Strattera Australia (atomoxetine) belongs to selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor group of medications. Strattera Australia capsules are prescribed for oral administration only. Each capsule of Strattera Australia contains atomoxetine HCl equivalent (10, 18, 25, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg of atomoxetine). In addition, the capsules contain pregelatinized starch as well as dimethicone. The capsule shell contains sodium lauryl sulfate, gelatin and other inactive elements and ingredients.

Strattera Australia is used for treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children of 6 years and older, as well as adolescents and adults. ADHD basically represents a behavioural disorder, which causes hyperactivity and/or lack of focus. The basis behind of performance of Strattera Australia is acting on amines (brain chemicals), which are responsible for behaviour control. Strattera Australia should usually be taken 1-2 times per day (early in the morning and early evening or late afternoon).

Side Effects

Inform your physician immediately or call the Emergency, if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• fainting, abnormal heart beat;
• tingling, numbness in fingers as well as toes during exposure to low temperatures;
• colour inversion (white, blue, red etc.);
• hallucinations and/or confusions (feeling or seeing things, which actually are not there);
• fits, seizures, convulsions;
• signs of liver injury (e.g. dark urine colour); yellowish skin and/or eyes, stomach cramps;
• abnormal nausea, lethargy, fatigue;
• sudden hyperactivity, irritability, elation;
• strange attempts or thoughts to harm yourself as well as suicidal ideas.

The list above describes the most common and serious side effects caused by Strattera Australia, which may require immediate medical attention. On other hand, there are also some additional side effects, which are not as serious.

Children, adolescents as well as adults may experience the following:

• constipation, sore or upset stomach accompanied by pain;
• diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, decreased appetite, loss of weight;
• headache, dizziness, abnormal weakness;
• persistent flu-like symptoms (i.e. fever, chills, sore throat, watery/ irritated eyes);
• dilated pupils, irritability, mood swings;
• skin redness, rash, itching;
• tiredness, difficulties in falling asleep;
• lack of energy, abnormal weakness, persistent feeling of tiredness

Adults tend to have the following symptoms, while taking Strattera Australia:

• dryness in mouth, feeling of thirst;
• difficulties in urination/ frequent urination, unusual, painful urination;
• sexual problems, impotence, testicular and/or genital pain (males only);
• irregularities or pain during menstruation (women only);
• hot flushes and/or increased sweating;
• tingling, tickling, burning, numbness, hypersensitivity of skin.

Precautions

It is of high importance to know your health conditions in order to be aware, whether you are actually allowed to take Strattera Australia. Ensure you have a preliminary consultation with a qualified physician in case of conditions listed below:

• heart diseases (e.g. moderate to severe hypertension, abnormal heart beat rate, thickening and/or hardening of the arteries walls because of cholesterol deposits);
• adrenal gland tumour, which is located near the kidney. The typical symptoms are fits of anxiety and/or severe headaches, dizziness, palpitations, weakness, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, blurred vision, dilated pupils, stomach ache and increase in blood pressure;
• uncontrolled overactive thyroid gland, which may cause an increase in appetite, as well as weight loss, heat intolerance, tremors, increased sweating and increased heartbeat rate.

Abstain from taking Strattera Australia, if at the same time you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). The minimum interval between MAOI treatment (used for treatment of depression) and Strattera should be at least 14 days. Consult with your pharmacist if you have any doubts with regards to MAOI treatment. In case if you still take Strattera Australia in conjunction with MAOI, then you may suffer from tremor, muscle stiffness, shivering, rapid pulse, strong fever, confusion and rapid breathing.

Please, avoid taking Strattera Australia, if you exhibit high pressure in the eyes (i.e. glaucoma), or else have got glaucoma cases in family history.

Never take this drug after the expiry date, which is provided on the package. Same applies, if the package is damaged or has some signs of tampering. In such cases you should immediately return the medicine to your pharmacist for further disposal.