Generically known as atomoxetine, Strattera is an oral medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients older than 6 years old. Strattera is produced by Eli Lilly and Company and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since November 2002. Strattera is under patent until 2017, and as a result, there are no generic forms produced or sold in the U.S. To date, more than 3.3 million Americans have been prescribed Strattera.
Strattera Side Effects
Like many modern prescription medications, Strattera is known to cause a range of mild to severe side effects. In most cases, patients will only develop minor, fleeting, easily treatable Strattera side effects, including:
Minor Side Effects:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Increased blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite
- Menstrual cramps
- Nausea
- Problems urinating
- Sweating
- Weight fluctuations
Life-Threatening Side Effects:
- Abnormal patterns of thought
- Depression
- Liver injuries
- Mood disorders
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors
Symptoms of severe Strattera side effects include:
- Chest pain
- Dark urine
- Hallucinations
- Jaundice
- Lightheadedness and/or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual thoughts and/or aggression
- Urination problems
Those with the highest risk of developing debilitating Strattera side effects include patients:
- Have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medication within the past 14 days
- Have a history of glaucoma
- Are allergic to atomoxetine.
Such high-risk patients should work with their doctors to find a suitable, safer alternative to Strattera. Patients with a congenital heart defect, liver disease and/or blood clots may need special tests or dose adjustments before starting a course of Strattera.
Strattera Facts & Statistics
- To properly take Strattera, patients should take one pill daily with an 8-ounce glass of water
- About 64 percent of Strattera patients are younger than 17 years old
- In 2007, the FDA mandated that all Strattera packaging and medication guides contain the most serious warning labels, known as black boxwarnings, to highlight the potential of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- As of January 2009, six Strattera patients reported developing serious liver injuries as a result of taking this drug
Compensation for Strattera Injuries
If you or someone you love has been harmed by Strattera, it is important to know that you do have rights. You may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses. To find out if you qualify to seek damages, contact Gacovino, Lake and Associates for help. Our defective drug attorneys will evaluate your case and help you recover the compensation you need.
