Atomoxetine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects. Atomoxetine is also called Strattera.
What is atomoxetine?
Atomoxetine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps people with ADHD to concentrate better, be less impulsive and feel calmer. Atomoxetine works by increasing the amount of a natural chemical called noradrenaline (norepinephrine) in the brain and in this way increases attention and decreases hyperactivity in people with ADHD.
Dose
In Aotearoa New Zealand atomoxetine is available as capsules and comes in different strengths: 10mg, 18mg, 25mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80mg and 100mg.
- The dose of atomoxetine will be different for different people, depending on your body weight and your response to the medication.
- Always take your atomoxetine exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much atomoxetine to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
How to take atomoxetine
- Take atomoxetine once or twice a day: Atomoxetine is usually taken once a day, in the morning. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend dividing the dose into 2, taking the first part of the dose in the morning and the other part late afternoon or early evening. Take your medicine at about the same time each day.
- Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water (200–250 mLs): You can take your dose with or without food.
- Keep taking atomoxetine regularly: Atomoxetine does not work straight away. It may take a few weeks before you notice some change in your symptoms. It is important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well. From time to time your doctor will assess the treatment to make sure it is still required. This may involve stopping atomoxetine for a short while.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take it at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
What to consider when taking atomoxetine
- Check the strength of your capsules. Each time you collect a supply of atomoxetine, check that the capsules are the strength that you are expecting. There are several strengths of atomoxetine capsule. You will be given a strength that fits with your doctor's recommendations. If you are unsure about the dose and strength of capsule you are taking, talk to your pharmacist.
- Atomoxetine and alcohol or marijuana: It is recommended that people taking atomoxetine do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol, use marijuana or take party pills. Alcohol, marijuana and party pills can increase some of the effects of atomoxetine and increase side effects. As well as this, drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and taking party pills can often make your symptoms worse.
- Atomoxetine and other medicines or supplements: Atomoxetine can interact with some medications, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting atomoxetine and before starting any new products.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, atomoxetine can cause unwanted side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often unwanted side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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| For more information on side effects, see the Medsafe consumer information leaflet/s below. Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product. |
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Learn more
The following links have more information about atomoxetine.
Atomoxetine Patient Information NZ Formulary, NZ
Medsafe Consumer Information Sheets, NZ
References
- Atomoxetine NZ Formulary, NZ