Atomoxet (atomoxetine) is an SNRI used to help patients age 6 and up who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder stay calm and focused.

The medication helps patients in a number of ways. Patients who take Atomoxet can expect to see:

• Improved attention span
• Decreased hyperactivity
• Decreased impulsiveness
• Improved impulse control
• Improved school or work performance
• Improved interpersonal relationships

The medication in Atomoxet is a Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). Unlike the more widely-recognized ADHD treatments, such as Ritalin or Adderall, SNRIs are not stimulants, not addictive, and do not produce withdrawal symptoms when treatment stops. Other advantages include:

• SNRIs have different side effects; helpful if stimulant medications are producing disruptive side effects.
• SNRIs interact with fewer other medications.
• SNRIs are safer to use in a greater number of other medical conditions, such as hypertension, compared to stimulants.

Note that, while stimulants like Adderall are also used for narcolepsy, non-stimulant ADHD treatments like Atomoxet are not beneficial for this condition.

Dosage & Administration

Atomoxet comes in tablets, typically taken once or twice per day according to personal preference. If a large daily dose causes side effects, dividing into two smaller dose may help.

Food is optional but may help ease gastrointestinal side effects, if experienced.

Dosage varies according to patient age and weight, and other medical factors---such as other medical conditions or other medications being taken---may also influence dosage. In otherwise healthy adults:

• Start with 40 mg per day for at least 3 days.
• After at least 3 days, dosage should be increased to 80 mg per day. This is sufficient for the majority of patients.
• If symptoms persist after several weeks on 80 mg per day, dosage may be increased to 100 mg per day.
• Do not exceed 100 mg per day without explicit doctor instruction.

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for significant benefit to be seen, though many patients notice smaller improvements sooner. During the first few weeks of treatment regular doctor checkups are advisable---particularly for younger patients---to ensure Atomoxet is working as intended and to monitor for developing side effects.

Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit. Treatment can end abruptly with no concern for withdrawal effects.

Potential Complications

Atomoxet can cause potentially dangerous reactions in individuals with certain other medical conditions; it should not be used without explicit doctor instruction if there is any history of:

• High blood pressure
• Any heart problems (including family history)
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Liver impairment
• Severe mental illness

In most cases side effects are mild and may stop occurring as the body adjusts to the first few weeks of treatment. Most commonly reported are:

• Dry mouth
• Mild stomach upset
• Appetite loss
• Dizziness
• Mild fatigue
• Constipation
• Mood swings

The above side effects are not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive.

Atomoxet may interact with other medications, particularly MAOI medications (used to treat depression and some other mental disorders), albuterol (for asthma or COPD), some high blood pressure medications, and some decongestants. Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications with Atomoxet.

A small percentage of patients under age 25 may find Atomoxet increases suicidal, self-harm, or aggressive thoughts and inclinations. These symptoms usually develop in the first few weeks of treatment, if they develop at all. Younger patients---especially if there is any history of depression---should be monitored closely at the start of treatment.