Atomoxetine

If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), your healthcare provider may prescribe atomoxetine. The prescription medication, which affects a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine, produces a calming effect. Atomoxetine is effective at treating ADHD in children, teenagers, and adults. Some common side effects of the medication include nausea, dry mouth, and insomnia.

 

What Is Atomoxetine?

Atomoxetine hydrochloride (Strattera®) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is the first and only non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD and is approved for use in children, teenagers, and adults.
 
(Click What Is Atomoxetine Used For? for more information on the drug's uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with atomoxetine.
 However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. When atomoxetine side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the most common side effects of atomoxetine include:
 
  • Dry mouth
  • Upper abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Insomnia
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea.
     
(Click Atomoxetine Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of the drug, including serious side effects to look out for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by going to the following eMedTV articles:
 
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;