Strattera

What is Strattera

Strattera affects chemicals in the brain.

Strattera is used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Strattera may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Strattera

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Strattera may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What you should find out before taking Strattera

Do not take Strattera if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.

Do not take Strattera without first talking to your doctor if you have
- narrow angle glaucoma;
- high blood pressure, heart disease, or cerebrovascular disease (history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA or "ministroke"); or
- urinary retention or urinary hesitancy.

You may not be able to take Strattera, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Strattera is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Strattera will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Strattera without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Strattera passes into breast milk. Do not take Strattera without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should take Strattera

Take Strattera exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Strattera can be taken with or without food.

It is important to take Strattera regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure during treatment with Strattera.

Store Strattera at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take only the doses scheduled for that day. Do not take more than the prescribed total daily amount of Strattera in any 24-hour period.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Strattera overdose are not known.

Avoid while taking Strattera

Possible side effects of Strattera

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Strattera and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- irregular or fast heartbeats;
- chest pain or high blood pressure (blurred vision or severe headache); or
- difficult urination.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Strattera and talk to your doctor if you experience
- upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting;
- decreased appetite;
- constipation;
- dry mouth;
- insomnia;
- decreased libido or sexual side effects;
- menstrual cycle changes;
- hot flushes or sweating;
- fatigue;
- dizziness; or
- irritability or mood swings.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Strattera