Strattera, whose generic name is Atomoxetine, is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used primarily to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Unlike many other ADHD medications, Atomoxetine is not a stimulant and is not classified as a controlled substance¹. This makes it a viable alternative for individuals or families concerned about the potential misuse of stimulant drugs or who have a history of substance abuse.

Atomoxetine works by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve attention, focus, and impulse control². It is approved for use in children aged 6 years and older, adolescents, and adults. The medication is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include psychological, educational, and social support³.

The most common side effects of Atomoxetine include weight loss, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and irritability⁴. Due to its mechanism of action, Atomoxetine requires dosage adjustments for individuals who are poor metabolizers of the CYP2D6 enzyme, as they may experience higher levels of the drug and increased risk of side effects⁵.

For optimal therapeutic benefits, Atomoxetine should be dosed correctly. Clinicians are recommended to follow specific titration schedules to find the most effective dose while minimizing side effects⁶.

Footnotes

1. Victoria A. Nazarova, "Treatment of ADHD: Drugs," PubMed Central, 2022 ↩

2. Laura Dean, "Atomoxetine Therapy and CYP2D6 Genotype," NCBI Bookshelf ↩

3. Vanja Sikirica, "Comparative Efficacy of Guanfacine Extended Release Versus Atomoxetine," PubMed Central, 2023 ↩

4. Karly P Garnock-Jones, "Atomoxetine: a review of its use in ADHD," PubMed ↩

5. Dusan Kolar, "Treatment of adults with ADHD," PubMed Central, 2024 ↩

6. Samaneh Kabul, "Real‐World Dosing Patterns of Atomoxetine in Adults with ADHD," PubMed Central, 2015 ↩