[canadianmom1997]

Strattera is new to Canada in the last week. I have 7 yr old daughter and am looking for information on this medication. It is listed as an SNRI and is used off label for depression even though it is intended for ADHD.

We have tried Concerta and that made her manic. We have tried antidepressants SSRI's Prozac--- terrible----Celexa-----worse-----then SNRI Effexor-----the worst by far. Is Strattera likely to produce the same agitation and violent tendencies she experienced on Effexor????



Tammy

[TedTheDrugGuide]

I tried Stratera, it didn't do a thing for me.

[robo]

from http://strattera.drugs.com

STRATTERA
Generic Name: atomoxetine (ah toe MOX eh teen)
Brand Names: Strattera

What is the most important information I should know about atomoxetine?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Atomoxetine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What is atomoxetine?
• Atomoxetine affects chemicals in the brain.
• Atomoxetine is used to treat attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Atomoxetine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atomoxetine?
• Do not take atomoxetine 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 atomoxetine 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 atomoxetine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Atomoxetine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether atomoxetine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take atomoxetine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether atomoxetine passes into breast milk. Do not take atomoxetine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take atomoxetine?
• Take atomoxetine 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.
• Atomoxetine can be taken with or without food.
• It is important to take atomoxetine regularly to get the most benefit.
• Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure during treatment with atomoxetine.
• Store atomoxetine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I 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 atomoxetine in any 24-hour period.

What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a atomoxetine overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking atomoxetine?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Atomoxetine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of atomoxetine?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking atomoxetine 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 atomoxetine 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 atomoxetine?
• Do not take atomoxetine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
• Many other medications may interact with atomoxetine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with atomoxetine.

Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about atomoxetine written for health professionals that you may read.

Detailed information available at
http://www.drugs.com/strattera.html

[canadianmom1997]

Thanks for the listing of side effects. Those however are the same side effects the product monograph lists as well. I want to know what the side effects that individuals have noticed while taking Strattera. We have decided to go without it as I have read on other sites that it made children under the age of 12 more diffulct to manage, made them very irratible, induced insomnia and or early wakeng, gave them no appetite and made them more prone to ear and throat infections. We are getting to the point where starting to think that many if not all psychiatric medications comes with a heavy price. It might improve some symptoms but make others much worse.

We are giving up on medications

Canadian Mom
Mother of Andrea age 7.5 diagnosed with a nonverbal learning disability, sensory integration dysfunction and OCD>

Thanks all

aka Tammy[V]

Tammy