Atomoxetine (Strattera) for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Thoughts of suicide.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Hives.
• Changes in behavior, such as increased irritability or aggression.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Decreased appetite.
• Upset stomach.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Tiredness.

FDA advisories

• Most of the medicines used to treat ADHD come with a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning about possible heart-related or mental problems. Before starting a medicine for ADHD, tell your doctor if your child or you have any heart problems, heart defects, or mental health problems.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory about atomoxetine and the risks of liver injury, Reference orthostatic hypotension Opens New Window, and Reference syncope Opens New Window. Call your doctor if you have nausea or belly pain. Also, call your doctor if you feel dizzy or lightheaded or if your skin is yellowing.
• The FDA has issued an Reference advisory on atomoxetine. It suggests that parents and other caregivers closely watch for Reference warning signs of suicide in children and teens taking this medicine. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using this medicine.

It is important for parents to be honest with their child about the possible risks and benefits of the medicine. Talk to your child about whether he or she is having any suicidal thoughts. Tell your child to come to you if he or she has suicidal thoughts in the future.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

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