Brand
name: Strattera
Pronounced: reh-VEE-uh
Generic name: Naltrexone hydrochloride
Why is Strattera prescribed?
Strattera ,Atomoxetine (at-OH-mox-e-teen)
belongs to the group of medicines called selective norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitor. It is
used to treat children, adolescents, and adults with attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Atomoxetine increases attention and decreases restlessness in people
who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long or are easily
distracted, and are emotionally unstable. This medicine is used as
part of a total treatment program that also includes social, educational,
and psychological treatment.
Strattera is prescribed to treat alcohol dependence and narcotic addiction.
Strattera is not a cure. You must be ready to make a change and be willing
to undertake a comprehensive treatment program that includes professional
counseling, support groups, and close medical supervision.
Most important fact about Strattera
Before taking Strattera for narcotic addiction, you must be drug-free
for at least 7 to 10 days. You must also be free of any drug withdrawal
symptoms. If you think you are still in withdrawal, be sure to tell
your doctor, since taking Strattera while narcotics are still in your system
could cause serious physical problems. Your doctor will perform tests
to confirm your drug-free condition.
How should you take Strattera without rx -free Prescriptions
It is important to take Strattera on schedule as directed by your doctor,
and to follow through with your counseling and support group therapy.
If you take small doses of heroin or other narcotic drugs while taking
Strattera, they will have no effect. Large doses combined with Strattera can
be fatal.
If you miss a dose...
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you do not remember until
the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
No special measures are needed.
Strattera side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or
change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor
can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Strattera.
* Side effects of treatment for alcoholism may include:
Dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness, vomiting
* Side effects of treatment for narcotic addiction may include:
Abdominal pain/cramps, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, headache, joint and muscle
pain, low energy, nausea and/or vomiting, nervousness
Why should Strattera not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Strattera,
you should not take it. If you have acute hepatitis (liver disease)
or liver failure, do not start therapy with Strattera. Remember, too, that
you must be narcotic-free before beginning Strattera therapy.
Special warnings about Strattera
Since Strattera may cause liver damage when taken at
high doses, if you develop symptoms that signal possible liver problems,
you should stop
taking Strattera immediately and see your doctor as soon as possible.
These symptoms include abdominal pain lasting more than a few days,
white
bowel movements, dark urine, or yellowing of your eyes. Your doctor
may periodically test your liver function while you are on Strattera
therapy. Caution is also advisable if you have kidney problems.If you
are narcotic-dependent and accidentally take Strattera,
you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms lasting up to 48 hours,
including
confusion, sleepiness, hallucinations, vomiting, and diarrhea. If this
occurs, seek help immediately.Do not attempt to use narcotics while
taking Strattera. Small doses will have no effect, and large doses
could lead to coma or even death.
Ask your doctor to give you a Strattera medication card to alert medical
personnel that you are taking Strattera in case of an emergency. Carry
this card with you at all times. If you do require medical treatment,
be sure to tell the doctor that you are taking Strattera. You should also
tell your dentist and pharmacist that you are taking Strattera.
The safety of Strattera in children under 18 years of age has not been
established.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Strattera
Since studies to evaluate the interaction of Strattera with drugs other than narcotics have not been performed,
do not take any medications,
either over-the-counter or prescription, without first notifying your
doctor.Do not use Antabuse while you are taking Strattera; both drugs can damage your liver.
Do not take Mellaril (a drug used to treat depression and anxiety)
while on Strattera therapy, as the combination may make you feel very sleepy
and sluggish.
While taking Strattera avoid medicines that contain narcotics, including
cough and cold preparations, such as Actifed-C, Ryna-C, and Dimetane-DC;
antidiarrheal medications such as Lomotil; and narcotic painkillers
such as Percodan, Tylox, and Tylenol No. 3.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Strattera during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor
immediately. Strattera should be used during pregnancy only if clearly
needed. Strattera may appear in breast milk. If this medication is essential
to your health, your doctor may tell you to discontinue breastfeeding
your baby until your treatment with Strattera is finished.
Recommended dosage for Strattera
ALCOHOLISM
Overdosage
