atomoxetine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor; non-stimulant ADHD treatment.
Licensed use
ADHD in children aged 6 years and older, adolescents and adults, within a comprehensive treatment programme.
Specialist role
Treatment should be initiated by a clinician specialising in ADHD.
Food
Capsules and oral solution may be taken with or without food.
What is atomoxetine hydrochloride used for?
The selected products are licensed for:
ADHD in children aged 6 years and older, adolescents and adults when symptoms cause meaningful impairment and treatment forms part of a comprehensive programme.
For adults, symptoms originating in childhood should be confirmed before treatment starts.
How does atomoxetine hydrochloride work?
Atomoxetine selectively blocks the presynaptic noradrenaline transporter, increasing noradrenaline signalling in brain pathways involved in attention and impulse control. It does not directly block dopamine or serotonin transporters.
atomoxetine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg
How to take atomoxetine hydrochloride
Follow the product instructions and directions from the prescribing team.
It may be taken with or without food.
Swallow capsules whole. Do not open, crush or remove their contents because they can irritate the eyes.
Measure oral solution with the supplied oral syringe and adaptor; do not mix it into food or water.
If capsule contents or solution enter an eye, rinse immediately with water, wash contaminated skin or surfaces and obtain medical advice.
atomoxetine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reduced appetite
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort
- Dry mouth or constipation
- Difficulty sleeping, sleepiness or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Urinary or sexual difficulties, particularly in adults
Get urgent medical advice
- Thoughts of suicide, marked aggression or major behavioural change
- Chest pain, fainting, palpitations or unexplained breathlessness
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or other possible liver-injury symptoms
- Seizure
- Severe allergic reaction
- Hallucinations, delusions or mania
- Serotonin syndrome
- Painful or prolonged erection
atomoxetine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited, although current observational evidence has not shown an overall increase in major congenital malformations. Atomoxetine may occasionally be considered when ADHD cannot be managed adequately another way. Discuss a planned or confirmed pregnancy promptly with the prescriber and do not stop treatment without advice. Exposure near delivery may warrant observation of the newborn.
atomoxetine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether atomoxetine passes into human milk. The product information advises avoiding it while breastfeeding because evidence is lacking. If treatment is important, seek an individual specialist assessment considering the parent, infant and available alternatives.
atomoxetine hydrochloride interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Must not be combined with atomoxetine; a washout period is required when changing between them.
Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors, including fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine and terbinafine
Can substantially increase atomoxetine exposure, requiring reassessment of response and tolerability.
Serotonergic medicines, including SSRIs, SNRIs, some opioids and tricyclic antidepressants
May increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Common questions about atomoxetine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is atomoxetine hydrochloride a stimulant?
No. It is a non-stimulant selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor used for ADHD.
Does atomoxetine hydrochloride work immediately?
No. Its effect usually develops gradually, so changes may not be obvious when treatment first starts.
Can atomoxetine hydrochloride capsules be opened?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.