Atomoxetine Side Effects

Atomoxetine, commonly known under the brand name of Strattera, is a medication in the UK that is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

When an individual is struggling with ADHD, they often have struggles in concentration, attention, focus, and impulse control – atomoxetine is prescribed to aid in these areas due to the impact on the brain and its processes.

Though the exact ways in which this substance work are not known by medical professionals, atomoxetine has been shown to be effective in the treatment of ADHD, especially compared to other treatments such as placebos where they are ‘statistically superior’ (1).

This blog post will cover more about atomoxetine as a substance, its uses, its benefits, and its side effects.

Not all individuals will be suitable for atomoxetine and must always check with a medical professional before beginning a course of treatment.

Although atomoxetine is a prescription drug and is generally only available over the counter, this is not to say that it may be available in other situations where the control and safety is not guaranteed – something individuals should always be aware of.

How does atomoxetine work?

Though the exact ways in which atomoxetine are not entirely understood, it is generally accepted that it affects the brain and the chemicals present.

The specific chemical is thought to be noradrenaline (also referred to as norepinephrine) which is thought to be the driving hormone behind an individual’s ‘fight or flight’ system.

Ancestrally, in a fight or flight situation, people would need to stay focussed, alert, and with their emotions in regulation – all things which individuals with ADHD may struggle with and therefore be supported hormonally through atomoxetine.

When atomoxetine is consumed, it can increase activity in these related areas of the brain, therefore reducing behaviours that include hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and concentration.

In addition, atomoxetine is not a stimulant – another reason why atomoxetine may be suitable for individuals who have tried stimulating substances that are also prescribed to treat ADHD.

How are dosages of atomoxetine determined?

Atomoxetine comes in many different strengths and quantities including 10mg, 18mg, 25mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80mg, and 100mg.

This refers to the amount of the active substance available in the capsule (the way in which this substance occurs and is consumed).

When prescribed, individuals will always be given a strict schedule to follow concerning the quantity (number of tablets) and frequency of consumption, as well as advice on when is best to consume the substance i.e., with food or water, for example.

Generally, an individual’s dosage will depend on their age, weight, and response to the substance after the first few instances of consuming it.

For example, adults and children over 70kg may be prescribed an amount around the 40mg per day mark, whereas adults and children under 70kg will be prescribed different quantities based on their weight.

This is not exact and individuals should consult with their medical practitioners or prescribers if they are unsure as to the dose that they should be consuming.

What are the benefits of atomoxetine?

As mentioned previously across this blog post, atomoxetine is more effective than a placebo treatment, and it has also been shown to boost functions within the brain such as:

Attention
Concentration
Working memory
Emotional regulation

For individuals who may be struggling with ADHD, atomoxetine can greatly reduce their symptoms and increase their productivity within their daily responsibilities.

For example, if a child is struggling with concentration and maintaining attention at school, then a reduction in their symptoms may greatly benefit them, especially in terms of their abilities to take part in work and other activities that they may not have been able to previously.

Who is atomoxetine suitable for?

Generally, atomoxetine is prescribed to individuals who are 6 years or older, though this may differ in many cases due to the suitability of this substance in different situations.

Most substances are not prescribed to very young children, as some substances can seriously impact their development and experiences as they grow up.

It is always necessary to discuss this with a medical professional if you believe that your child may benefit from some form of ADHD medication.

Atomoxetine should never be consumed without a medical professional’s approval and prescription from a licensed medical professional or establishment.

Common side effects of atomoxetine

As with all substances, atomoxetine comes with warnings about the potential side effects that individuals may experience.

These are not universal across all individuals who consume atomoxetine for their ADHD, but it is something to be aware of should these symptoms worsen or suddenly start occurring.

Examples of common side effects are listed below:

Nausea – having the feeling of going to be sick
Headache – pain in the temple or around the brain
Loss of appetite – not wanting to consume as much food as regular
Taste changes – not being able to taste or food/drink tasting different
Stomach problems – having an upset tummy
Cold extremities – hands and feet may become cold
Constipation – not being able to go to the toilet despite needing to
Dizziness – feeling like the room is spinning/may pass out
Drowsiness – increased tiredness
Sleeping issues – tablets taken right before bed may keep individuals awake

This list is not extensive, and in all cases of doubt or uncertainty, individuals should contact a medical professional (preferably the one who prescribed the substance) to ask any questions.

Rarer side effects of atomoxetine

In some cases, individuals may experience more severe side effects that require immediate attention and/or medical care.

Though these are less common, they are no less important to be aware of.

Some of the rarer side effects are listed below:

Liver problems – signs and symptoms include severe stomach pain, yellowing eyes/skin, and dark urine colour
Suicidal thoughts – an individual may have sudden mood changes that include agitation, aggression, thoughts of self-harm, and worsening moods, all of which can be a risk for suicide
Anxiety – an increase in anxious symptoms, including panic attacks, nervousness, and sudden changes in mood
Chest pain – in some cases, this may lead to an increase heart rate and seizures

In all cases where an individual may be concerned about any of these symptoms, they should contact their medical professional as soon as possible.

In emergency cases, individuals should always contact emergency services by calling 999 and get suitable support as soon as possible.

How long do individuals take atomoxetine for?

In most cases, individuals will not need to consume atomoxetine for the rest of their life, and most people will be on a prescription for several months or a few years.

In all cases, individuals should have regular checkups (around every 6 months) to discuss their progress and experience with atomoxetine, well as seeing if any changes need to be made. This checkup will also check the individual’s weight, blood pressure, and heart rate.

In some cases, especially with young children, it may be recommended to take ‘medicine holidays’ – usually over the school holidays – to determine whether it is having an effect, and also to give the individual a break.

If the individual has been prescribed atomoxetine since they were a young child, it is necessary to have a re-assessment when they reach teenagerhood or puberty. This will again assess the suitability of atomoxetine for the individual in question.

Atomoxetine has also been shown to be effective and useful for individuals who are at risk of developing substance abuse, as well as for those who do not want to take controlled substances for treatment (2).

As a final note, atomoxetine consumption should never be stopped all of a sudden. Instead, individuals should slowly reduce the quantity consumed over time to reduce the sudden change in the body.

What to know about atomoxetine: top tips

To finish this blog post, Rehab Recovery offers the following top tips on atomoxetine consumption and its suitability in different situations.

These top tips are as follows:

Strength – always be aware of the strength of atomoxetine you are consuming. This includes collecting new prescriptions, as well as making changes to dosage after meetings with your medical professional.
Other medications and interactions – some other medications may have interactions with atomoxetine and its effect, including herbal supplements, for example.
Alcohol – individuals who are taking atomoxetine are advised not to consume alcohol while on a course of treatment as this can interact and cause changes to blood pressure and heart rate.
Driving/using tools – with all medication, individuals should be extra aware of how atomoxetine affects them in these situations as atomoxetine can cause blurry vision or dizziness, especially when first started as a course of medication.

Further support with Rehab Recovery and healthcare providers

To learn more about atomoxetine and its use in the field of medication and ADHD, get in touch with your local health services, or speak to Rehab Recovery today.

With a team of friendly and professional experts, we are ready and waiting for your call at 0800 088 66 86 today.

References

[1] Michelson, D., Adler, L., Spencer, T., Reimherr, F.W., West, S.A., Allen, A.J., Kelsey, D., Wernicke, J., Dietrich, A. and Milton, D., 2003. Atomoxetine in adults with ADHD: two randomized, placebo-controlled studies. Biological psychiatry, 53(2), pp.112-120.

[2] Garnock-Jones, K.P. and Keating, G.M., 2009. Atomoxetine: a review of its use in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Pediatric Drugs, 11(3), pp.203-226.