Strattera | Atomoxetine Hydrochloride

Medication class: Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)
Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
Approval date: November, 2002

What is Strattera and how does it work

Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). The exact mechanism of action is unknown. Strattera may work by increasing the concentration of norepinepherine in the brain by reducing its break down through reuptake into nerves. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use for communicating. Norepinepherine is a neurotransmitter that affects attention, impulsivity, activity, and mood. Unlike amphetamines (e.g., Adderall) and methylphenidate (e.g., Concerta) atomoxetine is not a stimulant and is not a controlled substance.

What does Strattera treat

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, teenagers and adults.

How effective is Strattera

• ADHD in children and adolescents (age 8-18 years): Strattera 1.2 or 1.8 mg/kg, administered daily in divided doses in the early morning and late afternoon/ early evening over 8 weeks was superior to placebo in reducing ADHD symptoms.
• Strattera 1.2 to 1.8 mg/kg administered once daily over 10 weeks to children 6-15 years old, showed continuous response for over 8 months as compared to placebo. Patients treated with Strattera experienced a longer time to relapse.
• ADHD in adults: Strattera 60 to 120 mg administered daily in divided doses early morning and late afternoon/ early evening over 10 weeks improved ADHD symptoms better than placebo.

What are interesting facts about Strattera?

• Strattera is not a stimulant and is the first ADHD medication that is not a stimulant.
• Strattera is not a controlled substance.
• Strattera can be discontinued without tapering.
• A ggeneric version is available.

How is Strattera dosed and administered

Strattera is available as capsules of 10, 18, 25, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg for oral use. Strattera should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.

• Children and adolescents (up to 70 kg): 0.5 to 1.2 mg/kg daily as a single dose or divided between morning and early evening. The maximum dose is 1.2 mg/kg daily.
• Children and adolescents over 70 kg and adults: 40 to 100 mg daily as a single dose or divided between morning and early evening. The maximum dose is 100 mg daily.

What are the side effects of Strattera

Common: Upset stomach, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, tiredness, mood swings, constipation, menstrual cramps, hot flashes, difficulty urinating, impotence, decreased sex drive, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate.

Serious: Thoughts of suicide, psychosis, aggressive behavior, fainting, manic episodes, seizures, sudden death, stroke, heart attack, low blood pressure upon standing from sitting or lying down, liver failure, priapism, growth retardation, severe allergic reactions, and swelling of face, tongue, or throat (angioedema).

Strattera drug interactions

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (e.g., Marplan, Nardil, Parnate): Co-administration with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may result in serious, even fatal reactions.
• Paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac) and quinidine: These drugs may significantly increase blood levels of Strattera possibly leading to increased side effects.
• Dopamine, Dobutamine and other drugs that increase blood pressure may add to the blood pressure increasing effects of Strattera.
• Albuterol: Strattera may add to increased heart rate and blood pressure effects of albuterol.

What is the cost of Strattera

Prices range between $8 to $11 per capsule.

How to obtain prescription assistance for Strattera

For prescription assistance for Strattera visit Lilly TruAssist.

Reference: Strattera FDA Prescribing Information

This medication summary is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.