Atomoxetine

Common Use

Atomoxetine contains the active ingredient atomoxetine hydrochloride, which belongs to a class of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) —in simple terms, it works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine, a natural chemical in the brain that plays a key role in attention, focus, and impulse control. Unlike many other medications used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), atomoxetine is not a stimulant—it works differently and is not habit-forming.

Atomoxetine is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of behavior that can affect functioning in more than one social environment (such as home, school, or work). Symptoms of ADHD include:

Lack of concentration – difficulty paying attention or staying focused on tasks

Distractibility – easily sidetracked by unrelated thoughts or stimuli

Excessive restlessness – fidgeting, squirming, or feeling unable to sit still

Impulsiveness – acting without thinking, interrupting others, or making hasty decisions

Disorganization – difficulty managing tasks, time, or belongings

Other similar conduct disorders that interfere with daily functioning

Atomoxetine helps improve attention span, reduce impulsivity, and decrease hyperactivity, allowing individuals with ADHD to better manage their daily activities.

Dosage and Direction

Take atomoxetine once or twice daily, with or without food—whatever suits you best. Swallow the capsules whole; do not crush, chew, or open them and sprinkle the contents on food, as this can affect how the medication is absorbed.

If atomoxetine needs to be discontinued, it does not require a gradual reduction of the dose—you can stop taking it as directed by your doctor without tapering.

Body Weight Recommended Initial Dose Therapeutic Daily Dose Maximum Daily Dose Over 70 kg (adults, adolescents, and children over 70 kg) 40 mg once daily 80 mg (may be increased after at least 3 days) 120 mg (may be increased after 2–4 weeks if symptoms do not improve) Under 70 kg (children and adolescents) Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on weight As prescribed As prescribed Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more of this medication than your doctor recommended.

Precautions

Before taking atomoxetine, inform your doctor if you have:

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Tachycardia (fast heart rate)

Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular circulation disorders

Congenital heart defect, coronary artery disease, or other heart disease

Heart rhythm disorder

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

A history of heart attack (myocardial infarction)

Liver disease

Problems with urination (urinary retention)

Bipolar illness, mental illness, psychotic disorder, depression, or a history of suicide attempts

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

It is not known how this medication may affect an unborn baby. Atomoxetine should be administered to pregnant women only if the potential benefit from its use exceeds the possible risks

It is not known whether atomoxetine passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Contraindications

Atomoxetine is contraindicated—meaning you should not take it—in the following situations:

Concomitant treatment with MAO inhibitors (such as pirlindole, metralindol, moclobemide, nialamide) – this combination can cause serious, life-threatening reactions

Within 14 days after MAO inhibitor treatment has been discontinued

Closure-angle glaucoma (narrow-angle glaucoma)

Hypersensitivity (allergy) to atomoxetine or any of its components

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

Dry mouth

Decreased appetite

Nausea, upset stomach, vomiting

Dizziness

Tiredness (fatigue)

Changes in mood

Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)

Difficulty urinating

Sexual side effects (such as erectile dysfunction or decreased libido)

Allergic reactions (hives, rash, facial swelling, edema)

More serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately if they become bothersome:

Fast or uneven heartbeats (palpitations)

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Feeling light-headed or fainting

Low fever

Dark urine or clay-colored stools

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Increased blood pressure

Decreased urination or anuria (no urine output)

Seizures (convulsions)

If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Drug Interactions

Atomoxetine can interact with several medications:

Do NOT take atomoxetine with:

MAO inhibitors – a break of at least 14 days is required between stopping an MAOI and starting atomoxetine

Medications that may increase blood levels of atomoxetine (due to inhibition of the liver enzyme CYP2D6 that eliminates atomoxetine):

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Paroxetine (Paxil)

Quinidine

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)

Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone)

Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Methadone (Methadose, Dolophine)

Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

Ranitidine (Zantac)

Terbinafine (Lamisil)

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Ritonavir (Norvir)

Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) – use with caution as it may increase heart rate and blood pressure

Always inform your doctor about all medications and herbal products you are using, including over-the-counter products and supplements.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it is almost time for your next dose. If that’s the case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take double doses of this medication or extra doses to make up for a missed one. Take your usual dose the next day at the same regularly scheduled time.

Overdose

The majority of reported atomoxetine overdose effects were moderate. Symptoms may include:

Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)

Dry mouth

Convulsions (seizures)

Hyperactivity or agitation

Behavioral disorders

Drowsiness

Stomach upset

Mydriasis (excessive dilation of the pupils)

Blurred vision

Nausea and vomiting

If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

Storage

Store atomoxetine at room temperature between 20–25°C (68–77°F). Keep it away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom, and keep it out of reach of children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We understand that managing ADHD requires consistency, patience, and reliable access to your medication—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your atomoxetine can be with you by the next day, helping you stay focused, balanced, and in control of your daily life.