Medication Information:
Atomoxetine (Generic) - Strattera (Brand)

Classification: Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Common Usage: Atomoxetine is indicated for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The efficacy and safety of atomoxetine has not been established in children younger than six years of age.

Major Side Effects: The more common side effects in patients using atomoxetine are abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness and mood swings. other possible side effects include insomnia, sedation, depression, tremor and early morning awakening. Some children may lose weight when starting treatment with this drug.

Atomoxetine may be associated with an increase in pulse and blood pressure in some patients, so it should be used cautiously in patients with a history of high or low blood pressure, increased heart rate or heart or blood vessel diseases. Atomoxetine also should not be used in patients with narrow angle glaucoma.

In very rare instances, atomoxetine has been associated with severe liver injury. If symptoms such as pruritus (itching), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eye), right upper quadrant tenderness or unexplained "flu-like" symptoms occur, contact your physician immediately.

This is not a complete list of all known or potential adverse effects.  Notify your prescriber or pharmacist of any symptoms that have started since you began taking this medication, changing its dose, or adding or changing other medication or diet.  Take care when performing any task (for example, driving or operating machinery) that requires your attention until you have experience with this drug and are confident you can perform the task safely.

Interactions with Other Medications: In some individuals, antidepressants such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) paroxtine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac) may interact with atomoxetine. In those individuals, the atomoxetine dosage may need to be adjusted. Atomoxetine should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within two weeks after stopping an MAOI. An MAOI should not be started within two weeks after stopping atomoxetine.

Atomoxetine should also be used cautiously in patients taking heart medications such as quinidine (Quinaglute and others) and pressor agents. Atomoxetine should be used with caution in patients treated with albuterol (Ventolin) or other beta-2 agonists because it may increase heart rate and blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of all known or potential drug interactions.  To help prevent problems, always make sure your pharmacist and all prescribers know all the medications you are taking.  This includes over-the-counter drugs and any dietary or herbal supplements or medications.

Common Dosages:  Up to 70 kg: The recommended starting dose for children and adolescents weight up to 70 kg is 0.5 mg/kg/day, increased after at least three days to a target dose of approximately 1.2 mg/kg/day. The total daily dose in this population should not exceed 1.4 mg/kg or 100 mg, whichever is less.

Over 70 kg: The recommended starting dose for children, adolescents and adults weighing over 70 kg is 40 mg/day, increased after at least three days to a target dose of approximately 80 mg/day. The dose may be increased after two to four weeks, up to a maximum of 100 mg/day, in patients who have not achieved an optimal response.

Atomoxetine may be taken with or without food and may be administered as a single dose in the morning or in evenly divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening. Atomoxetine may be discontinued without being tapered.

Identification: Atomoxetine is available in 10-, 18-, 25-, 40-, and 60-mg capsules. The 10-mg capsules are opaque white, with "LILLY 3227" printed on one side, and "10 mg" printed on the reverse side. The 18-mg capsules are gold and opaque white, with "LILLY 3328" printed on one side and "18 mg" printed on the reverse side. The 25-mg capsules are opaque blue and opaque white, with "LILLY 3328" printed on one side and "25 mg" printed on the reverse side.  The 40-mg capsules are opaque blue, with "LILLY 3329" printed on one side and "40 mg" printed on the reverse side. The 60-mg capsules are opaque blue and gold, with "LILLY 3329" printed on one side and "60 mg" printed on the reverse side.

Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86° F) in a tightly closed, light- and moisture-resistant container.  If you have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide a container that is easier to open.  Keep the medication out of direct sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or kitchen - to prevent deterioration.  To prevent accidental poisoning, keep all medications out of the reach of children.  Do not take an expired medication.  Do not transfer medication from one container to another.  Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it.

A SERVICE OF…. The Brown University Child & Adolescent Psychopharmacology Update

Note: These guidelines are for general information only. For more specific information, consult your physician or pharmacist.