What You Should Know About the Side Effects of Strattera
Strattera, generically known as atomoxetine, is a non-stimulant drug that treats adults and children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is the first non-stimulant approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD.
Strattera and all other non-stimulants are typically thought to be less effective at treating ADHD than psychostimulants. Therefore, these medications are frequently regarded as second and third-line treatments for ADHD. However, Strattera is considered a safer option due to its minimal risk of dependence and abuse. While most of its side effects are mild to moderate, some are significant enough, so patients should be aware of potential issues. Read the details in this article and learn more about the side effects of Strattera.
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How Does Strattera Make You Feel?
Strattera is a drug that inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine — a hormone and neurotransmitter — so its levels in the brain increase. Since norepinephrine is said to aid with attention and focus, you can tell when Strattera starts working by noticing improvements.
Strattera helps extend attention span and lower impulsive behavior and hyperactivity, which benefits people with ADHD. It is also common for ADHD adults to get nervous and uneasy as their ideas come and go. The medication helps with these as it improves memory and energy level.
Note that Strattera takes some time (about four weeks) for the desired benefits to manifest. Take the medication as guided by your doctor. Do not skip a dose without a doctor’s advice. If you skip a few doses unintentionally, consult your physician on the procedure to safely resume taking medication.
Strattera Side Effects in Adults
Side effects of Strattera can range from minor to severe. Some of the most significant adverse effects that could happen when using Strattera are listed below. These lists don’t include every potential negative effect.
Minor Side Effects of Strattera
The most frequent side effects of Strattera in adults are nausea and dry mouth. Other side effects may include:
- Minor anxiety
- Minor allergic reaction
- Sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Nausea
- Reduced appetite
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
Most of these adverse effects may disappear in a few days to a few weeks.
Strattera’s Long-term Side Effects
Although they are rare, serious side effects from Strattera can happen. Immediately contact your doctor if you have any of these:
- Abnormal attitudes or actions
- Elevated blood pressure
- Feeling lightheaded when getting up (orthostatic hypotension)
- Alterations in heart rhythm or heart rate
- Liver issues
- Damage to muscles
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Chest pain
- Heart issues
- Liver problem
- Raynaud’s syndrome (causes various body parts to experience numbness and coldness in response to cold temperatures or stress)
- Prolonged or painful erections
- Suicidal thoughts
Consult a medical specialist for more details on the potential adverse effects of Strattera.
Contraindication of Strattera
Strattera should not be used with the following conditions and drugs. Consult your doctor if you have any of these conditions or are taking these medications.
| Conditions |
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| Drugs |
| Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as selegiline, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, and tranylcypromine. Strattera should not be used with these drugs or for at least 14 days after discontinuing them and vice versa. Combining them can lead to fatal effects, including high temperature, involuntary muscle movements, fluctuations in vital signs, rigidity, agitation, delirium, and coma. |
Note: Not all medical problems or medications that might interact with Strattera are listed in the table. If you use other medications or have other conditions, talk to your doctor before using Strattera.
Allergic Side Effects of Strattera
Some patients taking Strattera may experience an allergic reaction, as with several other medications. Strattera’s clinical studies did not record this side effect, although some patients may experience a minor allergic reaction with the following symptoms:
- Skin rash
- Itchiness
- Flushing
What are the Warnings and Risks of Taking Strattera?
A drug’s safety and side effects can be minimized by considering several risk factors. The following atomoxetine warnings should be kept in mind.
- Interaction with other medications. Several drugs, specific meals, and supplements may interact with Strattera leading to negative outcomes. These may be impaired drug effectiveness or intensified or multiplied side effects. Therefore, you should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications (such as antidepressants) before taking Strattera.
- Other medical conditions. If you have other medical conditions, taking Strattera might not be a good idea. To determine if taking this medication is beneficial for you or not, it is preferable to speak with your doctor in full about your health situation.
- Pregnancy. Strattera may not be safe to use when pregnant. Before your doctor prescribes Strattera, make sure to let them know if you’re pregnant or attempting to get pregnant. Your doctor might recommend a different course of treatment. They could advise you to stop using Strattera if you become pregnant while taking it.
- Breastfeeding. The safety of taking Strattera during nursing is unknown. Researchers have not investigated the drug’s possible effects on breast milk or breastfed children. If you are breastfeeding or want to breastfeed, discuss this with your doctor before beginning treatment with Strattera.
- Withdrawal. Even if there are no withdrawal symptoms, it is advised not to stop taking this drug suddenly. Before stopping Strattera, first, consult your doctor. You will be recommended to gradually reduce your dose over time so that your body can become used to receiving progressively less drug.
To Conclude
Many of the possible negative effects, like insomnia, associated with psychostimulants are not present in Strattera users. Still, seek immediate medical attention if you have any anomalies or side effects of Strattera. Mango Clinic’s team of mental health specialists is available to you if you have any questions.
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