What Does Strattera Treat?

Strattera (atomoxetine HCl), which is a non-stimulant drug approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is commercially available with a prescription from your physician. As with any prescription drug, side effects are possible and as a consumer you should be well informed of the risks, as well as the benefits before taking Strattera.

Benefits

Strattera is FDA approved to treat ADHD in children (over 6 years of age), adolescents and adults. Strattera is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and affects the chemicals in the brain that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Strattera has many advantages over other prescription drugs for ADHD because it is not a controlled substance and has proven, in clinical trials, to be effective for up to 24 hours. Strattera should be taken for 6 to 8 weeks before deciding whether it is effective or not.

Identification

Strattera is available in capsule form and is provided in the following dosages: 10 mg (paque, white capsules), Strattera 18 mg (opaque, gold and white capsules), 25 mg (opaque, blue and white capsules), 40 mg (opaque, blue capsules), and 60 mg (opaque, blue and gold capsules). Strattera is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company and is unavailable in generic form until 2017 when it will no longer be under patent.

Precautions

Before beginning to take Strattera, you should speak with your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: high blood pressure, fast/irregular heartbeat, cardiomyopathy, past heart attacks, coronary artery disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, strokes, mental/mood disorders, bladder problems or prostate problems. Strattera may be taken while you are pregnant, but should be discussed with your physician before continuing to take it, in order to ensure it is the correct drug treatment, during your pregnancy.

Dosage

Strattera should be taken exactly as it was prescribed to you by your physician. It is not advised to take this medication in larger amounts, or for a longer amount of time than instructed by your physician. Strattera is generally taken once daily, but in extreme cases may be taken once in the morning and afternoon as prescribed. It should be taken with a full glass of water and on a regular basis for the full desired effect.

Warnings

As with all prescription drugs, there are many reported side effects from Strattera that you should be aware of before taking this medication. Stop taking Strattera and contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: feeling light-headed or fainting, unusual thoughts or behavior, aggression, hallucinations, chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or uneven heartbeats, increased blood pressure, chest pain, numbness, seizure, nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice or urinating less than usual or not at all. This is not a full list of side effects, for a full list please contact your pharmacist.

References

• www.strattera.com
• www.drugs.com
• www.wikipedia.org