Strattera is an FDA-approved oral prescription medication for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults, teens and children 6 years and older. ADHD occurs when certain chemicals in the body are disrupted, and Stratterra works by balancing these chemicals. An overdose results when more than the prescribed or appropriate dose is taken either accidentally or intentionally. Immediate medical intervention is required when an overdose is suspected or discovered.
Seizures
Strattera exerts its beneficial effects by working on the body's nervous system. When doses are taken in excess, the nervous system can malfunction, leading to seizures and tremors. This is more common in children than adults. When taken in normal doses, Strattera also causes seizures in 0.1 percent of adults and 0.2 percent of children, according to Straterra manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company. In an overdose, this effect is exaggerated.
Heart Effects
An overdose of Strattera can affect the heart by increasing its rate and disrupting the rhythm of the heartbeat. Rarely, Stratterra can also cause a heart attack, even in normal doses. An overdose, as well as a normal dose, can also lead to palpitations and hypertension. Eli Lilly and Company recommends that Strattera only be used with clinical monitoring in patients with preexisting mild heart diseases, such as high blood pressure. Strattera should not be used in patients with structural heart deformities, heart rhythm abnormalities and any serious heart condition.
Mental Changes
An overdose of Strattera can also cause mental changes. The most common are hallucinations, disorientation, drowsiness and hyperactivity. In some cases, the patient may also be agitated and exhibit abnormal behaviors. Overdose of Strattera can also result in sleep disorders, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty staying awake, longer sleep at night and a desire to sleep constantly.
Stomach Symptoms
Strattera, when taken in a prescribed dose, causes vomiting, constipation, decrease in appetite, abdominal pain and diarrhea as common side effects. In cases of overdose, these side effects can be exaggerated in both adults and children, putting the patient in significant abdominal discomfort. Strattera can also cause excessive dry mouth when normal dose or overdose is taken.
Treatment
An overdose is an emergency. Treatment of an overdose usually starts with ensuring that breathing is maintained, as well as monitoring vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature. If overdose is discovered quickly, Strattera can be pumped out of the body before it is broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. If several hours have passed since ingestion of Strattera and it has already been absorbed into the body, activated charcoal is recommended. Activated charcoal absorbs Strattera and eliminates the drug from the body. Other supportive treatment options may also be used based on presenting symptoms.
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