What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

glaucoma

high or low blood pressure

history of stroke

rregular heartbeat or other cardiac disease

liver disease

mania or bipolar disorder

suicidal thoughts

an unusual or allergic reaction to atomoxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. If you have difficulty sleeping and you take more than 1 dose per day, take your last dose before 6 PM. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl

methylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate

reboxetine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

amphetamines

atropine

breathing treatments, like albuterol, formoterol or salmeterol

certain heart medicines, like amiodarone or quinidine

ephedra, Ma huang or ephedrine

medicines for depression, anxiety or other mood problems

medicines for weight loss

medicines that increase blood pressure like ephedrine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

It may take a week or more for this medicine to take effect. This is why it is very important to continue taking the medicine and not miss any doses. If you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.
Rarely, this medicine may increase thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts in children and teenagers. Call your child's health care professional right away if your child or teenager has new or increased thoughts of suicide or has changes in mood or behavior like becoming irritable or anxious. Regularly monitor your child for these behavioral changes.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

breathing problems

chest pain

dark urine

fast, irregular heartbeat

general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

high blood pressure

stomach pain or tenderness

trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

vomiting

weight loss

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

change in sex drive or performance

constipation or diarrhea

headache

loss of appetite

menstrual period irregularities

nausea

stomach upset

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.