R R

What Is Atomoxetine?

Atomoxetine is a prescription selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, in adults and pediatric patients age 6 and older. Capsules come in strengths from 10 mg through 100 mg. Atomoxetine is not a controlled substance. Dosing is based on age, body weight, liver function, CYP2D6 metabolism, and interacting medicines.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Atomoxetine?

Atomoxetine is a prescription selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, in adults and pediatric patients age 6 and older. Capsules come in strengths from 10 mg through 100 mg. Atomoxetine is not a controlled substance. Dosing is based on age, body weight, liver function, CYP2D6 metabolism, and interacting medicines.

read more about atomoxetine ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

How Does Atomoxetine Affect Norepinephrine?

The exact therapeutic mechanism in ADHD is unknown. Atomoxetine selectively inhibits the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter, which increases norepinephrine activity in neural pathways involved in attention and behavioral regulation. It does not act as a stimulant and has a different pharmacologic profile from amphetamine or methylphenidate medicines used for ADHD.

Who Is Treated With Atomoxetine?

Atomoxetine is approved for ADHD in adults and children age 6 and older. It is used as part of an ADHD treatment program that can include psychological, educational, and social measures. Capsules are swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food. The medicine is not approved for children younger than 6.

How Is Atomoxetine Dosed?

Pediatric patients under 70 kg start at 0.5 mg per kg daily and target 1.2 mg per kg daily. Pediatric patients weighing 70 kg or more and adults start at 40 mg daily and target 80 mg daily. The adult maximum is 100 mg daily. Doses are taken once in the morning or divided between morning and late afternoon or early evening.

What Major Risks Come With Atomoxetine?

Atomoxetine carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients age 6 and older. Other serious risks include severe liver injury, increased blood pressure and heart rate, serious cardiovascular reactions, new psychotic or manic symptoms, priapism, and growth effects in children. Certain heart conditions, narrow-angle glaucoma, pheochromocytoma, and recent MAOI use are contraindications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Atomoxetine

Is atomoxetine a stimulant?

No. Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and is not classified as a stimulant.

Is atomoxetine a controlled substance?

No. Atomoxetine is not classified as a controlled substance in the United States.

Can atomoxetine be taken with food?

Yes. Atomoxetine capsules can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole.

Does atomoxetine need to be tapered?

No. Current labeling states that atomoxetine does not require tapering when treatment is discontinued.

References

Atomoxetine. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603013.html. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

DailyMed - ATOMOXETINE capsule. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0ab8d905-e890-4e91-a730-3e5d12f5c23f. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

DailyMed - STRATTERA (atomoxetine hydrochloride) capsule. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=309de576-c318-404a-bc15-660c2b1876fb. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

FDA Label - STRATTERA (atomoxetine) Capsules. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/021411s053lbl.pdf. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

STRATTERA (atomoxetine) Medication Guide. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=309de576-c318-404a-bc15-660c2b1876fb. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.