How Does the Drug Strattera Work?
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects many school-aged children and a growing number of adults. ADHD may affect anywhere from 2 to 10 percent of all school-aged children and an estimated 3 million children ages 4 to 17 are receiving medication for treatment of ADHD. Most of these children are on stimulant medications that have a high potential for abuse and addiction, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta, for example) and amphetamines (such as Adderall). Stimulants pose significant issues including side effects such as loss of appetite leading to weight loss and insomnia and the need for drug holidays. Strattera is a unique non-stimulant drug that offers an alternative to older traditional treatment with stimulant medications, with few of the potential adverse effects.
Mechanism of Action
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Strattera is the brand name for a novel ADHD medication, atomoxetine hydrochloride. Strattera appears to work similarly to antidepressant medication primarily by selective inhibition of norepinephrine uptake. Whereas antidepressants focus on the mood centers of the brain, Strattera works in the areas of the brain used for impulse control, focus and attention such as the frontal cortex and striatal areas. Inhibition of reuptake of norepinephrine means that more of the neurotransmitter will be available to stimulate the neurons used in concentration and task management. This is different from stimulant medications, which act to flood the entire brain with a chemical stimulant.
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Benefits of Strattera
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ADHD is a conglomeration of symptoms classified into symptoms of inattention and symptoms of excessive activity. Strattera works for both attention deficit symptoms and hyperactivity symptoms. It is used for the treatment of ADHD in both children over age 6 and adults. Strattera is often effective for patients who have not had successful treatment with stimulant medication either due to side effects or lack of symptom control. Strattera offers the benefit of once daily treatment and medication effects generally last all day. Treatment with Strattera does not require a medication holiday, allowing for positive educational, social and family interaction throughout the day. Parents often find that children with ADHD are extremely irritable and difficult to manage during the morning because traditional medication has not yet taken effect. Strattera allows symptom coverage during the entire 24-hour period, making mornings much more manageable. Strattera has shown no potential for abuse or dependence and is not a controlled substance; consequently it requires only a regular prescription, unlike many other ADHD treatments that require a specialized controlled-substance prescription.
Potential Adverse Effects
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Strattera side effects are similar to those of antidepressants and may include dizziness, daytime tiredness, stomach upset and mood changes. These effects will likely subside with continued use. However Strattera does carry a warning that in some patients, the risk of suicidal thoughts and action may increase. Although this side effect is rare and important mainly in the initial weeks of therapy, it has been reported in children as young as age 6 and warrants careful observation particularly if the patient is prone to depression. Strattera can be given along with traditional stimulant medications and often allows for a significant lowering of the dose of stimulants. However, Strattera should not be given with MAO inhibitors used for depression.
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