Medication Guide
Atomoxetine (Strattera) Side Effects and Uses
A plain-language guide to Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant ADHD medication (norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Learn how it helps, what it treats, how to take it and which side effects to know about.
Quick answer. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication (norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Common atomoxetine side effects include nausea, less appetite, dry mouth and tiredness or drowsiness. The rare but serious ones, and when to get help, are listed under atomoxetine side effects below. Never stop or change your dose on your own.
How Atomoxetine Can Help You
Atomoxetine is a leading non-stimulant for ADHD. It blocks the recycling of norepinephrine in the front of the brain. That strengthens the circuits behind attention, planning and self-control. It does not act on the reward system the way stimulants do, and it is not a controlled substance. It is a good option when stimulants cause problems, are not safe for you or are a poor fit because of anxiety or past substance use.
Unlike stimulants, atomoxetine builds up slowly. Some change may show within a few weeks, and full benefit can take longer. The payoff is steady coverage day and night. There is no wear-off at dinner and no rebound irritability. Progress feels like a steady lift in focus across mornings, evenings and weekends.
Uses for Atomoxetine
- ADHD in children, teens and adults
- ADHD when stimulants are not tolerated or not safe
- ADHD with anxiety
- ADHD with a history of substance use
- ADHD with tics
- Problems with planning and follow-through tied to ADHD
How to Take Atomoxetine
Your prescriber decides your dose and any changes. It may be taken once in the morning or split between morning and evening. It can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food can ease nausea, the most common early side effect. Take it every day, weekends too, since its benefit depends on steady use. Swallow the capsule whole, and do not open it, since the powder can irritate your eyes.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember that day, but do not double up the next day. Atomoxetine is not a controlled substance and does not cause withdrawal. Still, involve your prescriber before stopping, so symptoms do not return without a plan. Report dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, or unusual tiredness right away, since rare liver problems have been reported.
Atomoxetine Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Nausea, most of all in the first weeks
- Less appetite
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness or drowsiness
- Poor sleep in some people
- Faster heart rate or higher blood pressure
- Sexual side effects, such as lower sex drive or trouble with erections
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Serious: Get Medical Help Promptly
- Thoughts of suicide in children and teens (boxed warning). Watch closely early on and after dose changes. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911.
- Rare severe liver injury, with dark urine, yellow skin or pain in the upper right belly.
- Serious heart problems in people with heart defects, such as chest pain or fainting.
- Large rise in blood pressure or heart rate.
- New mania or psychosis in people at risk.
- Allergic reaction (rash, swelling).
- Trouble passing urine.
How Atomoxetine Works
Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It keeps more norepinephrine active in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that plans and focuses. It also raises dopamine there, but not in reward areas. That is why it has no high and no misuse risk.
Because it works through slow changes, its effect is steady around the clock. It does not need to be timed around your day the way a stimulant does. Some people take it alone, and others take it with other ADHD care.
Before You Start Atomoxetine
Tell your prescriber about liver problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, glaucoma, bipolar disorder and any past thoughts of suicide. Atomoxetine must never be taken with an MAOI antidepressant. Some antidepressants, such as fluoxetine or paroxetine, can raise its levels.
Families of children and teens should watch for new mood changes, agitation or talk of suicide, most of all in the first months. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911. Our ADHD page explains how testing and care work by telehealth.
Is Atomoxetine Right for You?
Only a full evaluation with a prescriber can tell you if Atomoxetine fits your symptoms, history and goals. Harpal Singh, PMHNP-BC offers psychiatric evaluations and ongoing medication management by telehealth anywhere in California.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT CALL (888) 457-8124
Related Medication Guides
Other guides in the same group, written the same simple way. Being in one group does not mean you can swap one medicine for another.
- Clonidine ER (Kapvay), non-stimulant ADHD medication (alpha-2 agonist)
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin), stimulant (methylphenidate)
- Guanfacine ER (Intuniv), non-stimulant ADHD medication (alpha-2A agonist)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), stimulant (amphetamine prodrug)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin), stimulant (methylphenidate)
- Mixed Amphetamine Salts (Adderall), stimulant (amphetamine)
FAQ
Questions About Atomoxetine
How long before Strattera starts working?
Some improvement may show within a few weeks, and full benefit can take longer with steady daily use. This slower start is the trade-off for smooth coverage without stimulant side effects. Give it a fair trial with your prescriber.
Is atomoxetine as effective as Adderall or Ritalin?
On average, stimulants have a larger effect. Still, atomoxetine works well for many people. It is often the better choice when stimulants cause anxiety, are not safe or raise misuse concerns.
Can Strattera be abused?
No. It does not act on the brain's reward system, gives no high and is not a controlled drug. That makes prescribing simpler, since regular refills are allowed.
Does atomoxetine help with anxiety too?
It does not tend to worsen anxiety the way stimulants sometimes do. Some studies suggest it may ease anxiety in people who have both ADHD and anxiety. This is a common reason prescribers choose it.
What if I miss a few days?
Atomoxetine needs steady daily levels to work, so missed days weaken its benefit. Restart when you remember without doubling doses. If you have stopped for a while, ask your prescriber how to restart.
Can I open Strattera capsules?
No. The powder inside can irritate your eyes. If it gets in your eyes, rinse them right away with water and call your doctor. Wash your hands if you touch the powder.
Can atomoxetine be prescribed by telehealth in California?
Yes. Atomoxetine is not a controlled drug, so it can be prescribed by telehealth after a full evaluation. At Mindful Sewa, visits happen by secure telehealth video from anywhere in California.
Does Strattera cause weight loss?
It can lower appetite, most of all early on, and some people lose a little weight. Children have height and weight tracked. Tell your prescriber if you notice a big change.