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Strattera is a drug that doctors might prescribe for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Classified as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, this medication increases certain chemicals in the brain to help people to focus.
Some people might take more of this drug than prescribed or take it without a prescription in an attempt to experience these effects. When someone misuses this drug, there is the potential for negative consequences.
If someone abuses the drug regularly, psychological dependence is possible. Strattera withdrawal is usually complete within a week or so.
People use Strattera to improve their focus and productivity. When someone starts to take this medicine, it can take one to four weeks before the positive results are noticed, according to an article published in Attitude Mag by Larry Silver, MD.
Since this is not a stimulant like other medications used to treat ADHD, the risk of abuse is lower than it is with drugs like Adderall and Ritalin. Preclinical, early clinical, and neurochemical studies support and predict a lack of abuse potential with this drug, according to research published in Psychopharmacology. These findings are consistent with the past 10 years of spontaneous event data and clinical trial data.
This does not mean that no one has ever abused Strattera. It just means that the likelihood is low.
There is the potential to take more of this drug than a doctor prescribes or to take it without a prescription. Both of these actions involve misuse and can lead to abuse.
If someone takes more of this medicine than they are prescribed, there is a heightened risk of experiencing side effects. Possible side effects include:
The above-listed side effects are considered relatively common. Unless they are severe, they typically do not require medical intervention.
The following side effects are more serious and should be promptly evaluated by a doctor:
Seeking emergency medical attention for these symptoms is important. They could be the result of a very serious medical issue.
While it is not common, there is a warning about this medicine potentially increasing the risk of a person experiencing suicidal thinking, according to Vincent Iannelli, MD. In most cases, this has been seen in children or adolescents using this medicine. It is not known if abusing Strattera may increase the risk of someone experiencing this effect. If it does occur, the person should seek immediate medical treatment.
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This drug has not been associated with any discontinuation symptoms or withdrawal syndrome. No research has shown symptom rebound once use is stopped.
Research has explored whether it is more beneficial to stop this drug abruptly or to have people taper off it. Stopping the drug abruptly is well tolerated, and no acute discontinuation syndrome occurred, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology.
Even though withdrawal effects do not occur, if a doctor prescribes this medication to someone, it is recommended that they not stop use abruptly. They should first talk to their doctor before discontinuing Strattera.
Since Strattera does not cause withdrawal symptoms, there usually is no need for a person to undergo a medical detox process. However, if someone is abusing the drug and believes they have developed a psychological dependence on it, professional help can be beneficial during withdrawal.
Any person who has experienced an accidental overdose with this drug should consider seeking help from an addiction specialist. When taking Strattera alone, there have been no documented fatalities associated with overdose, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, unpleasant effects are possible. These include:
Any person who suspects they are experiencing an overdose should seek immediate medical treatment. Once the overdose is resolved, they can start looking into treatment programs.
Detox facilities vary greatly in terms of quality, what they offer, and how they can accommodate clients.
If insurance does not cover the entire cost of detox, some facilities will work with clients to set up a payment plan. The person would then gradually pay off the amount of treatment on a monthly basis once they have exited the program.
If someone believes they are abusing this drug, it is important that they immediately seek out help. A good detox center will help people to get off Strattera as comfortably as possible.
They will also help people to develop a long-term treatment plan that can aid people in working toward recovery so that they no longer need to take this drug. Many detox centers are part of a comprehensive treatment program, allowing clients to seamlessly transition from detox to ongoing care.
Strattera: ADHD Medication FAQ. Attitude Mag. Retrieved January 2019 from https://www.additudemag.com/strattera-adhd-medication-faq/
A Review of the Abuse Potential Assessment of Atomoxetine: A Nonstimulant Medication for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Psychopharmacology. Retrieved January 2019 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579642/
Strattera – Atomoxetine Hydrochloride Capsule. DailyMed. Retrieved January 2019 from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=309de576-c318-404a-bc15-660c2b1876fb
Strattera Patient Information Including Side Effects. RxList. Retrieved January 2019 from https://www.rxlist.com/strattera-drug/patient-images-side-effects.htm
(2018) Strattera Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication. Verywell Health. Retrieved January 2019 from https://www.verywellhealth.com/strattera-a-new-adhd-medication-2631956
(2018) Strattera Patient Tips. Drugs.com. Retrieved January 2019 from from https://www.drugs.com/tips/strattera-patient-tips
(February 2004) Changes in Symptoms and Adverse Events After Discontinuation of Atomoxetine in Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Prospective, Placebo-Controlled Assessment. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. Retrieved January 2019 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14709944
Strattera. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved January 2019 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021411s004s012s013s015s021lbl.pdf
6 Tips for Finding a Good Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. US News & World Report. Retrieved January 2019 from https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2017-09-07/6-tips-for-finding-a-good-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-center