Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription oral capsule taken to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and certain children. Strattera can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include nausea and appetite loss.

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects Strattera can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Below are a few of the more common side effects reported by people taking Strattera in studies. Side effects can vary depending on the age of the person taking the drug.

More common side effects in adults taking Strattera include:

More common side effects in children and adolescents taking Strattera include:

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Strattera, visit MedWatch.

Mild side effects have been reported with Strattera. These include:

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Strattera unless your doctor recommends it.

Strattera may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

* An allergic reaction is possible after taking Strattera. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies, but has been reported since the drug came on the market.

Although not common, serious side effects have been reported with Strattera. These include:

If you develop serious side effects while taking Strattera, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Strattera. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies, but has been reported since the drug came on the market.

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If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

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Strattera is approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6 years and older. Side effects are expected to be similar to those reported in adults.

However, Strattera does have a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents.To learn more about this warning, see the “Side effects explained” section below. You can also talk with your child’s doctor regarding concerns or questions about this side effect.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Strattera’s side effects.

Are side effects of Strattera similar to those seen with Adderall?

Yes and no. Some side effects caused by Strattera and Adderall are the same, but these drugs can also cause different side effects.

Some side effects shared by Strattera and Adderall include appetite loss, insomnia (trouble sleeping), and increased blood pressure. But fatigue (low energy) is more common with Strattera, while people taking Adderall are more likely to report urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about how Strattera and Adderall compare.

Does Strattera cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible. While most side effects caused by Strattera are mild and go away on their own, long-term side effects can happen in rare cases.

Examples of possible long-term side effects, according to Strattera’s studies, include:

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about Strattera’s possible long-term side effects.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

How long do side effects of Strattera typically last?

It depends. In most cases, side effects caused by Strattera go away on their own within a few hours to days. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that last longer than this. They can review your symptoms and determine the best treatment, which may include stopping Strattera.

Learn more about some of the side effects Strattera may cause.

Risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents

Strattera has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In short-term studies (up to 18 weeks), children and adolescents taking Strattera had a higher risk of suicidal thoughts compared to those who took a placebo (pill with no active drug). However, this side effect was extremely rare in these studies, and there were no reported suicides.

All reports of suicidal thoughts happened in children ages 12 years and younger. (The drug is approved for use in children ages 6 years and older). It’s not known whether this risk continues with long-term Strattera treatment.

Studies did not report an increased risk of suicidal thoughts among adults treated with Strattera.

Symptoms of suicidal thoughts include:

What might help

During treatment with Strattera, closely monitor your child’s moods and behaviors. If they show signs of suicidal thoughts, immediately contact their doctor.

You should seek immediate treatment at an emergency room or urgent care center if you or your child experience symptoms that seem life threatening. If you live in the United States, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If your child experiences suicidal thoughts during treatment with Strattera, their doctor will likely have them stop taking the drug.

Sexual side effects

While not common, sexual side effects were reported in Strattera’s studies. These include:

What might help

Depending on your sexual side effects and symptoms, your doctor may recommend a treatment. For example, they may prescribe a medication for ED if it’s safe for you to take.

Sexual side effects usually go away when you stop Strattera treatment. But do not stop taking this medication without talking with your doctor first. If they recommend you stop Strattera, they’ll suggest other options for treating your ADHD.

Heart-related side effects

Although rare, heart-related side effects were reported in Strattera’s studies. These include:

Sudden death is also possible in people with existing heart problems.

Symptoms of heart-related side effects can vary depending on the side effect. For example:

  • Increased heart rate may cause your chest to flutter or feel as if your heart is skipping beats.
  • Heart attack symptoms include excessive sweating and severe chest pain that may radiate to your neck, back, arm, or shoulder.
  • Stroke symptoms include numbness on one side of your body and difficulty speaking.
  • Increases in blood pressure don’t cause symptoms except in rare cases of a hypertensive emergency.

Your risk of heart-related side effects from Strattera is higher if you or a family member have ever had a heart problem (such as a past heart attack).

What might help

Before you start taking Strattera, your doctor should check your heart health and determine whether the drug is safe for you. If you have an existing heart problem, such as an irregular heart rhythm, your doctor may prescribe a different treatment for your condition.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Strattera can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies, but has happened since the drug came on the market.

Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin (usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet)
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Strattera, they’ll decide whether you should continue taking it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Strattera, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Strattera treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Taking notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Strattera affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

There are important warnings to consider before starting treatment with Strattera.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents

Strattera has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In short-term studies, children and adolescents taking Strattera had a higher risk of suicidal thoughts compared to those who took a placebo (pill with no active drug).

To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

Strattera may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Strattera. Factors to consider include those described below.

Heart condition, including irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. Although rare, Strattera can cause heart-related side effects. You may have a higher risk of these side effects if you have an existing heart condition, including an irregular heartbeat. Depending on the severity of your heart condition, your doctor may suggest a treatment other than Strattera that’s safer for you.

Liver condition, such as liver cirrhosis. There have been rare reports of liver injury in people taking Strattera since the drug came on the market. If you have an existing liver condition, you may have a higher risk of liver-related side effects from this drug. Your doctor can determine whether Strattera is safe to take with your liver condition.

Mental health condition, including depression. Strattera can cause side effects related to mental health, including hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there) or acting more aggressively than usual. You may have a higher risk of these side effects from Strattera if you have a mental health condition, including depression. Talk with your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of taking Strattera based on your mental health history.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Strattera or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask them about other medications that might be better options.

Alcohol and Strattera

There are no known interactions between Strattera and alcohol. Talk with your doctor if you have additional questions about consuming alcohol while taking this medication.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Strattera

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Strattera while pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor to learn more about safe treatment options for your condition and your child during these times. They can advise you on whether it’s safe to take Strattera.

Like most medications, Strattera can cause side effects. Most side effects caused by the drug are mild and go away on their own within a few hours to days. But in rare cases, the drug can also cause serious side effects that may require treatment.

If you have questions about side effects Strattera can cause, talk with your doctor. Examples of questions to help get you started include:

  • Does my health history increase my risk of anger or other behavioral side effects from Strattera?
  • Is my risk of high blood pressure higher when I first start taking this medication?
  • How do side effects caused by Strattera compare with those of other ADHD treatments?
  • Does my Strattera dosage affect my risk of side effects?

To learn more about Strattera, see these articles:

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.