Key Points

• Strattera (atomoxetine) is an oral capsule that may be used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Common side effects of Strattera include headache, poor appetite, and nausea. It can also cause dry mouth, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
• Strattera can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. Rare cases of liver damage have also been reported.

What is Strattera?

Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It belongs to the drug class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Strattera comes as a capsule that is taken by mouth either as a single daily dose in the morning or as evenly divided doses (in the morning and late afternoon or early evening). It can be taken with or without food.

12 side effects of Strattera and how to manage them

Below, we will review 12 side effects of Strattera you should watch out for. Most side effects can be managed at home, and some may get better with time. We will also go over tips on managing potential side effects from Strattera so you can continue treatment and feel better.

1. Headache

Although less than 2% of adults reported headache as a side effect of Strattera during clinical trials, 19% of children and adolescents experienced it. Headaches can usually be managed at home. If you or your child has a headache that seems severe or is taking longer than usual to get better, contact your healthcare provider.

Tips for managing headache

• Try an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil) or tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Rest in a dark, quiet place
• Stay hydrated
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Apply a warm or cool compress to your forehead

2. Suicidal ideation

Although there were no suicides during clinical trials of Strattera, more children and teens taking the medication had suicidal thoughts compared to those taking a placebo. The risk is highest during the first few months of treatment and after any dose changes. Watch out for changes in mood or behavior and let your healthcare provider know if you notice anything different.

3. Stomach upset

Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting were all commonly-reported side effects of Strattera during clinical trials. These side effects can affect both children and adults. In fact, nausea was the most common side effect reported by adults in studies of Strattera.

It can be difficult to continue taking Strattera if it is making you feel sick to your stomach. However, there are a few things you can do to feel better from these stomach-related side effects.

Tips for managing stomach upset

• Take your doses of Strattera with a meal or snack
• Drink a glass of water after each dose to make sure the capsule reaches your stomach
• Avoid foods that may upset your stomach, such as greasy or spicy foods

If you have tried some of the tips listed above and are still experiencing bothersome stomach side effects from Strattera, talk to your healthcare provider about whether changing your dosing times is possible. They might be able to adjust your dose, the time you take your medication, or suggest alternative treatment options for ADHD.

4. Poor appetite

Many ADHD medications can cause you to feel less hungry, and Strattera is no different. Around 16% of people taking Strattera during clinical trials reported having a lower appetite as a side effect. This is especially concerning in children who are still growing and need to maintain a certain calorie intake.

Your child’s healthcare provider will watch their weight and height to make sure they are on track. If you are having trouble eating or getting your child to eat, talk to your healthcare provider about strategies to help manage this side effect.

Tips for managing poor appetite

• Eat smaller meals more frequently
• Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods
• Ask your healthcare provider about changing the timing of your doses
• Incorporate more calories through liquids like nutritional drinks and smoothies

5. Dry mouth

Dry mouth is a common side effect of Strattera in adults, with 20% of adults reporting it during studies. This was compared to 5% of adults taking a placebo (no active medication). Children and teens did not report it as a side effect during studies.

Having a dry mouth can be unpleasant, and can even cause undesirable dental problems in the long term. There are several over-the-counter treatment options for dry mouth.

Tips for managing dry mouth

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated
• Run a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home
• Avoid mouthwash with alcohol
• Suck on sugar-free candy or ice chips to promote saliva production
• Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes

If dry mouth does not go away or seems severe, contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Related questions

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6. Fatigue

You may feel more tired than usual after starting Strattera. Fatigue is another common side effect, with up to 10% of people reporting it during clinical trials. It can happen to adults, teens, or children.

For some, the fatigue is mild and not very noticeable. If you feel so tired that it is difficult to function in your normal daily life, tell your healthcare provider. They might be able to adjust your dose or the time(s) you take Strattera.

Tips for managing fatigue

• Try to get 8 hours of sleep at night
• Take short naps during the day
• Choose foods that give you energy

7. Drowsiness

Drowsiness is another possible side effect of Strattera. While some people might have trouble sleeping as a side effect, others may feel very sleepy. Before driving or performing any dangerous activities, wait and see how Strattera affects you.

Tips for managing drowsiness

• Ask your prescriber whether it is possible to change your dose or dosing time(s)
• Build in rest breaks into your daily schedule to recharge
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to give you more energy

Notify your healthcare provider if this medication makes you feel very drowsy, since this side effect can put yourself and others in danger.

8. Constipation

Constipation from Strattera is more common in adults, but some children and teens may experience it too. Constipation can typically be managed at home with lifestyle and dietary changes, but if you become constipated for more than a few days you should contact your healthcare provider.

Tips for managing constipation

• Make sure to consume 25-30 grams of fiber daily
• Get 30 minutes of exercise each day
• Ask your healthcare provider about over-the-counter products, like fiber supplements and stool softeners
• Maintain a regular toilet routine

Since adding too much fiber to your diet too quickly can cause stomach problems like bloating and gas, gradually increase how much fiber you are getting each day.

9. Dizziness

Another possible side effect of Strattera that can affect children, teens, or adults is dizziness. During 25-week clinical trials, 8% of adults reported dizziness as a side effect compared to 3% taking a placebo. For children and teens, 5% reported dizziness from taking Strattera. If you feel dizzy, hold on to something or stay in the same place until the dizzy spell passes. Call for help if needed.

Tips for managing dizziness

• Stay hydrated since dehydration can cause low blood pressure and dizziness
• Change positions slowly to give your body time to adjust
• Limit alcohol

If you experience frequent or severe dizziness, contact your healthcare provider. They can help you figure out if it is due to your medication or another reason.

10. Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a common side effect of Strattera among males who take it. Other sexual problems, such as problems with ejaculation and lower sex drive, were reported during studies as well. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your sex life.

11. Liver damage

There were no reports of liver damage during clinical trials of Strattera, but there were some reports after the medication came onto the market. Liver damage from Strattera is rare, but can be life-threatening. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any signs of liver damage, including:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Pale stools
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• Flu-like symptoms

12. Serious heart problems

Strattera can raise heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions. Sudden death in children, teens, and adults with heart problems has occurred while taking Strattera. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience chest pain, unexplained dizziness, or heart rhythm changes.

This is not all the information you need to know about Strattera (atomoxetine) for safe and effective use. Review the full Strattera (atomoxetine) information, and discuss this information and any questions with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

McKeown, N., et. al. Fibre intake for optimal health: how can healthcare professionals support people to reach dietary recommendations? In: The British Medical Journal. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136%2Fbmj-2020-054370

Strattera [package insert]. Updated January 2022. Eli Lilly and Company. Accessed September 23, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=309de576-c318-404a-bc15-660c2b1876fb

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Drug information

• Strattera Information for Consumers
• Strattera prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
• Side Effects of Strattera (detailed)
• Strattera user reviews (545)

Related support groups

• Strattera (48 questions, 158 members)
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