Managing Potential Side Effects of Strattera (Atomoxetine)
Strattera, a brand-name drug prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and certain children, can have a variety of side effects. Here's a closer look at what you need to know.
Common Side Effects
Strattera may cause common side effects such as dry mouth (more common in adults), fatigue, trouble sleeping (adults), decreased appetite leading to weight loss, and sexual dysfunction in adults. Nausea and constipation are also possible side effects, particularly in children. These side effects often lessen within a few days to a few weeks, but if they are strong or persist beyond several weeks, it's important to discuss them with your doctor.
Potential Long-term Side Effects
Long-term side effects of Strattera may include cardiovascular issues, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, rare but serious risks of heart attack, stroke, and sudden death in people with existing heart problems. Psychiatric effects, such as mood swings, irritability, aggression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in children and adolescents, and anxiety or panic episodes may also occur.
Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and constipation, can persist over time. Slowed growth has been observed in children taking Strattera, particularly within the first year of treatment. Rare but serious side effects include liver damage and seizures, warranting close monitoring.
Managing Side Effects
If you're experiencing side effects from Strattera, it's crucial to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help determine how long your specific side effects may last and recommend ways to help manage these effects. For example, if your nausea is severe or bothersome, your doctor or pharmacist can recommend ways to manage this side effect. Similarly, if you experience severe or bothersome constipation during your treatment with Strattera, they can recommend ways to manage this side effect, such as taking an over-the-counter laxative, like MiraLAX.
Important Considerations
Strattera has a boxed warning, the FDA's most serious warning, for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. It's essential to monitor mental health closely, especially in children with preexisting conditions.
Sudden stopping of Strattera may cause emotional instability or worsening ADHD symptoms, so gradual tapering is recommended. If you're experiencing side effects that are severe or bothersome, discuss symptom relief options with a healthcare professional.
Remember, it's important not to stop taking Strattera without consulting your doctor first. If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, seek support by calling or texting the 988 Lifeline at 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org, texting HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or finding a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
In summary, while many side effects tend to be mild and often improve over time, some severe long-term risks exist, particularly related to cardiovascular health, mental health, liver function, and growth in children. Regular medical supervision is advised during prolonged use.
[1] DrugBank. Atomoxetine. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00704 [2] FDA. Highlights of Prescribing Information. Strattera (atomoxetine). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021484s048lbl.pdf [3] Mayo Clinic. Atomoxetine (Oral Route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/atomoxetine-oral-route/description/drg-20074290 [4] MedlinePlus. Atomoxetine. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682205.html [5] National Institute of Mental Health. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
- In some patients, Strattera may induce predictive mental-health issues like mood swings, irritability, aggression, suicidal thoughts, and behaviors, particularly in children and adolescents who already have preexisting conditions, necessitating close monitoring.
- Multiple long-term potential side effects of Strattera include blocked cardiovascular issues, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, rare but serious risks of heart attack, stroke, and sudden death for individuals with existing heart problems.
- As Strattera can cause multiple gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and constipation that may persist over time, therapies-and-treatments, like taking an over-the-counter laxative, such as MiraLAX, might be necessary to manage these side effects.
- In rare cases, multiple side effects of Strattera may involve severe liver damage and seizures, which warrant close monitoring of liver function during extended use of the drug.
- Considering the possibility of slowed growth in children using Strattera, particularly within the first year of treatment, health-and-wellness practices should include routine growth checks and discussions with health professionals.
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