Atomoxetine (US brand name Strattera®) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Here is key information about this medication.
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.
Dosage forms and strengths
Capsule: 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
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)
Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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