Drug Name – Atomoxetine
Brand Name – Strattera

USES: Atomoxetine is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals
in the brain (neurotransmitters).

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
This medication may be taken with or without food. Take this medication as
prescribed, usually either as a single daily dose in the morning or divided into
two doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening; or as directed by
your doctor.
Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not
increase your dose or take it more frequently than prescribed.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, loss of
appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, trouble sleeping, menstrual cycle changes, or
mood changes may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur:
decreased interest in sex, difficulty urinating.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects
occur: weight loss, decrease in sexual ability (e.g., impotence, ejaculation
problems). Unusually fast heartbeat, severe headache, blurred vision.
Atomoxetine has very rarely caused very serious liver problems. If you notice
any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek
immediate medical attention: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe
stomach pain, “flu-like symptoms” (e.g., fever, chills, unexplained fatigue). If
you experience any of these symptoms ask your doctor about whether or not you
should ever take atomoxetine again.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may
include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking atomoxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you
are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
glaucoma (narrow angle).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical
history, especially of: liver disease, heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure,
fast heartbeat, coronary artery disease), low blood pressure, strokes, bladder
or prostate problems.
This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring
alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a lying or seated
position (especially when you first start using this drug or if your doctor
changes your dose).
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more
sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness.
Caution is advised when using the drug in children because they may be more
sensitive to its side effects, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. It
is important to monitor weight and growth in children who are taking this drug.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications taken with this drug could result in
serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline,
isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with
this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all
prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: asthma
drugs (e.g., albuterol, metaproterenol), fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine.
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet
aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate
and blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline
at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control
center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusually fast heartbeat,
severe headache.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., pulse and blood pressure, liver function
tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for
side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near
the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.