"Strattera (atomoxetine)"
The newest ADHD medication Strattera (atomoxetine) is expected to hit the
pharmacy shelves this month to much ado. What separates Strattera (atomoxetine)
from the rest of the ADHD medications pack is that Strattera (atomoxetine) is
the first non-stimulant medication FDA-approved for Attention Deficit Disorder.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is not a controlled substance under the Controlled
Substance Act, which translates to the convenience of phone-in refills and less
prescription hassles at the pharmacy.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an oral capsule prescribed in a once or twice
daily dose, which also eliminates the need for school children to medicate
during the school day. And, Strattera (atomoxetine) is the only ADHD medication
FDA-approved for
adult ADD.
But before you knock on your doctor's door asking for a prescription, there
are a few things you should know about this new ADHD medication.
Although Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication, it still
poses many side effects consistent with the side effects of other ADHD
medications - and a few new ones that adults might find less than pleasant.
Common Strattera (atomoxetine) side effects include (but not limited to):
- Problems sleeping/Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Mood swings
- Ear infection
- Influenza
- Irritability
Sexual side effects (in adults studied):
- Decreased libido
- Ejaculatory problems
- Impotence
- Urination problems
- Painful menstrual periods
The following, though rare, have also been reported:
- Strattera (atomoxetine) can cause potentially serious allergic reactions.
Strattera (atomoxetine) can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Strattera
(atomoxetine) can also worsen the conditions of high blood pressure and heart
disease. Strattera (atomoxetine) should not be taken at the same time as, or
within two weeks of taking, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Patients with narrow
angle glaucoma should not take Strattera (atomoxetine).
You should alerting the prescribing physician of the following condition
before beginning Strattera (atomoxetine);
- Current or past depression, psychosis or other mental conditions
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Liver disease or kidney disease
- Pregnancy, nursing or plans to become pregnant
Strattera (atomoxetine) makers Eli Lilly and Company conducted six
placebo-controlled studies in children, adolescents and adults for FDA
submission. Early studies suggest that the potential of abuse is lower with
Strattera (atomoxetine) and side effects may not be as pronounced as with other
ADHD medications.
Two of the trials also tested Strattera's effectiveness against
methylphenidate and stated that preliminary evidence indicates comparable
effects between atomoxetine (Strattera) and methylphenidate (Ritalin).
Researchers did, however, state that larger, double-blind studies are needed to
better compare the drugs against each other.
Most
ADHD medications have about a 70 percent level of effectiveness, as does
Attend, a non-drug nutriceutical supplement for the treatment of Attention
Deficit Disorder symptoms. Attend is a
healthy alternative and one of the excellent ADHD
remedies to ADHD medications.
We do expect Strattera (atomoxetine) to become one of the forerunners in ADHD
medication, with millions of children on this new drug in a short amount of
time. Although Strattera (atomoxetine) sounds like a good choice - as ADHD
medications go - the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center takes a wary
position until further testing is completed and enough time has lapse to expose
long-term side effects.
It is important to note that tests for effectiveness only lasted between six
and 10 weeks and the safety of this drug was tested only for about one year.
The short-term studies showed that Strattera (atomoxetine) increased the
heart rate and blood pressure in children. The long-term effects of increased
heart rate and blood pressure are still unknown.
Children fell below their height and weight growth curves on the longer-term
study and again, it is still unknown whether this will have an affect on adult
height.
Also of concern are the side effects to sexual functioning reported in adult
and how that will affect children whose sexual organs are still developing.
In all fairness, this side effect likely would not surface for Ritalin,
Adderall or other ADHD medications since those are for children. Since Strattera
(atomoxetine) will also be marketed as an adult prescription, clinical tests
were done on adults, which then unearthed sexual side effects.
Related Articles:
ADHD
vs ADD
Straterra - The promising new ADHD medication?
Strattera
Benefits/Disadvantages.
Adderall vs Strattera.
Strattera Linked to Liver
Damage
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