How It Works
Atomoxetine (Strattera) strengthens the chemical signals between
brain cells and also increases certain brain chemicals, called
neurotransmitters, to improve concentration. It is not
a stimulant.
Why It Is Used
Atomoxetine is used to treat
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in
children, teens, and adults.
It is sometimes recommended instead of stimulant medicines, such
as amphetamine (examples include Dexedrine or Adderall) and methylphenidate
(examples include Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD, or Focalin) for people who have
bothersome side effects from those medicines.
For example, about 10% to 35% of people with ADHD also have
tics, such as spasms of the muscles of the face
(facial tic), clearing the throat, sniffing, and excessive blinking. Stimulant
medicines for ADHD may make tics worse. Research has found atomoxetine
does not make tics worse.1
How Well It Works
Several studies have shown atomoxetine to effectively control the
symptoms of ADHD in children and adults.2
Atomoxetine does not start working as quickly as stimulant
medicines. Reports suggest that full effects are often not seen until the
person has been taking atomoxetine regularly for at least 3 or 4 weeks.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include:
- Decreased appetite.
- Upset
stomach.
- Nausea or
vomiting.
- Dizziness.
- Tiredness.
- Mood
swings.
Growth is sometimes slowed in children taking atomoxetine. But it
is not known if this delay is permanent.
FDA Advisories
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory about atomoxetine and the risks of liver injury, orthostatic hypotension, and syncope. Call your doctor if you have nausea or belly pain. Also, call your doctor if you feel dizzy or lightheaded or if your skin is yellowing.
- The FDA has issued an
advisory on Strattera. It suggests that parents and other
caregivers closely watch for
warning signs of suicide in children and teens taking
this medicine. The FDA does not recommend that people
stop using this medicine.
It is important for parents to be honest with their child about the possible risks and benefits of the medicine. Talk to your child about whether he or she is having any suicidal thoughts. Tell your child to come to you if he or she has suicidal thoughts in the future.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Atomoxetine can be taken once or twice a day.
Atomoxetine may be an alternative for those people who have
bothersome side effects from stimulants, such as nervousness, irritability, or
tics.
Atomoxetine is more convenient than stimulant medicines because
you can obtain prescription refills over the phone.
Unlike stimulant medicines, atomoxetine does not have the
potential for abuse.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Allen AJ, et al. (2005). Atomoxetine treatment in children and adolescents with ADHD and comorbid tic disorders. Neurology, 65(12): 1941–1949.
- Greydanus DE, et al. (2003).
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents:
Interventions for a complex costly clinical conundrum. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 50(5): 1049–1092.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
|---|
| Last Revised | May 26, 2010 |
|---|
Allen AJ, et al. (2005). Atomoxetine treatment in children and adolescents with ADHD and comorbid tic disorders. Neurology, 65(12): 1941–1949.
Greydanus DE, et al. (2003).
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents:
Interventions for a complex costly clinical conundrum. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 50(5): 1049–1092.
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