Strattera (atomoxetine) is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to MedlinePlus, it belongs to the class of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and works to balance the chemicals, medically known as neurotransmitters, in your brain that cause your ADHD symptoms. Take Strattera as your doctor instructs so that you decrease your chances of developing serious side effects.
Routine Side Effects
Strattera commonly causes heartburn, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and constipation. It can also cause stomach pain, weight loss, flatulence (gas), dry mouth and fatigue. Strattera can affect your psyche and cause changes in your mood and strange dreams. It can also cause headaches, decreased libido (sex drive), trouble urinating, menstrual irregularities and hot flashes, says MedlinePlus. Strattera can cause trouble sleeping, a skin rash and itching. Inform you doctor if these side effects continue for at least three days.
Dangerous Side Effects
Strattera can affect your digestive tract and cause stomach pain, poor appetite, dark-colored urine and lighter-colored stools. It can also cause jaundice (yellowing of your eyes or skin), which may be a sign of liver damage. This medication can cause hypertension (high blood pressure). Symptoms of hypertension include a headache, blurry vision, numbness, convulsions and difficulty concentrating. It can also cause lightheadedness, fainting, aggressive behavior, hallucinations, tachycardia (fast heartbeat) and decreased urination. MedlinePlus warns that Strattera can cause priapism, a condition of an erection lasting four or more hours. It can cause slow speech and suicidal thoughts. Notify your physician when you have these symptoms.
Additional Concerns
You should not use Strattera if you are allergic to it. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, hives and swelling of your throat, face and lips.
Do not take Strattera with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medication. The National Library of Medicine says that this mixture can cause rigidity, high body temperature, agitation, delirium and even coma.
Avoid Strattera if you have glaucoma (increased eye pressure). This can lead to mydriasis (dilated pupils).
You should be careful when using albuterol (an asthma medication) with Strattera. The combination can cause increases in your blood pressure and heart rate.
Drugs.com says that you should tell your doctor if you take such medications as bupropion, doxorubicin, cimetidine and celecoxib. These medications can interact with Strattera and cause the aforementioned serious side effects.
Member Comments