Description
Strattera
If the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (or ADHD) is not amenable to correction by non-drug methods, patients may be prescribedStrattera.
Strattera is the most well studied drug for the treatment of ADHD. Efficacy and safety of the drug are confirmed in seven clinical trials. As of today, Strattera has been approved for use in more than 40 countries.
The drug is made in the form of oral capsules with a wide range of doses, which allows to accurately select the dose of the drug for each patient. Strattera capsules of5mg, 10mg, 18mg, 25mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80 mg and 100 mg can be usedIn the treatment of ADHD. In a number of countries, Strattera is also available in the form of 4 mg/ml oral solution.
Prescribing Information
Strattera is used to treat ADHD in children of 6 years and older, adolescents and adults.
This drug does not refer to psychostimulants or to amphetamine derivatives, so it does not cause addictive.
Strattera affects the level of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the structure of the brain and influences all ADHDsymptoms.
Dosage
Strattera may be given as a single daily dose in the morning or, in case of poor tolerance, the daily dose of the drug can be divided into two intakes: in the morning and in the afternoon.
The daily dose of Strattera for children and adolescents with a body weight of up to 70 kg is calculated based on the patient’s body weight.
- For children and adolescents with a body weight of up to 70 kg, the initial dose of the drug is 0.5 mg Strattera per kg of body weight. The recommended maintenance dose is 1.2 mg per kg of body weight per day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 120 mg Strattera or 1.8 mg per kg of body weight.
- For children and adolescents with a body weight of more than 70 kg and for adults, the initial dose of Strattera is 40 mg per day. The recommended maintenance dose is 80 mg per day. The maximum dose should not exceed 150 mg per day.
Interactions
Strattera can interact with antihypertensives and vasopressor agents, enhancing their effect on the cardiovascular system.
Studies have shown that Strattera can potentiate the action of salbutamol (albuterol), so the drug is prescribed with caution to patients, who take these beta2-agonists.
The combined use of Strattera and Methylphenidate (a drug for the ADHDtreatment) does not lead to the development of clinically significant side effects and does not increase the risk of cardiovascular effects.
Caution is required when Stratterais prescribedtogether withdrugs that stimulate the secretion of norepinephrine. Combined use of drugs may increase their pharmacological effect and cause side effects.
Side effects
When Strattera is used in children and adolescents, the most frequent side effects are decreased appetite and abdominal pain. As a rule, these effects are temporary and do not require the drugwithdrawal.
During the first month of treatment, patients may experience vomiting and nausea, which, as the treatment continues, become less pronounced and pass.
In adults, the most common side effects with Strattera are insomnia, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, tachycardia, and nausea.
Tips
Strattera can be taken regardless of food intake. Drug discontinuation does not require a gradual dose reduction.
Strattera can be successfully used to treat ADHD in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders. The drug use results in a rapid decrease in the ADHD manifestation and an improvement in the clinical symptoms of anxiety.
Strattera can slightly increase blood pressure and the pulse rate. However, these changes did not have a clinically significant effect. Despite this, Strattera should be used with caution in patients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cerebral circulation disorders.