Strattera
(atomoxetine)
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Our bottom line
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a choice medication for children and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who cannot take amphetamine-based medications, but has a risk of suicidal thoughts.
- Price before coupon$463.49
- Lowest price with coupon$47.2190% savings
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (atomoxetine)
Upsides
- Strattera (atomoxetine) is one of the few medications used to treat Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder that's not a stimulant.
- It's not a controlled substance compared to other medications used for this condition.
- Strattera (atomoxetine) is used in combination with counseling or other non-drug therapies to treat ADHD.
- Strattera (atomoxetine) usually only has to be taken once daily.
- It is available as a cheaper, generic form.
- Strattera (atomoxetine) doesn't have to be tapered when discontinued.
What to expect from Strattera, on one page
Downsides
- Strattera (atomoxetine) is a second-line medication used to treat ADHD. Other medications are usually tried first.
- Strattera (atomoxetine) can cause liver toxicity. If this occurs, it is likely to happen within the first 120 days of starting treatment.
- Strattera (atomoxetine) can cause changes in mood and behavior that may lead to suicidal thoughts, unlike alternative ADHD medications.
What to expect from Strattera, on one page
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-amphetamine stimulant and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). The mechanism isn't exactly known in ADHD, but it increases norepinephrine activity in the brain, which affects attention and behavior.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (atomoxetine)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
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What to expect when you take Strattera (atomoxetine) for ADHD (Children and adolescents)
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Strattera (atomoxetine)
- Nausea26%26%6%6%
- Dry mouth20%20%5%5%
- Decreased appetite16%16%3%3%
- Difficulty sleeping15%15%8%8%
- Fatigue10%10%6%6%
- Constipation8%8%3%3%
- Dizziness8%8%3%3%
- Drowsiness8%8%5%5%
- Erectile dysfunction8%8%1%1%
- Stomach pain7%7%4%4%
- Urinary hesitation6%6%1%1%
- Irritability5%5%3%3%
- Indigestion4%4%2%2%
- Vomiting4%4%2%2%
- Abnormal dreams4%4%3%3%
- Ejaculation delayed and/or ejaculation disorder4%4%1%1%
- Sweating4%4%1%1%
- Palpitations3%3%1%1%
- Chills3%3%
- Burning/prickling sensation3%3%
- Decreased sex drive3%3%1%1%
- Sleep disorder3%3%1%1%
- Pain during menstruation3%3%2%2%
- Hot flush3%3%
- Feeling jittery2%2%1%1%
- Thirst2%2%1%1%
- Weight loss2%2%1%1%
- Pain on urination2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Strattera.
People taking Strattera felt side effect more
People taking Strattera felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Strattera (atomoxetine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Children and adolescents on Strattera (atomoxetine) may be at higher risk for attempted suicide, especially when starting or increasing doses. If you notice worsening changes in your child's behavior or mood, talk to your doctor immediately.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Strattera (atomoxetine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Take Strattera (atomoxetine) once or twice daily (as prescribed by your doctor) with or without food. If once daily, take in the morning. If twice daily, take in the morning and early afternoon.
- Not worth itSome hassleReviewed Stratteraon 7/28/2017Taking it prior to eating breakfast causes it to start working quicker, but it lasts longer if taken with food.33ManTwo years or moreADHD
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Stratteraon 4/25/2019This has helped me soo much but remember to Eat food before you take the medication trust me on this❤14WomanA year or soADHD
- Strattera (atomoxetine) can cause liver damage. This is rare and usually goes away after stopping the medication. If you notice yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, loss of appetite or abdominal pain, talk to your doctor immediately.
- Strattera (atomoxetine) can cause liver toxicity. If this occurs, it is likely to happen within the first 120 days of starting treatment.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Stratteraon 1/22/2017Can't get a full erection, ejaculation is painful - like getting kicked. Episodic lethargy and almost complete emotional suppression. Nausea, headaches, dizziness. Not nice.22ManADHD
- Strattera (atomoxetine) can cause weight loss and decreased appetite. Try to maintain a good, healthy diet to avoid weight loss.