Atomoxetine

In Aotearoa New Zealand atomoxetine is available as capsules and comes in different strengths: 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg and 100 mg.

• The dose of atomoxetine will be different for different people, depending on your body weight and your response to the medicine.
• Your healthcare provider will usually start you on a low dose and increase the dose depending on how you respond. This allows your body to get used to the medicine and reduces side effects.
• Always take your atomoxetine exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much atomoxetine to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

• Timing: Atomoxetine is usually taken once a day, in the morning. Sometimes, your healthcare provider may recommend dividing the dose into 2, taking the first part of the dose in the morning and the other part late afternoon or early evening. Take your medicine at about the same time each day.
• Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water: You can take your dose with or without food.
  
  

Missed dose

• If you usually take it once a day: Take the missed dose when you remember during the day, as long as this is at least 12 hours before the next dose is due. If you remember after this time, do not take the missed dose. Wait until the next usual dose.
• If you usually take it twice a day: If you remember up to 4 hours after you should have given a dose, take your missed dose. For example, if you usually take a dose at about 7am, you can take the missed dose at any time up to 11am. If you remember after that time, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose as usual.

Here are some things to know when you're taking atomoxetine. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Check the strength of your capsules: Each time you collect a supply of atomoxetine, check that the capsules are the strength that you're expecting. There are several strengths of atomoxetine capsule. You will be given a strength that fits with your healthcare provider's recommendations. If you're unsure about the dose and strength of capsule you're taking, talk to your pharmacist. Your dose may change over time.
• Taking other medicines or supplements: Atomoxetine can interact with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting atomoxetine and before starting any new products.
• Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking atomoxetine: Atomoxetine and alcohol affect your heart and blood pressure, increasing your risk of side effects such as increase in blood pressure, heart rate and liver problems.
• Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you: Atomoxetine may cause blurred vision, make you feel dizzy, or affect your focus – especially when you start taking it.

You may need to take atomoxetine for several months or even years, but it's unlikely that you'll need to take it for the rest of your life.

• Regular check-ups: You'll have regular check-ups, usually every 6 months or so, to see how well the medicine is working and if any changes are needed. Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, heart rate and weight.
• Medicine holiday: Your healthcare provider may recommend stopping atomoxetine for a while or reducing the dose. For children, this will normally be during the school holidays and can be called a 'medicine break'. This is to check whether it’s still helping.
• Teenage reassessment: As your child gets to puberty, or just after, they will be assessed to see if the medicine is still needed. If the medicine is still helping, it may be recommended your child keeps taking it, even as an adult.
• Don't stop atomoxetine suddenly: Talk to your healthcare provider first as it might be best to reduce the dose gradually. This reduces the risk of having side effects when you stop taking this medicine.

Like all medicines, atomoxetine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

• Tummy upset.
• Nausea (feeling sick).
• Headache.
• Reduced appetite.
• Cold hands and feet.
• Changes with taste.
• Constipation.
• Drowsiness or dizziness.
• Trouble sleeping: It's best to take your dose in the morning. If you are taking more than 1 dose per day, the second dose needs to be taken by early afternoon. Taking your dose too late in the day may keep you awake at night.
  
  

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Anxiety, nervousness, irritability, changes in mood.
• Chest pain, seizures or feelings of increased heart rate.
• Suicidal feelings or behaviour such as agitation, aggression, self-harm, worsening of low mood.
• Signs of problems with your liver such as severe tummy pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.