Treating ADHD as part of a full treatment program.
Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
Do NOT use Strattera if:
You are allergic to any ingredient in Strattera
You are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days
You have narrow-angle glaucoma
Before using Strattera :
Some medical conditions may interact with Strattera . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
If you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
If you have liver disease, high blood pressure, heart or blood vessel disease, a fast heartbeat, difficulty urinating, or bipolar disorder
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Strattera . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine) because serious, sometimes fatal, reactions could occur
Quinidine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine) because side effects and toxic effects may be increased
Albuterol because the risk of side effects may be increased by Strattera
How to use Strattera :
Use Strattera as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Strattera may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
Strattera is usually taken either as a single dose in the morning or divided into 2 doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening, or as directed by your doctor.
Continue to use Strattera even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of Strattera , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Important safety information:
Strattera may cause dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Strattera . Using Strattera alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
Strattera may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
Strattera can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some children and teenagers. This risk may be higher in individuals with bipolar illness (also called manic-depressive illness), a family history of bipolar illness, or a history of attempting suicide. Pay close attention to changes in moods or actions, especially if changes occur suddenly. Contact your health care provider right away if any of the following effects occur or worsen: depression, anxiety, restlessness or irritability, panic attacks, thoughts or attempts of suicide, or other unusual changes in behavior or mood.
LAB TESTS, including pulse, blood pressure, and liver tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Strattera with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.
Strattera is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 7 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed. Strattera may affect growth rate in CHILDREN. Growth should be checked regularly while using Strattera , especially if they experience side effects of the medicine, such as loss of appetite or weight loss.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Strattera during pregnancy. It is unknown if Strattera is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Strattera , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Strattera :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome: Constipation; coughing; decreased appetite; decreased interest in sex; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; ear infection; fatigue; headache; indigestion; irritability; menstrual cycle changes; mood swings; nausea; skin irritation; sleeplessness; stomach upset; tiredness; urinary hesitancy; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness; blurred vision; changes in sexual ability (such as impotence or ejaculation problems); dark urine; difficulty urinating; pale stools; severe headache; tremors; unexplained flu-like symptoms; unusual fatigue or tiredness; unusually fast heartbeat; weight loss; yellowing of skin or eyes.
Last Modified April 29 2007