(atomoxetine)
Strattera Side Effects Reported by Children & Adults Click Here:
Report all Strattera side effects here, for the purpose of research, public
awareness and safety.
Includes many of the reported side effects caused from the use of Strattera.
Brief overview of www.Strattera.ws
This website is a free resource for those searching the web for information on
Strattera (atomoxetine HCl) providing current side effects reported from the
use of Strattera. Strattera was created by Eli Lilly and Company for the
purpose of treating Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
What sets this website apart from all others is, you have the ability to post
any side effects you or your child has experienced from the use of Strattera or
any other Psychiatric drug used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD).
If you are interested helping others submit side effects here:
July 1, 2004 All Strattera side effect reports will be given to the following:
American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, Eli Lily and
Company, Food & drug administration and U.S. Congress.
If you would like to correspond with others regarding your Strattera side
effects please be sure to put your first name and email address at the bottom
of your report, all personal information will be kept confidential.
It's very important that the warnings get out there as early as possible. This
will help many in making an informed decision before considering psychiatric
drugs as treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
This will also reduce the numbers of the "violation of informed consent".
Strattera is being heavily promoted to families via television commercials and
magazine ads as the new non-stimulant drug for children and adults diagnosed
with ADHD.
Strattera is a Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor. Other drugs similar
to Strattera have been used for depression and panic disorders.
Strattera is being tested on thousands of children in the United States at this
very moment.
Strattera
(atomoxetine HCl)
Brand Name: Stratteraâ„¢
Active Ingredient: atomoxetine
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg
Dosage Forms: Capsule
Company Name: Eli Lily and Company
Availability: Prescription only
*Date Approved by FDA: November 26, 2002
Average Cost: About $3.00 per capsule
What is Strattera being used for?
Strattera is used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in
children, adolescents, and adults. Strattera has not been studied in children
under 6 years old.
Mechanism of Action
STRATTERA (atomoxetine HCl) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Atomoxetine HCl is the R(-) isomer as determined by x-ray diffraction. The
chemical designation is (-)-Nmethyl-3-phenyl-3-(o-tolyloxy)-propylamine
hydrochloride.
The precise mechanism by which atomoxetine produces its therapeutic effects in
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is unknown, but is thought to
be related to selective inhibition of the pre-synaptic norepinephrine
transporter, as determined in ex vivo uptake and neurotransmitter depletion
studies.
Side Effects - Children and Adolescents
The most common side effects in medical studies
Upset Stomach Decreased Appetite Nausea and Vomiting
Dizziness Tiredness
Mood Swings
Side Effects - Adults
The most common side effects in medical studies
Constipation Decreased Appetite Dizziness
Dry Mouth Menstrual Cramps Nausea or Vomiting
Problems Sleeping Problems Urinating Sexual Side Effects
The following are rare, but have 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.
You should not take Strattera if:
you are allergic to atomoxetine or any other ingredients in Strattera
you are taking a medicine called a MAO Inhibitor (MAOI). Do not take Strattera
for at least 2 weeks after you stop taking a MAOI. Do not take a MAOI for at
least 2 weeks after you stop taking Strattera.
you have narrow angle glaucoma (an eye disease)
General Precautions with Strattera:
Strattera may make it difficult to urinate.
Some people may lose weight while taking Strattera. It is not known if growth
will be slowed in children who use Strattera for a long time. Height and weight
will be watched in children who are taking Strattera.
Use caution when driving a care or operating heavy machinery until you know
how Strattera affects you.
You should tell your health care provider if you: have or had liver problems.
You may need a lower dose
have high blood pressure. Strattera can increase blood pressure
have problems with your heart or an irregular heartbeat.
Strattera can increase heart rate (pulse)
have low blood pressure. Strattera can cause dizziness or fainting in people
with low blood pressure.
are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including
prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Especially tell your health care provider if you take: Albutero
Paxil (paroxetine)
Zoloft (sertraline)
Prozac or Sarafem (fluoxetine)
Quinidine
MAOIs (Nardil, Parnate)
Medicines that may increase blood pressure
NOTE: The above information is not intended to cover all possible uses,
precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your health care
professional.
WARNING!
You should Never stop taking any psychiatric drug without the instruction of
your prescribing physician. Withdraws could cause some very serious and even
life-threatening emotional and physical reactions if patient is not weaned off
properly.
If you would like to avoid all the potential health risks involved in using
psychiatric drugs? You may want to look into the success of this 100% all
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Strattera Side Effects Reported by Children & Adults
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003
My child is 15 years old (boy), he experienced rapid heart rate with Strattera,
60mg. He was only on it for about 2 to 3 months. His doctor immediately took
him off this medication. She has now prescribed Concerta 18 mg; I purchased the
prescription medication, but am afraid to let him start taking it. I think my
son’s main problem is focusing and paying attention. He does eat a lot of
things with sugar, which I think is part of the problem.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003
My 7 yr old son has been on Strattera for about 6 weeks now, and for about the
past 3-4 weeks he has had bouts of anger, violence, hitting and screaming. I
can only assume it is the medicine, if there is anyone else who has experienced
this, I would really like to hear their story.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003
I am a fifteen year old that has been diagnosed with ADD and Generalized
Anxiety Disorder and have been through Adderall XR previously for treatment and
have just recently been switched to Strattera. I am in the upper dosage level
at 80 mgs per day in the morning. As far as the side effects go I have had
some very odd things happen. On my first dosage (40mg) I experienced a very
defined euphoria and felt very wired like a stimulant would produce. I could
not keep from smiling while random thoughts shot through my head. This effect
slowly reduced itself over the next few days but was very peculiar indeed.
Besides slight stomach discomfort the only other side effect that I see as
serious is Strattera inducing a very sleepy state. I have been unable to resist
taking a 2+ hour nap daily even after a 10+ hour night’s sleep. I see this
as a problem for kids that would be starting Strattera during the school year.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 19:58:38 -0700
My son started a beginning dose of Strattera today. He broke out in a rash
around his forehead and ear. He was very listless and tired. He will not get a
second dose.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: Wed, 23 Jul
My 5 year old was prescribed Strattera for her ADHD. The longer she was on it
the more she vomited. At first if we gave it with milk she might be OK but as
time went on she vomited daily. Now we need to find a different drug but we are
scared. She will not be able to handle first grade without some kind of help.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2003
My 13 year old son could not take Strattera due to the fact it gave him daily
stomachaches and nauseous ness.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 28 Jul 2003
After about 4 weeks on Straterra (25mg for a week and then 40mg thereafter),
and easing off of Adderall from 10mg to 5mg and then none, my 10 year old son
(about 70lbs) became very tearful and morose and began to obsess about death -
what happens when we die, what if there is nothing there, what is there, what
is the purpose of life... He could not stop thinking about this and crying for
two days. He also, at this time, became very tired and fatigued and felt that
he had no energy to do anything. We had no deaths occur in our friends or
family, but he did watch "Patch Adams" a movie in which a doctor's girlfriend
is shot by a psychotic person. He's seen this type of event before on TV and
in his computer and video games, but for some reason this deeply bothered him
and he could not stop thinking about it and became very tearful. I decided to
stop his Strattera for awhile to see if this would help, and I will talk with
his pediatrician. Originally, after about a week on Strattera, my son became
much weepier and everything seemed to upset him to tears. I thought this had
mediated somewhat until his thoughts of death. As a clinical social
worker/therapist with a history of mental health work, I've became experienced
with perceiving symptoms and helping clients sort through their experiences
with symptoms especially with medications, so I tend to rely on my instincts
and this has served me well in the past. This is for your info and anyone who
may benefit from our experience.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 30 Jul 2003
Tiredness - very pronounced during the first days of taking it, and also when
the dosage was increased,
Headaches and Vomiting
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 30 Jul 2003
In my 8 year old daughter on 40 mg/day for about a month now, I've noted:
Bad dreams/mild nightmares frequently Possible easy bruising Marked decrease in
appetite with weight loss.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 31 Jul 2003
My 12 year old son started taking Strattera in March (he weighed 131 lbs.). By
June, only 3 months later, he was down to 105 lbs. He has no appetite
whatsoever. We have to watch him very closely to make sure he eats something
each day. That is the only side effect we have noticed with Strattera.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 01 Aug 2003
He had an upset stomach the entire time he took it. We tried it for about a
month and then gave up.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 01 Aug 2003
Severe mood swings, Easily frustrated, Easily angered, Unable to get control of
emotions.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 01 Aug 2003
I just started Strattera about 4 days ago and although I'm finding my
concentration is better. I am sicker than a dog all day long until it wears
off. Does this go away in time? I am also taking Paxil and Wellbutrin at the
same time?? Could this be the problem? 38 years old.
Portland, Or.
Subject: Concerta side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 04 Aug 2003
My co-worker just told me he was up all night with his 7 year old grandson who
seems to have had a reaction to his ADHD medication. The child was up all night
and was hallucinating. The grandfather reported the child finally fell asleep
at 6:30 this morning. I asked what medication he had given him and he showed me
a bottle of Concerta. He said he would not give the child any more of the
medication.
Fl
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: ?
My son is 9 years old and was on the 18 mg. for 4 days, and he was unable to
stay awake. His school went on a field trip Roller Skating, and he slept on the
bench. His doctor advised us to take him off of the Strattera, and to try
Concerta.
We are on the third day of Concerta, and all seems well so far.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 04 Aug 2003
facial spasms in my eyes and mouth, nausea, lake of appetite, hair is falling
out, little pimples on my scalp, hard to use the bathroom, migraines, no sexual
desires, I’m to sleepy, this pill has not helped me in anyway and it has
caused to many problems for me...I’m disappointed and very mad with the side
effects, it is very embarrassing!!!!!
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 04 Aug 2003
My son was started on Strattera 8 weeks ago and after 3 weeks we decided to
take him off. He not only went from 58 pounds to 52 pounds in two weeks, but
was exhibiting very strong tics eye blinking). He was diagnosed with
Tourrette's Syndrome within those 3 weeks due to the blinking and other things
we had seen over the years. We were later told that 'Strattera was marketed to
help ADHD children w/Tourrette's Syndrome so it couldn't possibly be the
Strattera that brought out the tics.’ I don't believe it though. Since he's
been off of Strattera he hardly shows the tics.
Subject: Ritalin side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: ?
Hi,
When my son was in standard one they wanted to put him on Ritalin and I was
totally against it but was pressured by the school and the school clinic in
allowing me to think that my child would be stupid and not pass any standard
and that I was doing my child injustice. But at that time I did not have
enough info on Ritalin but my gut feeling was telling me this was wrong. My
child also did not like taking this tablet so the teacher had to give it to
him in the class and see that he swallowed it in front of her.
Anyway then I heard that she was giving my child’s tablets to someone else
who was also on Ritalin and I did not like this because I was paying for
something that I did not want anyway.
I then took my child to another doctor, which agreed to take him off and the
school was not happy and my child did not do well and they kept him back and
then the teacher said that she was tied
of teaching him which had a great affect on my child and now today he is 22 and
still the effects of school and does not
want to learn at all needless to say he dropped out of school in std 7 because
all the way the teachers wanted Ritalin and when I refused they actually gave
him a hard time instead of working with
him. And now I am trying to prevent this happening to some friends that I know
who teachers here just believe in Ritalin.
I read an article when one social worker was saying that it is OK to give your
child Ritalin and when I phoned her she was not available and never phoned me
back because what she is doing is so wrong.
Ritalin has affected my child emotionally, in behavior and self esteem because
of the teachers’ attitudes towards him because of my refusal and then being
labeled in class.
I can remember remembers the sleepless nights and nightmares that he used to
have. He also used to have difficult in breathing because he used to
be frightened because he would say his heart is jumping - like
heart palpitations.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 05 Aug 2003
Hart palpitations - Dizziness - Lethargy - Extreme appetite loss - Rise in body
temperature - Chills
Texas
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 05 Aug 2003
My daughter started taking the 25mg capsules with no problems, but after 4 days
she took the 40mg capsules and began having sleeplessness.
CA
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 05 Aug 2003
I am a 38 year old female with ADHD. I have tried Strattera, starting at the 20
mg dose. The only thing Strattera did for me was to help me sleep at night. I
could lie down at night and fall to sleep within 10 minutes. Without Strattera
it normally takes me 1 to 2 hours to fall asleep. After talking with my Doctor
we decided to up the dose to 60mg. Still no change during the day we then up
the dose to the max of 80 mg. What I can tell you was at this dose I became
very tired by 3:00 in the afternoon. After day 3, I believe my immunity system
was down and I became very ill with what I think was the flu. I ached all over
and could barely get out of bed all weekend. I had no strength and my husband
had to take care of the kids. All I wanted to do was sleep. (That’s very rare
for me) I am a healthy 112 lbs female who also works out. Needless to say I
never took Strattera again.
Utah
Subject: Metadate side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 06 Aug 2003
My son was on Metadate for 2 years, before I said enough with the drugs. He
didn't grow an inch the whole time, but 1 month after he was off the medication
he went from a size 6 to a size 12 in a 2 month time. No one told me about this
side affect, until I read it on the web months later! He also, couldn't get
enough to drink and would be very emotional. Then, hen the pills would wear off
he would be ten times more active, to the point he would hurt himself. The only
side affects I knew about were not being hungry, upset stomach and headaches. I
was told the medication was safe and the side affects he was having was part of
ADHD, which I now find out that to be untrue.
PA
Subject: Ritalin side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 06 Aug 2003
Insomnia - Our doctor has us give my son melatonin to get to sleep at night.
Lack of appetite- If takes meds before eating
Inability to control himself when not medicated, which is worse now, than
before he ever took it the first time I also suspect stunted growth because his
younger brother is almost as big as he is.
NC
Subject: Concerta side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 07 Aug 2003
Loosing control of his bowels.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 07 Aug 2003
lethargy, decreased mental alertness, emotional liability.
Nebraska
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: Fri, Aug 08, 2003
6 Year Old On Strattera
My son is still currently using this medicine, but I will be asking today that
he be taken off it. The problem is that 1st Grade will start in 4 days, and I
know he can't handle it without some help. First on Ritalin, he became ever
increasingly angry and his mood swings were terrible. Now on the Strattera, his
mood swings are worse, he is hitting, spitting, kicking his teachers, saying he
wants to die, he throws up every day, is listless all morning if at home, can
not ride in a car while on the medicine because of the dizziness and vomiting.
He has lost 10 pounds over summer break, but he continues to grow taller. He is
as tall as kids in 3rd grade, but he continues to lose weight. I have had to
leave work 2 times this week to get him from his
learning center. (Kicking and violent behavior, like a mania craze they tell
me. He won't respond to anyone and makes animal grunting sounds.) I can't lose
my job. I am at a loss as of what to do. Do I keep trying out new meds on him
like a lab animal?
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 08 Aug 2003
I am a 21 year old college student and side effects I have seen while on the
medication are worse cramping during my menstrual cycle, and loss of appetite
which has lead to loss of weight.
Besides, I remember when I started it 4 months ago, the first day or two I
experienced light headedness, and I was a bit shaky. But what followed was
extreme clarity and confidence. Although the minor side effects and an increase
in sexual appetite I have found Strattera to be such a great help, I have never
felt so confident and happy. I just know now, that regardless of the fact that
I am not hungry, I must eat. For menstrual cramping, I just make sure that I
have Midol or Advil with me.
Illinois
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 08 Aug 2003
Constant Stomach Aches
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 08 Aug 2003
I was on Strattera for a week. I got the feeling of a high just like marijuana.
I didn’t like it because I knew it was some new useless medicine they don’t
know anything about. When I got off it the next day, I felt dizzy. I have never
stopped feeling dizzy 6 months later. I also have panic attacks and become
depressed. I feel there is no end to this and I have to live with it because
some uptight executive at Lilly wants to make more money.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 08 Aug 2003
My daughter took Strattera for about a month. She became very hostile and
angry while taking it. She is normally very docile and happy.
TX
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: Sat, Aug 09, 2003
Hello!
I am a 34 year old female and I have been on Strattera for four days now. My
choice. Let me explain.
I have a lifelong stuttering problem and a mild case of Tourrette's syndrome.
At my job, ---- -----, I was told not to return to work until I remedied my
"problems" because they "interfered" with customer service. I had quit taking
Thorazine because I could not function at all on that. So I am required to be
drugged to keep a job. Hey, kids who are being drugged, you just got a glimpse
into your future!
I asked to be placed on Straterra. Today is day 4. So far, things have not
been too bad. Mild headache (can be relieved with Tylenol), nausea (don't eat
too much at once and take peppermint tea), and some urinary retention (drink
lemonade, it stimulates the bladder).
I am still stuttering but I have not had a Tourrette's 'tic' in 3 whole days. I
am hoping Strattera works for me. If not I will have to go back on Thorazine or
Risperdahl to hold a job.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 09 Aug 2003
My 10 year old has been on Strattera for 1 week and has had some side effects I
did not see when she was taking Concerta. She has had bouts of a rapid heart
rate, stomach cramps, lack of appetite, and mood swings. She also is
experiencing extreme tiredness in the afternoon. Do these symptoms subside
after she stabilizes on the medication?
Georgia
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 10 Aug 2003
Our son just a few weeks ago had a severe reaction to Strattera medication.
Between thirty to forty minutes after taking the medication he began to vomit,
was dizzy, lips swelled, we had a hard time keeping him conscious, body
temperature dropped...skin felt like ice to the touch, blood pressure rose. We
first called an on-line nurse, who advised us to seek immediate medical help.
Our children's pediatrician was on call so we took our son directly to her. We
stayed several hours at her office where she could continue monitoring our son.
She allowed us to leave, only after the blood pressure had dropped to what she
determined as a safe level. It took a couple of days for this drug to work its
self out of our sons system.
CA
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 10 Aug 2003
The medication caused a rash covering her body.
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 10 Aug 2003
Severe constipation: Able to go to the bathroom with less frequency but very
hard stools causing bleeding. Supplementing my regular diet with high-fiber
cereal and fiber supplement during the day helps but does not totally relieve
this problem.
Texas
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 11 Aug 2003
1 pressure and tingling of the head followed by blurred vision, 2 dizziness 3
excessive tiredness 4 nausea 5 headaches
VA
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 11 Aug 2003
I just started taking Strattera . It feels like some of the drugs I did in the
70's.It makes me speed, is this one of the side effects?
TX
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 11 Aug 2003
My grandson, age 9, has been on Strattera for about 3 months. He has lost so
much weight that I worry for his health. He has had a fever this week, even
though he had been on antibiotics for a week due to a foot injury. He has black
circles under his eyes and is lethargic. The very problem the drug was supposed
to fix evidently didn't work, because he was kicked out of summer school for
the same reasons he always got in trouble during the school year-- not doing
his work and being belligerent.
Indiana
Subject: Strattera side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 11 Aug 2003
Tired, Dry mouth, Loss of appetite
Subject: Ritalin side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 12 Aug 2003
Anxiety, Severe depression, Irritable, Anger, Loss of appetite. My son
complained of feeling as though he was floating. He said that everything goes
quiet around him.
Subject: Concerta Side effects
From: Private
To: http://www.strattera.ws
Date: 12 Aug 2003