Atomoxetine / Attentin is used to increase the ability to pay attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine / Attentin is in a class of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine, a natural substance in the brain.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to atomoxetine or any other medications.
Do not take atomoxetine if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or have stopped taking them within the past 2 weeks.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: albuterol syrup or tablets (Proventil, Ventolin), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), bupropion (Wellbutrin), celecoxib (Celebrex), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), cimetidine (Tagamet), clomipramine (Anafranil), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), metaproterenol syrup or tablets (Metaprel), metoclopramide (Reglan), methadone (Dolophine), paroxetine (Paxil), quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute, Quinidex), ranitidine (Zantac), ritonavir (Norvir), sertraline (Zoloft), and terbinafine (Lamisil). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, a stroke, a mini-stroke, or heart or liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking atomoxetine, call your doctor.
You should know that atomoxetine may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
You should know that atomoxetine has caused severe liver damage in some patients. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: itchy skin, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, pain in the upper right part of your stomach, or flu-like symptoms.
You should know that atomoxetine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
You should know that atomoxetine should be used as part of a total treatment program for ADHD, which may include counseling and special education. Make sure to follow all of your doctor's and/or therapist's instructions.
Directions
Atomoxetine / Attentin is usually taken either as a single dose in the morning or divided into two doses in the morning and late afternoon or early evening; or as directed by your doctor.
Side Effects
Atomoxetine / Attentin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- heartburn
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- constipation
- dry mouth
- excessive tiredness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- dizziness
- headache
- mood swings
- irritability
- weight loss
- decreased sex drive or ability
- difficulty urinating
- painful menstrual periods
- cough
- runny nose
- violent behavior
- crying
- fever
- chills
- muscle pain
- sweating
- hot flashes
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- pounding heartbeat
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- hives
- rash
Atomoxetine / Attentin may slow down children's growth or weight gain. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of taking this medication.
Atomoxetine / Attentin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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