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In the U.S.—
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Atomoxetine (at-OH-mox-e-teen ) belongs to the group of medicines called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It is used to treat children, adolescents, and adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Atomoxetine increases attention and decreases restlessness in people who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long or are easily distracted, and are emotionally unstable. This medicine is used as part of a total treatment program that also includes social, educational, and psychological treatment.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For atomoxetine, the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to atomoxetine. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy—Studies with atomoxetine have not been done in pregnant women. Some unwanted effects have been reported in animal studies, but the risk to human babies is not clear. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding—It is not known whether atomoxetine passes into human breast milk. This medicine does pass into the milk of rats. If you want to breast feed be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor.
Children—Safety and effectiveness has not been established in pediatric patients less than 6 years of age
Older adults—Atomoxetine has not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it is not known whether it causes different side effects or problems in the elderly than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking atomoxetine, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:
Dosing—
The dose of atomoxetine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of atomoxetine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking atomoxetine
Missed dose—
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage—
To store this medicine:
It is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits.
This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take or plan to take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies.
Tell your doctor if you are nursing, pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant.
Call your doctor right away if you get swelling, hives, or if you develop any symptoms that concern you.
Do not give atomoxetine to other people, even if they have the same symptoms as you have.
Atomoxetine may be taken with or without food.
Atomoxetine may cause your mouth to feel dry. You may use sugarless candy or gum, ice or saliva substitute for relief. Tell you doctor or dentist if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
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Page last updated: 22 October 2004 |