Strattera Plus Stimulants for Treatment of ADHD

Signs and symptoms of ADHD were evaluated using the investigator-administered Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Screening Version (CAARS), a 30-item scale. The primary effectiveness measure was the 18-item Total ADHD Symptom score (the sum of the inattentive and hyperactivity/impulsivity subscales from the CAARS) evaluated by a comparison of mean change from baseline to endpoint using an intent-to-treat analysis. The steady-state volume of distribution after intravenous administration is 0.85 L/kg indicating that atomoxetine distributes primarily into total body water. Volume of distribution is similar across the patient weight range after normalizing for body weight. STRATTERA is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to atomoxetine or other constituents of the product see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS.

The effectiveness of STRATTERA in the treatment of ADHD was established in 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies of adult patients, age 18 and older, who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD. Atomoxetine is well-absorbed after oral administration and is minimally affected by food. It is eliminated primarily by oxidative metabolism through the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) enzymatic pathway and subsequent glucuronidation. A fraction of the population (about 7% of Caucasians and 2% of African Americans) are poor metabolizers (PMs) of CYP2D6 metabolized drugs. Drugs that inhibit CYP2D6, such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, and quinidine, cause similar increases in exposure. Data on the long-term effects of STRATTERA on growth come from open-label studies, and weight and height changes are compared to normative population data.

Strattera and foods to avoid

• Ethnic origin did not influence atomoxetine disposition (except that PMs are more common in Caucasians).
• There have been no reports of death involving overdose of STRATTERA alone, including intentional overdoses at amounts up to 1400 mg.
• Ritalin is the brand name of a stimulant drug called methylphenidate.
• Disclose to your physician all mental health issues, including any family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression.
• Drugs that inhibit CYP2D6, such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, and quinidine, cause similar increases in exposure.

If used for a long time, Strattera may affect a child’s growth rate, weight, and final adult height. To reduce the risk, the doctor may recommend briefly stopping the medication occasionally. Check the child’s weight and height regularly, and consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

What Is Strattera?

• These could be signs that your baby is getting side effects from the medication.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you, or anyone in your family, have had problems with drug or alcohol abuse.
• Strattera may also cause severe liver injury, new or worsening psychosis, aggressive behavior, and erections lasting more than four hours.
• Generic versions of Strattera are also available in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
• Rare postmarketing cases of priapism, defined as painful and nonpainful penile erection lasting more than 4 hours, have been reported for pediatric and adult patients treated with STRATTERA.
• In some cases of overdose involving STRATTERA, seizures have been reported.

Advise patients that there is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to atomoxetine during pregnancy see Use In Specific Populations. Growth followed a similar pattern in both extensive and poor metabolizers (EMs, PMs). PMs treated for at least two years gained an average of 2.4 kg and 1.1 cm less than predicted, while EMs gained an average of 0.2 kg and 0.4 cm less than predicted. Coadministration of methylphenidate with STRATTERA did not increase cardiovascular effects beyond those seen with methylphenidate alone.

Pooled analyses of short-term (6 to 18 weeks) placebo-controlled trials of STRATTERA in children and adolescents have revealed a greater risk of suicidal ideation early during treatment in those receiving STRATTERA. There were a total of 12 trials (11 in ADHD and 1 in enuresis) involving over 2200 patients (including 1357 patients receiving STRATTERA and 851 receiving placebo). The average risk of suicidal ideation in patients receiving STRATTERA was 0.4% (5/1357 patients), compared to none in placebo-treated patients. There was 1 suicide attempt among these approximately 2200 patients, occurring in a patient treated with STRATTERA. All reactions occurred in children 12 years of age or younger.

Strattera expiration, storage, and disposal

This means there’s the potential for abuse and that extended use might cause dependence. If you’re taking ADHD medication and experience any severe or is straterra a stimulant unusual signs or symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Both Strattera and Adderall are available in different dosing ranges as well as in brand name and generic forms. Adderall tends to work quickly to relieve symptoms, while Strattera can take several weeks to reach its full efficacy. Your doctor might approve taking a break from Adderall (a “drug holiday” where you do not take the medication for a weekend or over a holiday).

Efficacy and effectiveness of stimulant and atomoxetine combination therapy

Physicians should monitor these vital signs closely during treatment. Call your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Strattera. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Atomoxetine can affect you or your child’s alertness or coordination.

You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

The effects of Strattera on children under 6 and on the elderly have not been studied. For updated information about dosages, interactions, and precautions, see the Strattera drug monograph on WebMD. Avoid coming in contact with an open or a broken atomoxetine capsule. Wash any surfaces that an open capsule touches, such as your hands.

Effectiveness for ADHD

His NT was discontinued, and he was started on 25 mg qam for 1 week, after which the dose was increased to 50 mg and then, 1 week later, to 80 mg qam. After minor gastrointestinal complaints and some somnolence in the first week, no adverse effects were reported. Frank initially reported no benefit, but after 3 weeks he noticed that he felt more calm throughout the day. His parents and teachers reported improved behaviour throughout the day, but they and Frank noted that he continued to show much difficulty in sustaining concentration for academic tasks. Over the next 3 weeks, Jennifer reported feeling calmer, more focused, and more alert throughout the day and into the evening until bedtime. For 5 months Jennifer and her parents have continued to report good control of her ADHD symptoms throughout the day and evening, with no adverse effects reported.

It boosts levels of norepinephrine in your brain to help with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Also, unlike stimulants that are commonly used to treat ADHD, Strattera (atomoxetine) is not a controlled substance because it has a low risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction. As the name suggests, it works on the reuptake of norepinephrine.