Patient Information - Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine

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What does it do?

Atomoxetine is used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Before you start

Tell your doctor if you have liver, heart, or mental health problems, angle-closure glaucoma, or if you have ever had a seizure.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take atomoxetine regularly as directed with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

Important information continues on next page.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Symptoms of a fast or irregular heartbeat including: fluttering, pounding or pain in your chest, dizziness or fainting Prolonged erection (longer than four hours) Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain Eye pain, severe headache	Tell your doctor immediately
Unusual behaviour or thinking, agitation, mood changes Trouble peeing	Tell your doctor
Headache, trouble sleeping, drowsiness Shaking, tingling or numbness, tiredness or weakness Sweating Less interest in, or trouble having sex Dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, stomach upset	Tell your doctor if troublesome

Side Effects

Recommended action

Symptoms of a fast or irregular heartbeat including: fluttering, pounding or pain in your chest, dizziness or fainting

Prolonged erection (longer than four hours)

Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain

Eye pain, severe headache

Tell your doctor immediately

Unusual behaviour or thinking, agitation, mood changes

Trouble peeing

Tell your doctor

Headache, trouble sleeping, drowsiness

Shaking, tingling or numbness, tiredness or weakness

Sweating

Less interest in, or trouble having sex

Dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, stomach upset

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

Atomoxetine can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
Atomoxetine does not work straight away. It should start to work in about a month.
If you are having surgery, it is important to tell your doctor that you are taking atomoxetine.