Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride): Patient Information Beneficial to Those Involved with ADHD

Sue Ellen K.
Many children and adults alike are being diagnosed with a disorder known as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). If your doctor has suggested that you or your child use Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride), this literature will be beneficial to you, and will help you become more comfortable and familiar with the prescription medication known as Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride). Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) comes in capsule form, and in very different strengths. The ten milligram capsules are white, and the eighteen milligram capsules are gold/white. The prescription medication Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) also comes in the form of twenty five milligrams. That form comes in blue/white, and the forty milligram capsules come in only blue. The sixty milligram capsules come in blue/gold, and the orange/white capsules are eighty milligrams in strength. Finally, Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) comes in the strength of one hundred milligrams, and these capsules are orange in color. As it has already been mentioned, Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) is used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) is a non-stimulant, and at the same time it is not considered a controlled by the FDA.

If your doctor has prescribed Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) to you, he may have told you to have your child start Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) wit ha total daily dose of 0.5 milligrams per kilograms for a child that is seventy kilograms or less. The total daily dose should be given once in the morning or evenly divided between the morning and late afternoon/early evening. After at least three days, the total daily dose of Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) should be increased to 1.2 milligrams per kilogram. The total maximum dose that you can give a child who is seventy kilograms or under is one hundred milligrams. For children who are over seventy kilograms, you should start with a daily dose of forty milligrams. You may increase the total daily dose of Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) after at least three days and then a total daily dose of eighty milligrams should be given either once in the morning or evenly divided between the morning and late afternoon/early evening. The maximum daily dose of Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) that should be given to a child that is over seventy kilograms is one hundred kilograms.

The way that Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) works is by the Atomoxetine's reaction after it has metabolized and changed the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain. The peak levels of the desired effect of Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) are reached in one to two hours after orally taking the medication. If you are a patient taking any MAO inhibitors, such as furazolide, moclobemide, phenelzine, linezolid, procarbazine or selegiline, let you doctor know right away. Before taking Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride), be sure to alert your doctor if you are taking any drugs that have paroxetine, fluxietine, or quinidine in them, because these drugs may reduce the effects of Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride). Using Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) with any form of albuterol may cause problems in your cardiovascular system. Avoid any over-the-counter products that may raise your blood pressure while using Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride). This includes some cold medicines.

Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) should not be used if you are suffering from certain conditions. You can only use Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) fourteen days after stopping the use of the MAO (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) that you may have been currently taking. Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) should not be used in patients who are allergic to any ingredient in Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride), or in patients who suffer from open-angle glaucoma.

Something that is extremely important to know concerning Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) is that it does have a black box warning attached to its name. A black box warning signifies that Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in children and teenagers. Please be aware of this, and consult your doctor with any concerns regarding Strattera's (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) tendency to cause suicidal thoughts. Use Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) with caution in mothers who are nursing, as well as those patients who are experiencing any urinary retention.

Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) may make you dizzy, nauseated, and it may also cause you to vomit. Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) can also cause fatigue, lessened appetite, mood swings, and dizziness. In adults, most side effects include dry mouth, impotence, constipation, insomnia, ejaculatory problems, lessened sex drive, and problems with your menstrual cycle. Since Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) makes you dizzy, avoid situations in which alertness is required, such as driving.

Keep in mind that Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) may be taken with or without food. It should always be stored in its original container way from sunlight and children. Also, know that Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) may impair your motor skills. If you miss a dose of Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride), take it as soon as you remember but never double dose. And always remember that Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) may cause suicidal tendencies, so it's very important to monitor your child or yourself and keep track of any strange changes in behavior. Call your health professional right away if you experience any prolonged side effects to Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride), or if the suicidal tendencies are present.

Published by Sue Ellen K.

Sue Ellen is a 25 year old woman with a passion for scrapbooking, reading and anything nautical. She has two children and is in a fulfilling relationship.  View profile

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.