What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking atomoxetine if you (or your child) have:
- Heart problems of any kind, including heart disease, congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or a recent history of a heart attack
- A history of a stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke"), or other bleeding in the brain (such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Bladder problems
- Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
- Previous suicide attempts or a family history of suicides
- Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
- Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
It is not known exactly how atomoxetine produces a calming effect. It is known, however, that it affects norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which means that it increases the level of norepinephrine that can be used by brain cells.
Unlike other
ADHD medications, atomoxetine is not a stimulant and is not likely to be abused. Also, because it is not a controlled substance, the rules for prescribing and dispensing it are much less strict. Unlike prescriptions for stimulants, atomoxetine prescriptions can be faxed or phoned to your pharmacy and can be refilled without getting a new prescription each time (if your healthcare provider approves).
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