Atomoxetine
Brand: Strattera
Application: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Atomoxetine Drug Information
Contraindications to the use of atomoxetine
Atomoxetine drug interaction
Tips to consider before taking atomoxetine
Possible side effects of atomoxetine
How to store atomoxetine
Atomoxetine Drug Information
Medication Information: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a relatively common condition that mainly affects a child's behavior. Children with ADHD have persistent restlessness or inattention. You should try to understand your child's feelings and behaviors, but when this understanding of feelings alone is not enough, medications such as atomoxetine can be effective.
Atomoxetine increases the amount of a natural chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This increases attention and reduces hyperactivity in children with hyperactivity. Atomoxetine is suitable for children under 6 years of age and should be prescribed by your doctor to your child.
ADHD is commonly diagnosed in children but can continue into adulthood. Atomoxetine is also available for adults.
Contraindications to the use of atomoxetine
- Pay attention to the expiration date of atomoxetine and do not take it if it has expired.
- Never give atomoxetine to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.
- Do not take atomoxetine more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
- Check for drug interactions and be sure to tell your doctor what other medications you are taking.
Atomoxetine drug interaction
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Atomoxetine can cause serious drug interactions with MAO inhibitors, which can even lead to death. Avoid procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine with this medicine. Most MAO inhibitors should not be used until 2 weeks before starting atomoxetine, consult your doctor to start or stop taking the drug.
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cold medicines, supplements and cough medicines), as their ingredients may increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about their use so you can be sure. You can easily use these drugs.
Tips to consider before taking atomoxetine
Some medications are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed. Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking atomoxetine:
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you or your child has high or low blood pressure.
- If you or your child has a fast or unusual heartbeat.
- If you or your child has any liver or cardiovascular problems.
- If you or your child has epilepsy or has had a seizure before.
- If you (or your child) have a condition called glaucoma (high blood pressure in the eye).
- If you or your child has an adrenal gland tumor called a phaeochromocytoma.
- If you are currently taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of an allergic reaction to a drug.
Possible side effects of atomoxetine
All medications can cause side effects; But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. In case of persistent side effects, the doctor should be informed:
- Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, sickness, abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, changes in heart rate and pressure (see your doctor for this problem), skin rash, mood swings, Sleep problems, dry mouth
Important Note: In a small number of people, atomoxetine has more serious side effects. If you notice any of the following, see your doctor immediately:
- Abdominal pain with illness, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and feeling unwell.
- Feeling depressed, confused, suicidal or self-harming
Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you feel are due to the use of atomoxetine.
How to store atomoxetine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.