Tablets Generic Strattera
Chemical Name: ATOMOXETINE (AT-oh-mox-e-teen)

Common uses
This medicine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.


Before using
WARNING: THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS IN CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD). Be sure that the benefits of using this medicine outweigh the risks. Family and caregivers must closely observe patients who take this medicine. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Tell the doctor right away if the patient has symptoms like worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, or changes in behavior. Talk with the patient's doctor if you have any questions. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (such as phenelzine) within the last 14 days. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking quinidine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as fluoxetine, paroxetine), or albuterol. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor if you have a personal or family history of heart problems (such as heart failure, fast or irregular heartbeat); mood or mental problems (eg, agitation, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, or tension), abnormal thoughts, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts or attempts; or alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence. Inform your doctor if you have a family history of sudden death. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver problems, high or low blood pressure, brain or heart blood vessel problems, Reynaud syndrome, trouble urinating, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have certain heart problems (such as heart defect, heart failure); certain types of irregular heartbeat; severe blood vessel problems; or narrow-angle glaucoma. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.


Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A MEDICATION GUIDE. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Do not open the capsules or take them apart. Wash your hands immediately after using this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.


Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS IN CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS. ADULTS MAY ALSO BE AFFECTED. The risk may be greater in patients with a history of suicidal thoughts or actions, bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or in patients with a family member with bipolar disorder. WATCH PATIENTS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE CLOSELY. CONTACT THE DOCTOR AT ONCE IF new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. CONTACT THE DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY IF ANY SIGNS OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS or actions occur. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function, blood pressure, and heart rate may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINES, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT GROWTH RATE in children. Your child's growth may need to be checked regularly while using this medicine. AVOID GETTING THIS MEDICINE IN YOUR EYES or on the inside of your nose. If you get it in your eyes or nose, rinse at once with cool water. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially dizziness. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.


Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation, coughing, decreased appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, increased sweating, indigestion, nausea, stomach upset, tiredness, and vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience decreased sexual ability (such as impotence or ejaculation problems), menstrual cycle changes, or persistent fatigue or tiredness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; dark urine; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes (eg, agitation, anxiety, depression, irritability, persistent crying, unusual sadness); numbness or tingling; one-sided weakness; pale stools; prolonged or painful erection; seizure; severe or persistent headache; stomach pain or tenderness; suicidal thoughts or attempts; trouble sleeping; trouble urinating; new or worsening behavior changes (such as aggression, hostility, restlessness); unusual vision or speech changes; unusually cold or blue fingers or toes; or yellowing of skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice any other effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.


If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include abnormal behavior, agitation, dilated pupils, fast heartbeat, hyperactivity, or severe drowsiness.


Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.