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Usage: Strattera Strattera is the only FDA-approved ADHD medication clinically proven effective for adults. Strattera is the first non-stimulant medication approved for the treatment of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Because Strattera is a non-controlled prescription medication, it offers the convenience of phone-in refills between physician visits and physician samples. Strattera is an oral capsule and can be taken once or twice a day to provide full-day relief from ADHD symptoms. Only a doctor can prescribe Strattera, so ask your doctor if Strattera is right for you or your child.
Strattera works by selectively blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, a chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, by certain nerve cells in the brain. This action increases the availability of norepinephrine, which is thought to be essential in regulating impulse control, organization and attention. The precise mechanism by which Strattera works on ADHD is not known.
Precautions: For Children:
If your child previously took a stimulant, he or she might have been able to feel an immediate impact when it took effect and could tell when it stopped working. Because Strattera works differently, your child will not experience this.
Watch for patterns in your child's behavior to help assess how Strattera works for your child. It might be helpful to identify 2-3 behaviors that you can monitor on a daily basis to evaluate the benefits of Strattera (e.g., sitting through dinner time, settling at bedtime, getting off to school in the morning, participating in group activities).
For Adults: Tell your doctor about all medicines that you or your child are taking or intend to take. Your doctor should decide whether you can take Strattera with other medicines. These include: Other medicines that a doctor has prescribed. All over-the-counter medicines that you buy yourself without a prescription. Any herbal remedies that you or your child may be taking.
You should NOT take Strattera with an MAOI or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. The names of some common MAOIs are Nardil® (phenelzine sulfate) and Parnate® (tranylcypromine sulfate). Taking Strattera and an MAOI together or within two weeks of each other can cause serious side effects or be life-threatening.
While on Strattera, do not start taking a new medicine or herbal remedy before checking with your doctor.
Certain medicines may change the way your body reacts to Strattera. These include medicines used to treat depression [like Paxil® (paroxetine) and Prozac® (fluoxetine)], and certain other medications (like quinidine). Your doctor may need to change your dose of Strattera if you are taking it with these medicines.
Strattera may change the way your body reacts to oral or intravenous albuterol (or drugs with similar actions), but the effectiveness of these drugs will not be changed. Talk to your doctor before taking Strattera if you are taking albuterol.
Side Effects - Adults: Most adults in clinical trials who experienced side effects were not bothered enough to stop taking Strattera. The most common side effects were constipation, dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, problems sleeping, sexual side effects, problems urinating, and menstrual cramps. In rare cases, Strattera can cause allergic reactions, such as swelling or hives, which can be serious. Stop taking Strattera and call your doctor or healthcare professional if you develop any of these symptoms. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional if you develop any unusual symptoms.
Side Effects - Children and Adolescents: Most children in clinical trials who experienced side effects were not bothered enough to stop taking Strattera. The most common side effects were upset stomach, decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, and mood swings. In short-term clinical trials with children and adolescents, a modest decrease in appetite was the most common side effect. Some children may experience a loss of weight when starting treatment with Strattera. As with all ADHD medications, growth should be monitored during treatment. Strattera has not been tested in children under 6 years of age. In rare cases, Strattera can cause allergic reactions, such as swelling or hives, which can be serious. Your child should stop taking Strattera. Call your doctor or healthcare professional if your child develops any of these symptoms. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional if your child develops any unusual symptoms.
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but do not take more than the total daily dose in any 24-hour period. If possible, take Strattera at the same time every day to keep on schedule. Strattera capsules should never be broken and sprinkled on food. They must be taken whole.
How to take Strattera: Take Strattera exactly as directed by your doctor. Strattera offers flexible dosing, once or twice daily. Discuss a convenient schedule for taking Strattera with your doctor. Strattera may be taken with or without food. Strattera should be part of an overall treatment plan for ADHD. Your doctor may recommend other therapy. Strattera should be stored at room temperature. Strattera has not been tested in geriatric adults. Keep all medicines, including Strattera, out of the reach of children. Call your doctor immediately if you take more than the amount of Strattera prescribed by your doctor. As with any medication, be careful when driving a car or operating hazardous machinery until you know how it affects you.
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