Strattera is atomoxetine, a non-stimulant ADHD medication. Side effects can vary by person, but here’s a quick guide to what’s commonly seen and what to watch for.
Common (often mild and temporary)
- Nausea, upset stomach, abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite and sometimes weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness or fatigue, or trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Urinary difficulties
Other possible effects (less common)
- Headache
- Sweating
- Sexual side effects (e.g., changes in libido or erectile function)
- Mood changes (feeling more irritable or anxious)
Serious or urgent-side effects (seek medical help promptly)
- Signs of liver injury: dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the skin/eyes, persistent nausea or upper-right abdominal pain
- Severe allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing
- Chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat, fainting, severe or persistent headache
- Severe mood changes or thoughts of harming yourself or others; new or worsening depression, anxiety, or mania
- Severe or prolonged vomiting or severe abdominal pain
- Signs of eye pressure problems (if you have glaucoma)
Important safety notes
- Contraindications: not for people with narrow-angle glaucoma, pheochromocytoma, or severe hepatic impairment; avoid use with MAO inhibitors (and there’s typically a washout period if stopping an MAOI).
- Interactions: atomoxetine levels can be affected by other medicines that inhibit or induce CYP2D6 (a liver enzyme). This includes some antidepressants (e.g., certain SSRIs/SNRIs) and others. Also use with MAO inhibitors is contraindicated due to risk of serious interactions.
- If you have or develop bipolar disorder, a history of suicidality, or significant heart disease, tell your clinician, as monitoring may be needed.
If you’re asking for yourself or someone else, I can tailor this to age (adult vs child/adolescent), other meds you’re taking, and your medical history. Do you want that? Also, are you experiencing any side effects right now?