Atomoxetine capsules

What are Atomoxetine capsules?

ATOMOXETINE (Strattera™) is a medication used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Atomoxetine does not have stimulant properties like those seen with other common drugs for ADHD. This drug can improve attention span, concentration, and emotional control, and reduce restless or overactive behavior. Atomoxetine is sometimes used for other purposes. Generic atomoxetine capsules are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydration

• glaucoma

• high or low blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat or other cardiac disease

• liver disease

• mania or bipolar disorder

• prostate enlargement

• recent weight loss

• seizures

• stroke

• suicidal thoughts

• trouble urinating

• an unusual or allergic reaction to atomoxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take this medicine by mouth. You may take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you are having trouble sleeping and you take more than 1 dose per day, take your last dose of the day before 6 PM. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Do not open the capsules. This medicine can cause eye irritation. If contact with your eye occurs, immediately flush the affected eye with water and seek medical advice. Hands or contaminated surfaces should be washed promptly.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Atomoxetine is used in children 6 years of age or older.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Atomoxetine?

• alcohol

• amphetamines

• atropine

• breathing treatments, such as albuterol, formoterol or salmeterol

• cimetidine

• certain heart medications, such as amiodarone or quinidine

• decongestant or cold medications

• ephedra, Ma huang or ephedrine

• furazolidone

• linezolid

• medications for depression, anxiety or other mood problems

• medications for HIV infection or AIDS, such as ritonavir

• medications for weight loss

• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine

• procarbazine

• scopolamine

• selegiline

• thioridazine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Atomoxetine?

It may take a week or more for this medicine to take effect. This is why it is very important to continue taking the medication and not miss any doses.

Rarely, atomoxetine may increase thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts in children and teenagers. Call your child's healthcare professional right away if your child or teenager has new or increased thoughts of suicide or has changes in mood or behavior like becoming irritable or anxious. Regularly monitor your child for these behavioral changes.

Use caution while driving or while operating machinery or performing other tasks requiring concentration until you know how atomoxetine affects you. Do not drink alcohol while you take atomoxetine. Alcohol slows down the central nervous system and can worsen drowsiness.

Atomoxetine is not habit-forming. There is no need to taper your dose; however, you should contact your doctor before you stop taking it.

If you experience dry mouth while taking atomoxetine, make sure to drink plenty of water. It may also be helpful to suck on sugarless hard candy or crushed ice. If your dry mouth is severe, ask your doctor about a saliva substitute.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking atomoxetine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Atomoxetine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• agitation, irritability, or other new and unusual behavior changes

• changes in mood, such as agitation, irritability or excessive crying

• chest pain or irregular heart rhythm (too fast or slow)

• dark-colored urine

• difficulty breathing

• difficulty urinating

• 'flu-like' symptoms, such as extreme tiredness (fatigue), bodyaches (muscle aches), chills

• increased blood pressure

• skin rash or hives, itching

• stomach pain or tenderness

• thoughts of suicide or of hurting yourself

• vomiting

• weight loss

• yellow color that appears in your skin or in the whites of your eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• mild constipation or diarrhea

• decreased appetite

• dizziness

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• headache

• menstrual period irregularities

• nausea

• sexual side effects, such as loss of interest in sex or impotence

• stomach upset

• sweating

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store atomoxetine capsules at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Discard any unused medication after the expiration date.