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Dr.
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A mother is trying to help her teenage son learn anger management.
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Self-esteem issues can plague individuals with ADHD. There are many causes but there is help.
Medication Fact Sheets
Atomoxetine
This is a new medication approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of ADHD. It is expected to be available in pharmacies in January 2003.
Please note that this is a prescription medication. It can only be prescribed by a doctor. All medications should be taken only under the advice of a doctor and should be monitored closely by your physician.
All medication for ADHD should be used as part of an overall treatment plan. This plan may contain social skills training, educational assistance and psychological treatment.
The information provided here contains some basic information that you can discuss with your physician.
PLEASE KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. PLACE THEM IN A CABINET WHICH CAN NOT BE REACHED BY A CHAIR OR BY CLIMBING. MEDICATIONS SHOULD BE KEPT LOCKED UP WHEN CHILDREN ARE IN THE HOME.
Description:
This is a new medication approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of ADHD. It is expected to be available in pharmacies in January, 2003. This is the first non-stimulant medication to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD. Although a new medication, early studies have shown it to be safe and effective in treating ADHD in children and adults. One study indicates results comparable to Ritalin.
Common Names: Strattera
Side Effects:
Please note the following side effects are the most common side effects. Each person may or may not experience any or all of the following. Many times side effects will disappear within a few weeks of beginning medication. If they do not, you should contact your physician. If side effects seem severe, you should contact your physician immediately.
 | Nausea
| Decreased Appetite
| Tiredness
| Insomnia/Sleep Problems
| Upset Stomach/Vomiting
| Dry Mouth
| Dizziness | Sexual dysfunction | |
Warnings and Precautions:
This medication can cause interactions with other medications. You should notify your doctor if you are taking any other medication or supplement. The following drugs are known to have possible interactions:
| MAO inhibitors *CAUTION* Do not take this medication while you are taking or within 14 days of taking an MAO inhibitor or you may increase the chance of serious side effects; at least 14 days should be allowed between stopping treatment with an MAO inhibitor |
If you have any of the following conditions, you should notify your physician before beginning this medication:
| Alcohol/Drug abuse
| Heart Disease
| High Blood Pressure
| Narrow Angle Glaucoma
| |
Precautions:
This medication can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Both of these should be routinely checked while on this medication.
This medication can cause the following conditions to worsen:
| High Blood Pressure
| Heart Disease
| |
Do not operate machinery until you are sure of how this medication affects you.
Regular visits to the doctor are recommended. Weight and height checks should be done on a regular basis.
If you wish to discontinue taking this medication, talk with your doctor first to determine if you should gradually reduce the amount of medication.
Some signs of mental and/or physical dependency include:
| A desire or need to continue taking this medication. |
| A need to increase the dose to receive the same effects of the medication. |
| Withdrawal side effects such as mental depression, unusual tiredness or weakness if medication is stopped. |
Other Information:
If you should miss a dose, it is recommended that you continue on your regular schedule and skip the dose. Do not double up on the next dose. If you miss a dose and realize within one hour, it may be possible to take the missed dose. Speak with your physician if you should have any questions about what to do when you miss a dose.
Keep this medication away from direct light and heat sources. Do not store in a bathroom where it may be exposed to moisture and heat. Be sure to discard any medication past it's due date.