What Is Strattera?

Strattera is a medication prescribed to children and adults to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Also known by the generic name atomoxetine, this medication helps to increase your concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and help you focus. Strattera is classified as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is a type of drug that helps you to focus through the increase of certain brain chemicals.

Take Strattera according to your prescription in order to see an improvement in your condition. It is advised that you take this medication around the same time every day, as this will help prevent you from missing a dosage and keep you on a regular schedule. Your doctor may adjust your Strattera dosage according to how you respond to treatment.

How Is Strattera Used?

Strattera is a medication used to treat ADHD in children and adults. This SNRI works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Having a low level of this brain chemical has been linked to ADHD and higher levels of norepinephrine attribute to faster reaction time and alertness. Norepinephrine also affects how your body responds to stress, and it is released into the blood when you encounter a stressful situation.

Strattera is an oral medication that is typically taken once or twice every day. It is recommended that you take your second dose sometime in the late afternoon, as taking this medication too late in the day can lead to insomnia. Although uncommon, serious side effects can occur from taking Strattera. You can decrease the chances of developing severe side effects by following your prescription as provided by your doctor.

Strattera Addiction

Because Strattera is an ADHD medication that doesn’t affect levels of dopamine within the brain — the brain chemical associated with pleasure — the risk of misusing this medication tends to be lower. Even so, taking more Strattera than prescribed or combining it with other medications can lead to severe or even fatal side effects.

You should contact your doctor if you experience any serious side effects such as irregular heartbeat, having difficulty when urinating, numbness or fainting. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience chest pain, numbness on one side of your body, shortness of breath or slurred speech. These may be signs of a heart attack or stroke. Believe you are becoming dependent on Strattera? Contact us today to see how recovery can transform your life.

The Importance Of Aftercare

Side effects such as nausea, heartburn, weight loss, stomach ache, constipation, dizziness, headache, mood swings or muscle pain are common while taking Strattera. Severe side effects or overdose is more common if Strattera is taken in combination with other medications.

Contact a medical professional if you experience dark urine, extreme loss of appetite or yellowing of the eyes or skin. These symptoms may signal liver damage or disease. Avoid taking any other medications — especially MAO inhibitors — while on Strattera, as this can lead to severe and sometimes fatal side effects.

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Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.