AtomoxetineAtomoxetine Hydrochloride

About Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; the label says exactly how it works in ADHD is unknown. It is labeled for ADHD in adults and children 6 and older. Children and teens up to 70 kg start at 0.5 mg per kg a day, raised after at least 3 days to a target of about 1.2 mg per kg, with a maximum of 1.4 mg per kg or 100 mg, whichever is less; heavier patients and adults start at 40 mg, raised after at least 3 days to 80 mg and, after 2 to 4 more weeks if needed, to 100 mg. It is taken once each morning or split between morning and late afternoon or early evening. Moderate liver impairment halves the dose and severe impairment cuts it to a quarter, and with a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor or slow CYP2D6 metabolism, a 4-week interval between increases is recommended. MedlinePlus says the full benefit can take up to a month.

The boxed warning says atomoxetine increased suicidal thinking in children and teens with ADHD in short-term studies, so they are watched closely for suicidal thoughts, worsening and unusual changes in behavior, especially in the first months and after dose changes, and stopping it is considered if these appear. It must not be taken with or within 14 days of an MAO inhibitor, or by people with narrow-angle glaucoma, a current or past pheochromocytoma, or severe heart or blood vessel disorders that a rise in blood pressure or heart rate would worsen. It is stopped and not restarted after jaundice or lab evidence of liver injury. Other warnings cover sudden death in children with serious heart problems and sudden death, stroke and heart attack in adults, raised blood pressure and heart rate, psychotic or manic symptoms (patients are screened for bipolar risk), aggression, allergic reactions, trouble urinating, painful or prolonged erections and slowed growth. Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain and sleepiness are most common in children; constipation, dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, dizziness, erectile dysfunction and trouble urinating in adults.

The label says no taper is needed to stop it, though MedlinePlus advises talking to the doctor first. Capsules are swallowed whole and never opened, because the contents irritate the eyes; Atoncy, a 4 mg per mL oral solution approved in March 2026, is measured with the syringe supplied and also kept out of the eyes. Blood pressure and heart rate are measured before starting, after dose increases and periodically, and growth is followed in children. Published studies in pregnancy are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk, and a pregnancy registry follows outcomes; whether atomoxetine passes into human milk is unknown. The Orange Book lists every Strattera strength as discontinued.

Taking Atomoxetine

How to take it

Once a day in the morning, or in two doses in the morning and late afternoon or early evening, with or without food. Swallow capsules whole without opening, chewing or crushing them, and measure the oral solution only with the syringe and bottle adapter supplied. If powder or solution gets in the eyes, rinse them with water right away and call the doctor; wash hands and any surface it touched.

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless the next dose is almost due; then skip it. Do not take a double dose, or more than the prescribed daily amount in 24 hours.

Storage

At room temperature in the original, tightly closed container, away from excess heat and moisture, out of reach of children; throw away the oral solution 45 days after first opening. Do not flush it; use a take-back program.

Interactions to know about

Never with or within 14 days of an MAO inhibitor, including linezolid and intravenous methylene blue. Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors such as paroxetine and fluoxetine raise its levels, so doses are raised more slowly. Albuterol taken by mouth and similar asthma medicines, blood pressure medicines and drugs that raise blood pressure call for closer checks of blood pressure and heart rate.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Atomoxetine differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Capsule quotes are for generics from many makers rated equivalent, so any of them can fill a capsule prescription, and the dose written decides how many capsules, and of which strengths, each fill needs. Atoncy oral solution is a separate product with no rated generic, though an authorized generic is also listed under the same approval. Each pharmacy sets its own cash price, including its dispensing fee.

Ways to pay less for Atomoxetine without insurance

• Ask whether atomoxetine capsules are on the pharmacy’s flat-price generic list, and compare more than one pharmacy.
• Once your dose is settled, ask for a ninety-day supply with refills.
• If your daily dose uses two capsules, ask the prescriber whether a single capsule strength could give the same dose.
• If the oral solution is prescribed and you can swallow capsules, ask the prescriber whether capsules would suit you.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Atomoxetine

1. 1.Should I take it once in the morning or split it into two doses?
2. 2.Do any of my antidepressants, asthma medicines or blood pressure medicines interact with it?
3. 3.Which mood or behavior changes, or liver symptoms, should I report right away?
4. 4.What should I do if a capsule breaks and the powder gets in my eyes?

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