Strattera (atomoxetine) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and some children. Strattera comes as an oral capsule that’s typically taken once a day.
Strattera belongs to a drug class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Strattera is available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Strattera, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Strattera, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages of Strattera provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Strattera, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below is information about Strattera’s recommended dosages.
Strattera form
Strattera comes as an oral capsule.
Strattera strengths
Strattera comes in the following strengths:
- 10 milligrams (mg)
- 18 mg
- 25 mg
- 40 mg
- 60 mg
- 80 mg
- 100 mg
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing a low dosage. Then, they may adjust your starting dosage over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
In adults, the starting dosage of Strattera for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is 40 mg once per day.
After 3 days, your doctor may increase your dosage to 80 mg once per day or 40 mg twice per day. For details on taking Strattera, see the “How to take Strattera” section below.
The maximum daily dosage of Strattera is 100 mg.
Children’s dosage
Strattera is prescribed to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older. Your child’s doctor will determine your child’s dosage by body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
For children who weigh 70 kg (about 154 lb) or less, the typical starting dosage is 0.5 mg per kg (mg/kg) of body weight once per day. After 3 days, your child’s doctor may increase their dosage to 1.2 mg/kg of body weight per day. They’ll advise whether to take this amount as a single dose once per day or as divided doses twice per day.
For example, if your child weighs 41 kg (about 90 lb), their starting dosage may be 20 mg once per day. After 3 days, their doctor may prescribe 50 mg once per day or 25 mg twice per day.
The maximum daily dosage for children who weigh 70 kg or less is 1.4 mg/kg of body weight or 100 mg, whichever amount is smaller.
For children who weigh 71 kg (156 lb) or more, the dosage is the same as the adult dosage: 40 mg taken once per day. After 3 days, your child’s doctor may increase their dosage to 80 mg once per day or 40 mg twice per day.
The maximum daily dosage of Strattera for children who weigh 71 kg or more is 100 mg.
For details on taking Strattera, see the “How to take Strattera” section below.
Long-term treatment
Strattera is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Strattera is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Your doctor may advise you to take breaks from the medication to determine whether your ADHD symptoms have changed. However, do not change your dosage without your doctor’s recommendation. Always follow their directions for taking Strattera.
If you have questions about your Strattera dosage or treatment plan, talk with your doctor.
If your doctor has prescribed Strattera, you may have questions about it. Below are some common questions about the medication.
How do I know if my Strattera dose is too high?
Your doctor will help determine whether your Strattera dose is too high. Typically, doctors prescribe a low dosage at the beginning of treatment. Then, they’ll adjust it to reach the amount that effectively manages your symptoms.* They’ll also monitor whether your dosage is causing side effects. To learn about Strattera’s side effects, see this article.
If you have concerning side effects after starting Strattera, talk with your doctor. They may decide to adjust your Strattera dosage.
* Strattera is prescribed to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For signs that ADHD medication, such as Strattera, is managing your symptoms, see this article.
Can Strattera be prescribed for weight loss? If so, what is the dosage?
No, Strattera isn’t prescribed for weight loss. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it only for treating ADHD.
However, taking Strattera may lead to weight loss because the drug’s side effects include nausea and decreased appetite. You may not eat as much, which can result in weight loss. To learn about Strattera’s side effects, read this article.
If you have questions about Strattera and weight loss, ask your doctor for more information.
The Strattera dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- your body weight (for children), which may change over time
- your age
- other medications you may take
- other medical conditions you may have
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Strattera if you have liver problems. They may also lower your dosage if you take certain medications known as CYP2D6 inhibitors. These include:
You can learn more about drug interactions with Strattera in this article. Your doctor will determine whether to adjust your dosage.
Strattera comes as an oral capsule that you swallow whole with a glass of water or another beverage. Do not chew, crush, or open the capsules. You can take Strattera with or without food.
Your doctor will prescribe Strattera either once a day or as divided doses twice a day. If your doctor recommends dividing your dose, you’ll likely take half the dose in the morning and the other half later in the day. This is typically late afternoon or early evening.
It may be helpful to take Strattera around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Strattera can work effectively.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Strattera in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Strattera, take it as soon as you remember the same day. If you miss a day of Strattera, do not double your dose the next day. You’ll skip the missed dose and take your scheduled dose.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
If you take more Strattera than your doctor prescribes, you may develop harmful effects. To learn about side effects of Strattera, see this article.
It’s important that you do not take more Strattera than your doctor advises.
Symptoms of an overdose
Strattera overdose symptoms can include:
- digestive upset, including:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- sleepiness
- dizziness
- changes in mood, including:
- increased hyperactivity
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- nervous system changes, including:
- large pupils
- tremors (body shakes)
- increased heart rate
- serious changes in heart rhythm
If you take more than the recommended amount of Strattera
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Strattera. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Strattera for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Strattera without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Strattera that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Strattera. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Strattera. For information about other aspects of Strattera, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Strattera, see this article. You can also look at the Strattera prescribing information.
- Drug comparison. To find out how Strattera compares with Vyvanse, read this article.
- Details about your condition. For details about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), see our ADHD hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.