Strattera (Atomoxetine)
The first nonstimulant medication approved for the treatment of ADHD (ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER) in children, adolescents, and adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Strattera, November 26, 2002, judging it safe and effective for the treatment of ADHD. Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor—a class of drugs that works differently from the other ADHD medications available. Strattera works by selectively blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, a chemical neurotransmitter, by certain nerve cells in the brain. This action increases the availability of norepinephrine, which experts believe is essential in regulating impulse control, organization, and attention. The precise mechanism by which Strattera works on ADHD is not known.
Because Strattera does not appear to have a potential for abuse, it is not classified as a controlled substance and is therefore simpler to obtain, although it is still a prescription drug. Strattera is an oral capsule and can be taken once or twice a day to provide full-day relief from ADHD symptoms. Strattera was studied in children, adolescents, and adults. The drug’s safety and effectiveness were established in six doubleblind placebo-controlled studies in patients who met specific diagnostic criteria. The clinical studies demonstrated that Strattera significantly improves patient’s symptoms compared to placebo, without side effects such as insomnia common in stimulant drugs such as RITALIN.
While parents may notice improvements in ADHD symptoms by the first week, it may take up to a month to see the full therapeutic benefit of the effect as the child adjusts to the new medication.
Because Strattera works differently than other ADHD medications, children who previously took a stimulant (such as Ritalin) might notice a difference in the way the drugs work. Stimulants tend to produce an immediate impact when they take effect, and children usually can tell when they stop working. Because Strattera is a different type of medication, children will not experience this. Instead, parents should watch for behavior patterns to help assess how Strattera works, such as sitting through dinner time, settling at bedtime, getting off to school in the morning, or participating in group activities.
Side Effects
Side effects of the drug include decreased appetite, upset stomach, nausea or vomiting, and fatigue.
Because Strattera does not appear to have a potential for abuse, it is not classified as a controlled substance and is therefore simpler to obtain, although it is still a prescription drug. Strattera is an oral capsule and can be taken once or twice a day to provide full-day relief from ADHD symptoms. Strattera was studied in children, adolescents, and adults. The drug’s safety and effectiveness were established in six doubleblind placebo-controlled studies in patients who met specific diagnostic criteria. The clinical studies demonstrated that Strattera significantly improves patient’s symptoms compared to placebo, without side effects such as insomnia common in stimulant drugs such as RITALIN.
While parents may notice improvements in ADHD symptoms by the first week, it may take up to a month to see the full therapeutic benefit of the effect as the child adjusts to the new medication.
Because Strattera works differently than other ADHD medications, children who previously took a stimulant (such as Ritalin) might notice a difference in the way the drugs work. Stimulants tend to produce an immediate impact when they take effect, and children usually can tell when they stop working. Because Strattera is a different type of medication, children will not experience this. Instead, parents should watch for behavior patterns to help assess how Strattera works, such as sitting through dinner time, settling at bedtime, getting off to school in the morning, or participating in group activities.
Side Effects
Side effects of the drug include decreased appetite, upset stomach, nausea or vomiting, and fatigue.
