Strattera (atomoxetine)

Strattera Description

Strattera is a medicinal drug, which contains atomoxetine. Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and is used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Atomoxetine does its work by affecting the various chemicals that are present in the nerves and the brain. These chemicals affect control of impulses and hyperactivity.

Strattera, which contains atomoxetine, thus finds use in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Conditions Treated by Strattera

Strattera is used primarily for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Strattera works through the presence of atomoxetine. Atomoxetine alters the effect that various chemicals have on the nerves and the brain. These chemicals are responsible for regulating the control of impulses and hyperactivity. Strattera may also find application in treating a number of other medical conditions that do not find mention here.

Strattera Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

It is extremely important that you take Strattera exactly as your doctor prescribes. Be very careful not to take bigger or smaller amounts or administer the drug for a longer time than recommended and follow the directions given on the prescription label.

You should take each dosage of Strattera with a filled glass or 8 ounces of water. The drug can be administered with or without food. Strattera is generally administered once every day but it can also be taken in the morning as well as late in the afternoon. You should consult with your doctor to determine the dosage that is right for you and your condition.

Take care that you use Strattera on a daily basis in order to get the maximum possible benefit from using the medicine. Do not abruptly stop administering the medicine without your doctor’s consent as this could lead to harmful and serious side effects taking hold.

b.) Missing A Dose

If you end up missing a dose, take the missed dose the moment you remember to do so. If however you remember when it is time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not however take any extra medication to make up for this missed dose.

c.) Overdosing

If you overdose on Strattera, seek medical attention right away.

Strattera Warnings

Strattera can prove to be harmful if you happen to be suffering from certain conditions. It is important that you avoid taking Strattera if you suffer from severe liver disease. You should also consult a doctor or a pharmacist for dose adjustments or special tests to make sure it is safe for you to take the drug if you happen to be suffering from the following medical conditions:

• A personal or family history of suffering from blood clots
• A personal or family history of suffering from heart attacks
• A personal or family history of suffering from strokes
• Elevated or depressed blood pressure levels
• Liver disease
• Congenital defect of the heart
• Heart disease
• Disorders of heart rhythm
• Problems in urination
• A personal or family history of suffering from various mental illnesses such as depression, suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder and psychosis

While you are taking Strattera, you may initially have suicidal thoughts and tendencies, particularly if you are less than twenty four years of age. In case this happens, you should immediately tell your doctor and consult with him thoroughly in this regard. Also keep your family members and friends alerted to various mood swings that you may exhibit while you are using the medicine.

While on Strattera, you should also avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Mixed with Strattera, alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach. Also, if you are to have any form of surgery, you should inform your surgeon well ahead of time that you have been using Strattera as aspirin can cause complications in surgical procedures.

Avoid using Strattera if you happen to be pregnant as the drug could cause harm to the unborn baby. Hence, thoroughly consult your doctor regarding the administration of the drug whilst being pregnant and seek out less harmful alternatives. Additionally, you should not administer Strattera if you are allergic to atomoxetine, the chemical contained within the medicine.

Strattera Side Effects

As with most other drugs, Strattera has a number of side effects. If you exhibit allergic reactions to Strattera such as hives, swelling of tongue, swelling of lips, inflammation of throat, swelling of face, appearance of rashes, excessive itching and difficulty in breathing, you should seek emergency medical help right away and consult your doctor immediately.

The more serious side effects of using Strattera include:

• Pain in the chest
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Uneven or rapid heart beats
• Shortness of breath
• Increase in blood pressure
• Serious head aches
• Blurry vision
• Buzzing sensation in the ears
• Seizures and epileptic fits
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Fainting
• Peculiar behavior and uncharacteristic thoughts
• Hallucinations
• Irregular urination patterns

Less harmful side effects of using Strattera are:

• Increased irritability
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Outbreak of skin rashes
• Itching sensation
• Problems sleeping or insomnia
• Impotency
• Difficulty in having an orgasm
• Depressed sex drive
• Coughing
• Dryness in the mouth
• Constipation

The above is not however an exhaustive list and other side effects may arise upon using Strattera.