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Strattera (atomoxetine) is a Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) used to help manage symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It can be used in patients aged 6 years and up.

This medication may be preferred over other commonly-used ADHD treatments, such as Adderall or Ritalin, for several reasons:

• Strattera is not addictive.
• It does not produce withdrawal symptoms when treatment stops.
• It is not a stimulant.
• It has different side effects, which is helpful for patients experiencing disruptive side effects with stimulant-based medications.
• It interacts with fewer other medications.
• It is less likely to cause complications in other medical conditions, such as hypertension.

While it provides many advantages, some patients find Strattera does not work as well as stimulant-based treatments like Adderall. For those who do find Strattera produces significant results it is generally the safer option.

A Long-Term Solution

Strattera comes in tablets and an oral solution for patients unable or unwilling to swallow tablets. Treatment is the same with both products.

While treatment is similar in both children and adults, dosage will differ significantly. Other medications being taken and other medical conditions may also influence dosage. In otherwise healthy adults, treatment is straightforward:

• 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 disruptive 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.
• Lower doses may be taken once or twice per day according to personal preference. Higher doses should be split into two daily doses, taken at morning and evening.
• Tablets should not be crushed, chewed, dissolved or otherwise damaged. If unable to swallow tablets, consider Strattera oral solution.
• Tablets may be taken with or without food according to personal preference. Taking on a full stomach may reduce nausea.

Some patients notice improvements in the first couple weeks of treatment, but it will take 4 to 6 weeks for full benefits to be seen. During this time, particularly for younger patients, regular doctor checkups may be scheduled to ensure the medication is working and monitor for any developing adverse effects.

Strattera helps patients in several significant ways:

• Improves attention span.
• Decreases hyperactivity.
• Decreases impulsiveness/improves impulse control.

Provided no disruptive side effects develop, treatment with Strattera may continue for as long as it provides benefit.

Precautions & Side Effects

Strattera 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

Additionally Strattera can interact with other medications. Of particular concern are MAOI medications, typically used to treat depression and some other mental disorders; these medications should not be taken within two weeks of each other. It may also cause complications if taken with albuterol, some high blood pressure medications, and some decongestants.

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.

A small percentage of patients under age 25 may find this medication increases suicidal thoughts or inclinations. If these symptoms do develop, they usually do so in the first few weeks of treatment. Younger patients---especially if there is any history of depression---should be monitored closely at the start of treatment.