Strattera® (Eli Lilly and Co.)
Strattera, the first nonstimulant approved for the treatment of Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder, is now available by prescription."Strattera is the first new type of ADHD medicine in decades, the only FDA-approved nonstimulant option and the first ADHD treatment clinically proven effective in children, adolescents and adults. Those factors may help explain why so many physicians and families have been so interested in Strattera's availability," said John Lechleiter, executive vice president of pharmaceutical products and corporate development at Lilly. "The availability of Strattera really marks the beginning of a new era in ADHD treatment - for the first time, physicians and patients have an FDA-approved nonstimulant option."The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Strattera on Nov. 26 for the treatment of ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. Lilly has been working aggressively since then to get Strattera into the nation's pharmacies, and to get sample packs into physicians' offices.Strattera, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, works differently than any older FDA-approved treatments for the disorder, all of which are stimulants. Strattera comes in a capsule and can be taken once or twice a day. It is the first ADHD medication clinically proven effective in adults, and provides full day relief of ADHD symptoms - from school through family time without causing insomnia in most children and adolescents.It's not known precisely how Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms. Scientists believe it works by blocking or slowing reabsorption of norepinephrine, a brain chemical considered important in regulating attention, impulsivity and activity levels. This keeps more norepinephrine at work in the tiny spaces between neurons in the brain.Strattera should not be taken at the same time as, or within two weeks of taking, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or by patients with narrow angle glaucoma. Patients with a history of high or low blood pressure, increased heart rate, or any heart or blood vessel disease should tell their doctor before taking Strattera. Strattera has not been tested in children less than 6 years of age. Some children may lose weight when starting treatment with Strattera. As with all ADHD medications, growth should be monitored during treatment.Most people in clinical studies who experienced side effects were not bothered enough to stop using Strattera. The most common side effects in children and adolescents were decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, upset stomach, dizziness and mood swings. In adults, the most common side effects were problems sleeping, dry mouth, decreased appetite, constipation, upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, problems urinating, painful menstruation and sexual side effects.Strattera® (atomoxetine HCl) is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Co., Inc.
Note:
This article is for educational purposes only. Families United for Children's Mental Health does not endorse Eli Lilly or any of its products. Consult your physician to determine if Strattera® is appropriate for you or your child.
Strattera® Home Page
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Postings
Families United for Children's Mental Health
A Federation of Families Chapter in Connecticut
