Atomoxetine (US brand name Strattera®) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Here is basic information about this medication. Other articles on this website with more advanced information and tips related to this medication are linked to under Related Pages below.
Mechanism of Action
Atomoxetine is an inhibitor of the norepinephrine reuptake transporter. In addition, it may also indirectly increase dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex (Arnsten, 2011).
FDA-approved indications
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Dosage
1. Children and adolescents up to 70 kg
Initial: 0.5 mg/kg per day
Target: 1.2 mg/kg per day
Maximum: 1.4 mg/kg per day
2. Children and adolescents over 70 kg and adults
Initial: 40 mg per day
Target: 80 mg per day
Maximum: 100 mg per day
Instructions
1. May be taken with or without food
2. May be discontinued without tapering
3. Reduce initial and target dose to 50% of the normal dose for moderate hepatic insufficiency and 25% of the normal dose for severe hepatic insufficiency.
Potential side effects
Please see THIS PAGE for a handout listing both the common and less common side effects of this medication along with the percentages of patients who report them.
Dosage forms and strengths
Capsule: 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg
Important! Please refer to the full Prescribing Information (see link below) before prescribing this medication.
Related Pages
How to screen all your patients for adult ADHD
Why don’t we screen every patient for adult ADHD?
Four C’s for dealing with ADHD (YouTube Link)
Things that can masquerade as ADHD (YouTube Link)
References
Arnsten AFT. Catecholamine influences on dorsolateral prefrontal cortical networks. Biol Psychiatry 2011;69(12):e89–e99.
Atomoxetine (Strattera® Prescribing Information)
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