYP2D6. In moderate liver dysfunction (Child‑Pugh B), use approximately 50% of the usual dose; in severe dysfunction (Child‑Pugh C), use about 25%. Patients who are CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, or who take strong CYP2D6 inhibitors such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, or bupropion, may require slower titration and lower target doses due to higher blood levels. Take Strattera at the same time each day to maintain steady exposure; if sleep is disrupted, consider moving the dose earlier or dividing it. Do not abruptly stop without clinician guidance; tapering helps minimize rebound symptoms. Take missed doses as directed in instructions below.
Strattera precautions: what to know before and during treatment
Important precautions accompany Strattera therapy. In children, adolescents, and young adults, atomoxetine carries a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts, especially during the first few months or with dose changes; monitor mood, behavior, and emergence of agitation or hostility, and seek urgent help if concerning symptoms appear. Rare but serious liver injury has been reported; stop the medication and contact a clinician if you develop jaundice, dark urine, right upper abdominal pain, unexplained flu‑like symptoms, or severe fatigue. Atomoxetine can raise blood pressure and heart rate; patients with hypertension, tachyarrhythmias, structural heart disease, or cerebrovascular disease need careful baseline assessment and ongoing monitoring. Dizziness, orthostatic symptoms, or syncope can occur, especially during initiation or dose escalation in some patients.
Use caution in patients with urinary retention, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or severe constipation; atomoxetine may worsen voiding. Rare priapism requires urgent care. Avoid in narrow‑angle glaucoma, and monitor for vision changes. Screen for bipolar disorder, as antidepressant‑like agents can precipitate mania or hypomania. In children, track height and weight over time. During pregnancy and lactation, weigh benefits and risks with a clinician; limited human data exist, and non‑pharmacologic ADHD supports should also be optimized. Shared decision‑making is strongly recommended.
Contraindications: who should not take Strattera
Strattera is contraindicated in several situations. Do not use atomoxetine with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI, due to the risk of serious, potentially life‑threatening reactions. Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to atomoxetine or any capsule components. Strattera is contraindicated in narrow‑angle glaucoma and in patients with pheochromocytoma or a history suggestive of catecholamine‑secreting tumors, because it can markedly raise blood pressure. Do not initiate in patients with severe, symptomatic cardiovascular disease or severe cerebrovascular disorders without specialist input; alternative therapies may be safer. Use is not recommended in individuals with severe hepatic failure. Always review contraindications before starting or restarting.
Possible side effects of Strattera
Most people tolerate Strattera, but side effects can occur, especially early in treatment. Common effects include nausea, stomach pain, decreased appetite, dry mouth, constipation, heartburn, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbance or insomnia, and sweating. Some patients experience mild increases in heart rate or blood pressure, or feelings of jitteriness. Children and adolescents may have more gastrointestinal upset and appetite suppression; taking the dose with food or a small snack may help. Headache is frequent but typically improves with time. Sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, or delayed orgasm can appear in adults. Urinary hesitancy or retention may occur, particularly in males. Dose adjustments, slower titration, or switching dosing time often ease these tolerability issues as treatment continues gradually.
Serious adverse reactions are uncommon but require prompt attention. Seek emergency care for signs of liver injury (yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine), chest pain, fainting, severe palpitations, new neurologic symptoms, or seizures. Contact a clinician urgently if you notice new or worsening depression, irritability, agitation, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in behavior, particularly early in therapy. Painful, persistent erections lasting more than four hours (priapism) are a medical emergency. Rare allergic reactions can present with rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. In susceptible patients, atomoxetine may prolong the QT interval; report a family history of sudden cardiac death or arrhythmias.
Strattera drug interactions: CYP2D6 and more
Atomoxetine is primarily metabolized by CYP2D6, so medications that inhibit this pathway can raise atomoxetine exposure and side effect risk. Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors include fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, bupropion, and terbinafine; moderate inhibitors include duloxetine and sertraline. When combined, clinicians often start lower, titrate more slowly, and cap the target dose. Conversely, strong enzyme inducers such as rifampin or carbamazepine may reduce atomoxetine levels and effectiveness, warranting clinical monitoring and potential dose adjustments. Do not combine atomoxetine with an MAOI or within 14 days of MAOI use. Genetic CYP2D6 poor metabolizers can have several‑fold higher levels and may need lower doses. Inform your prescriber about all prescription drugs, OTC medicines, supplements, and herbal products to prevent preventable interaction risks and duplications.
Pharmacodynamic interactions can matter. Drugs that raise blood pressure or heart rate, including decongestants like pseudoephedrine, stimulants, beta‑agonists such as albuterol, and some migraine medicines, may amplify atomoxetine’s cardiovascular effects. Monitor closely or avoid combinations if hypertension or tachycardia emerges. Atomoxetine may blunt the effect of antihypertensives. Caution is warranted with medications that prolong the QT interval or lower seizure threshold. Alcohol can worsen dizziness or sedation in sensitive individuals.
Missed dose: what to do if you forget Strattera
If you miss a dose of Strattera, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next dose. If it is late in the day and taking it would interfere with sleep, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule the next day. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose. Consistency matters; setting phone reminders or using a pill organizer can help. Ask your clinician about timing adjustments.
Overdose: signs, what to do, and emergency help
An overdose of atomoxetine may cause somnolence, agitation, tremor, vomiting, dilated pupils, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, or, rarely, seizures and changes in heart rhythm, including QT prolongation. Severe toxicity is uncommon with isolated atomoxetine, but mixed overdoses are more dangerous. If an overdose is suspected, call your local poison control center immediately (in the U.S., 1‑800‑222‑1222) or seek emergency care. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive, with attention to airway, breathing, circulation, hydration, temperature, and cardiac monitoring. Activated charcoal may be considered shortly after large ingestions under professional guidance. Do not induce vomiting at home. Bring pill bottles or packaging to help identify what was taken exactly.
Storage: how to store Strattera capsules safely
Store Strattera capsules at room temperature, ideally 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), in a dry place away from excess heat, light, and humidity. Keep in the original, child‑resistant container with the lid tightly closed, and out of reach of children and pets. Do not open capsules. If a capsule breaks, avoid touching contents; wash hands, rinse eyes with water if exposed, and clean the area carefully. Dispose damaged capsules.
Can you buy Strattera without prescription? U.S. policy and safe access
In the United States, Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication. You cannot legally buy Strattera without a prescription; a licensed clinician must evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and potential risks, then issue an individualized prescription if appropriate. HealthSouth Hospital of Altamonte Springs offers a legal, structured path to access by coordinating a HIPAA‑compliant telehealth consultation with a U.S.‑licensed provider. If the clinician determines Strattera is right for you, they send an electronic prescription directly to HealthSouth Hospital of Altamonte Springs for dispensing and shipment, subject to state regulations. This model streamlines care without sacrificing safety or oversight: no walk‑in visit required, but no shortcuts either. Transparent pricing, responsive support, and clear refill scheduling help patients stay on track. Always follow medical advice, and never purchase atomoxetine from unverified sources that advertise “no Rx” sales. These safeguards protect your health, privacy, and legal compliance too.
