Generic Strattera

Strattera is a brand name for atomoxetine, which is prescribed for ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It works by strengthening the chemical signals between brain cells and by increasing neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals, to improve your concentration. Unlike some treatments for ADHD, Strattera is not a stimulant; in fact, it is the only medication for ADHD that is not stimulant based. Strattera is used for children, teens, and adults, and is often given to people who cannot take other ADHD medications. Many people with ADHD also have tics which are made worse by stimulants, but Strattera does not affect people this way. It may take several weeks for the full effects of Strattera to become evident.

As with all medications, Strattera may have side effects. Some of these can include lessening of your appetite, upset stomach, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness or fatigue, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, sexual side effects such as decreased libido, changes in your menstrual cycle, flushing or sweating, or mood swings. Sometimes growth is slowed in children taking Strattera, but it is not known how permanent this effect is. In rare cases, you might experience itching, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, tenderness in the upper right side of your abdomen, which can indicate liver damage, anxiety or irritability, or unexplained flu-like symptoms.

You should not take Strattera of you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last two weeks. You should talk to your doctor before you take Strattera if you have glaucoma, high or low blood pressure heart disease, a history of strokes or TIAs, an irregular heart beat, liver problems, or difficulty urinating. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking a depression medication, albuterol, or quinidine.

Strattera is in pregnancy category C, which means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to a pregnant woman or a developing fetus. You should discuss your treatment options with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is also not known whether Strattera is excreted into breast milk.

Strattera has been given a warning by the Food and Drug Administration. Parents and caregivers of children and teens should watch for warning signs of suicide while the youth are taking Strattera. The FDA does not advise that patients stop taking it, but patients should be closely monitored. Parents should also talk to their children about the risks of taking Strattera. Children should be taught to recognize suicidal thoughts and to come to their parents if they are having any of those thoughts.

There are several benefits to taking Strattera. It can offer continual and even improvement of ADHD symptoms, so that your mood and activity level seem normal from day to day. It does not cause insomnia like stimulant medications do. It is effective even if you also have anxiety, and does not induce anxiety. You can phone in prescription refills, rather than having to go in for your request. Finally, it is not addictive or stimulating, so it has no potential for abuse as some ADHD medications do.