Strattera
In brief
- Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
- Strattera is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a non-stimulant medicine that works by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of noradrenaline, helping improve attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity symptoms.
- The usual dose depends on age and body weight: for children and adolescents, treatment often starts at about 0.5 mg/kg/day and is increased after at least 3 days to around 1.2 mg/kg/day; for adults, the initial dose is 40 mg/day, usually increased to 80 mg/day, with a maximum of 100 mg/day.
- Strattera is taken by mouth as capsules, usually once daily in the morning, or divided into two doses in the morning and late afternoon/evening.
- It does not work immediately; some people notice improvement within 1–2 weeks, but the full effect may take several weeks of regular use.
- The duration of action is about 24 hours, so it is generally used once daily for ongoing control of ADHD symptoms.
- Alcohol should be avoided or kept to a minimum, as it may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired concentration.
- The most common side effects are decreased appetite, dry mouth, nausea, stomach upset, fatigue, dizziness, headache, and sleep disturbance.
- Would you like to try Strattera without a prescription?
Basic Strattera information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Atomoxetine
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Strattera; generic atomoxetine may also be supplied
- ATC code: N06BA09
- Forms and dosages: Capsule form; 10 mg yellow, 18 mg blue, 25 mg red/brown, 40 mg blue/white, 60 mg yellow, 80 mg brown, 100 mg blue/white; blister packs
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Eli Lilly; multiple generic manufacturers
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Licensed for ADHD; prescription only (POM)
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
- Use: ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Storage: Controlled room temperature, 15–25°C; protect from moisture and light; keep out of reach of children; transport in original packaging
Strattera at a glance
Strattera is the brand name for atomoxetine, a non-stimulant ADHD treatment that is prescription only in the UK.
It is approved for ADHD and is not a controlled substance, which matters for patients worried about misuse, sleep problems, appetite suppression, or a history of substance misuse.
Stimulant medicines are the usual comparison, because the choice is usually about fit.
- Prescribed through the NHS or privately, including electronic prescriptions.
Why patients look for Strattera rather than stimulants
Some people simply do not get on with stimulants.
Others need a non-stimulant option because of insomnia, reduced appetite, anxiety about controlled medicines, or concern about misuse.
Strattera is often discussed when a long-term prescription ADHD medicine is needed but stimulant treatment is unsuitable, ineffective, or poorly tolerated.
UK prescribing route
A patient may receive an NHS prescription, a private prescription, or an electronic prescription sent to a nominated pharmacy.
What Strattera is and how it is packaged
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| INN | Atomoxetine |
| Brand name | Strattera |
| Dosage form | Capsule form |
| Packaging | Blister packs |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly |
| Generic supply | Generic manufacturers may supply atomoxetine after patent expiry |
| Recognition tip | Colour-coded capsules and strength marking on the pack |
INN, brand naming, and generic atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is the medicine name used internationally, while Strattera is the best-known brand.
After patent expiry, generic atomoxetine may be dispensed instead of the brand, depending on availability and prescribing practice.
Capsule strengths, colours, and packaging recognition
People often recognise the product by colour before they remember the name.
The common strengths are 10 mg yellow, 18 mg blue, 25 mg red/brown, 40 mg blue/white, 60 mg yellow, 80 mg brown, and 100 mg blue/white.
Most presentations are in blister packs, which helps with dose tracking and day-to-day storage.
Who Strattera is for, and when it fits better than stimulants
- Used for ADHD in children aged 6 years and over, adolescents, and adults.
- Often chosen when stimulants are contraindicated, ineffective, or poorly tolerated.
- Can suit patients with a concern about substance misuse, because it does not have the euphoric effects associated with stimulant medicines.
- May be considered when appetite loss, sleep disruption, or misuse risk makes a stimulant less suitable.
- It is a long-term treatment decision rather than a quick-fix medicine.
ADHD indications across children, adolescents, and adults
Strattera is used across the ADHD age range, but the decision is always individual.
A school-aged child, a university student, and an adult with a demanding job may all need different support even though the diagnosis is the same.
When prescribers choose a non-stimulant option
A prescriber may prefer atomoxetine when a patient has had poor tolerance to stimulant treatment or when stimulant prescribing needs extra caution.
How Strattera works in everyday terms
Atomoxetine works by increasing noradrenaline signalling in the brain.
That supports attention, impulse control, and organisation over time.
It is a non-stimulant ADHD medication, so it does not work in the same immediate way as stimulant medicines.
It is also not a controlled substance, which matters for patients and carers discussing safety, storage, and suitability.
People often expect a quick effect, but atomoxetine usually needs time before benefit becomes clear.
That slower onset can be frustrating at first, especially if someone is comparing it with a medicine that seems to “kick in” on day one.
The important point is that effectiveness should be judged over weeks, not hours.
Noradrenaline reuptake inhibition explained simply
Think of noradrenaline as one of the brain’s messaging chemicals.
Atomoxetine helps more of that signal stay available, which may improve focus and reduce impulsive behaviour.
Why onset can feel slower than stimulant ADHD medicines
Because Strattera is not a stimulant, it tends to feel steadier and less immediate.
That is one reason pharmacists often remind patients not to judge atomoxetine too early.
How to take Strattera safely and consistently
- Take it exactly as written on the label.
- Most people take it once daily in the morning.
- If advised, it can be split into morning and late afternoon or evening doses.
- Swallow the capsule whole.
- Food timing is less important than taking it consistently.
- Use the same routine each day so doses are less likely to be missed.
Once-daily or split dosing
The usual routine is once daily, but split dosing may be used when the prescriber thinks it will suit the patient better.
That can help if a person notices daytime side effects or if a full dose at once does not suit their daily pattern.
Food, timing, and swallowing capsule advice
Patients often ask if it must be taken with breakfast.
In practical terms, consistency matters more than taking it with a specific meal.
If swallowing capsules is difficult, that should be discussed with the pharmacist before making any change.
Standard dosage by age and body weight
| Group | Starting dose | Target dose | Maximum dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children and adolescents | About 0.5 mg/kg/day | About 1.2 mg/kg/day after a minimum of 3 days | 1.4 mg/kg/day or 100 mg, whichever is lower |
| Adults | 40 mg/day | About 80 mg/day | 100 mg/day |
Children and adolescents: weight-based dosing
In younger patients, dosing is based on body weight rather than a fixed adult amount.
That is why carers sometimes see the dose change as the child grows or as the clinician adjusts the treatment response.
Adults: starting dose, target dose, and max dose
Adults usually start at 40 mg daily and are then moved towards 80 mg daily if the medicine is tolerated and helpful.
In practice, a dose change may mean switching to a different capsule strength or using a combination of strengths.
Dose adjustments in special situations
| Population | Adjustment notes |
|---|---|
| Children under 6 years | Not studied; use not recommended |
| Elderly | Data limited; caution advised due to potential comorbidities |
| Moderate liver impairment | Start at half the usual dose |
| Severe liver impairment | Start at one-quarter of the usual dose |
| Kidney impairment | No adjustment usually needed in mild or moderate cases; caution if severe |
Liver impairment, kidney impairment, and older adults
Liver function matters because dose reduction may be needed in moderate or severe impairment.
Kidney impairment usually does not require a change in mild or moderate cases, but severe disease always needs caution.
Children under 6 and limited-data groups
Strattera has not been studied in children under 6 years, so use is not recommended there.
Older adults are another group where extra care is sensible because of comorbidity and medication overlap.
How long Strattera takes to work and when to review it
Patients usually need a minimum 4–6 week trial before the medicine can be properly assessed.
Some people notice changes earlier, but full benefit can take longer.
Long-term treatment is common if the medicine is helping and side effects are manageable.
That is why repeat prescriptions, follow-up appointments, and pharmacy reviews matter.
Checking sleep, appetite, mood, blood pressure, and day-to-day function gives a much better picture than a quick first impression.
The 4–6 week review window
It is sensible to treat the first review as a checkpoint rather than a final verdict.
That helps patients stay realistic and stops treatment being abandoned too soon.
Long-term treatment and continuing assessment
When Strattera is effective, it is often continued for the long term with regular review.
That ongoing assessment is part of safe ADHD treatment, not a sign that something is wrong.
Side effects patients actually notice first
| Common early effects | Effects that need medical review |
|---|---|
| Decreased appetite | Liver enzyme abnormalities |
| Dry mouth | Urinary retention or hesitancy |
| Nausea or upset stomach | Palpitations |
| Fatigue or drowsiness | Mood swings or irritability |
| Dizziness or headache | Increased blood pressure or heart rate |
| Sleep disturbances | Suicidal ideation in young users |
Common mild effects
The first complaints are often dry mouth, appetite change, nausea, tiredness, dizziness, or a change in sleep.
These can be mild, but they are still worth mentioning at review because they affect adherence.
Effects that need medical review
Palpitations, urinary problems, mood swings, blood pressure rise, or signs of liver issues need proper assessment.
Children and young people need especially careful monitoring because of the warning about suicidal ideation.
Warnings, contraindications, and monitoring
- Hypersensitivity
- Do not use if there is known allergy to atomoxetine or any capsule component.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Atomoxetine should not be used in this condition.
- MAO inhibitors
- Do not use if an MAO inhibitor has been taken within the last 14 days.
- Severe cardiovascular disorders
- Severe hypertension or tachyarrhythmias are absolute contraindications.
- Blood pressure or pulse problems
- Pre-existing hypertension or tachycardia needs close monitoring.
- Seizure history
- Seizure disorders need careful review before treatment.
- Psychiatric comorbidity
- Depression, suicidal thoughts, or related concerns need close monitoring, especially early in treatment.
- Hepatic impairment
- Liver problems require dose adjustment and extra caution.
Absolute contraindications
These are the do-not-use situations.
If any apply, the prescriber should be told before treatment starts or continues.
Relative contraindications and red flags
Some situations do not absolutely rule out atomoxetine, but they do change the way it is monitored.
That is why pharmacy consultation is useful rather than a barrier.
Interactions, alcohol, and medicines to mention to the pharmacist
- Tell the pharmacist about all prescription medicines, including antidepressants and blood pressure treatment.
- Mention any recent or current MAO inhibitor use.
- Say if you take cold or flu remedies, as these can overlap with cardiovascular concerns.
- Share any history of palpitations, high blood pressure, or fast pulse.
- Tell the prescriber about mood symptoms, seizures, or liver problems.
Prescription medicines and OTC products
A full medicine history helps prevent avoidable problems.
That includes prescription treatment, over-the-counter products, and anything taken occasionally rather than every day.
Why full medicine history matters
In the UK, a pharmacist consultation is routine and useful.
It helps match the medicine to the patient, not just the diagnosis.
Strattera versus alternatives for ADHD
| Medicine | Class | Controlled substance? | Common use context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strattera | Atomoxetine, non-stimulant | No | When stimulants are unsuitable, ineffective, or not desired |
| Ritalin | Methylphenidate, stimulant | Yes | ADHD treatment where stimulant therapy is appropriate |
| Concerta | Methylphenidate prolonged release, stimulant | Yes | ADHD treatment with extended release coverage |
| Elvanse | Lisdexamfetamine, stimulant prodrug | Yes | ADHD treatment with stimulant prodrug properties |
| Intuniv | Guanfacine, non-stimulant | No | ADHD treatment in suitable patients |
Stimulants: Ritalin, Concerta and Elvanse
These are often compared with atomoxetine because they are also used for ADHD.
The key difference is that Strattera is a non-stimulant and not a controlled substance, which changes the way some patients and prescribers view it.
Non-stimulants: Intuniv
Other non-stimulants can also have a place in ADHD treatment, depending on symptoms and prescribing history.
Legal status and availability in the UK
Strattera is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
In our online pharmacy, Strattera is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | England | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | England | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | England | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | England | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | England | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | England | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | England | 9–21 days |
| Nottingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Leicester | England | 9–21 days |
| Aberdeen | Scotland | 9–21 days |
Storage, missed doses, overdose, and practical handling at home
- Store at 15–25°C.
- Protect from moisture and light.
- Keep in original packaging during transport.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless the next dose is close; do not double up.
- If too much is taken, seek immediate medical attention.
- Overdose symptoms may include somnolence, hyperactivity, stomach upset, or abnormal behaviour.
Storage and transport
Room-temperature storage in the original blister pack is the safest approach for home use.
That also helps protect the capsules from moisture and light.
Missed dose and overdose advice
A missed dose should usually be skipped if the next dose is near, rather than doubled.
Any suspected overdose needs urgent medical advice straight away.
