Strattera (atomoxetine): what you should know

Strattera (generic: atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medicine used for ADHD in kids, teens, and adults. If stimulants aren’t a good fit — maybe because of anxiety, substance use, or side effects — doctors often suggest Strattera. This page gives clear, practical pointers: how it works, common side effects, safety checks you need, and smart questions to ask your prescriber.

How Strattera works & who it helps

Atomoxetine boosts norepinephrine in the brain. That helps with attention, impulsivity, and staying on task. Unlike amphetamine or methylphenidate drugs, Strattera is not a controlled substance and has a lower risk of misuse. It usually takes 2–4 weeks to notice benefits and up to 6–8 weeks for full effect, so be patient and track symptoms.

Doctors often pick Strattera when stimulants caused bad side effects, when there’s a history of substance misuse, or when someone prefers a non-stimulant. It’s approved for children over 6, teens, and adults, but dosing and monitoring differ by age and health status.

Safety, side effects, and practical tips

Common side effects: stomach upset, decreased appetite, nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and sweating. Many people see these ease after a few weeks. Important: atomoxetine can raise heart rate and blood pressure slightly — check pulse and BP before starting and during treatment.

Watch mood closely. A small number of children and teens can have new or worsening suicidal thoughts after starting atomoxetine. If mood changes, increased anxiety, or suicidal thoughts appear, contact a clinician right away.

There’s a rare risk of liver injury. If you notice persistent nausea, itching, dark urine, or yellowing skin/eyes, stop the medication and seek medical help. Also tell your doctor about depression, heart problems, or high blood pressure before starting.

Drug interactions matter. Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors like fluoxetine or paroxetine can raise atomoxetine levels, so your prescriber may change the dose. People who are known CYP2D6 poor metabolizers may need lower doses. Don’t take Strattera with MAO inhibitors.

Dosing tip: start low and increase as your doctor recommends. Some people take the full dose once a day; others split it AM and early afternoon to reduce stomach upset or sleep trouble. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s near the next dose — don’t double up.

Thinking about buying online? Always use a pharmacy that requires a prescription and shows clear contact info, licensing details, and secure payment. Avoid sites that sell without a prescription or offer suspiciously low prices. When in doubt, ask your prescriber for recommended pharmacies.

Questions to ask your doctor: How soon will I see results? What side effects should I expect? Do I need heart checks or liver tests? How does Strattera compare to stimulants for my situation? These simple questions help you get started safely.

If you want more details about dosing or how Strattera compares to other ADHD meds, talk with your clinician or pharmacist. They can tailor advice to your health history and other medicines you take.