Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. Unlike stimulant medications, it is not a controlled substance, making it an alternative for patients with concerns about abuse potential or those who do not respond well to stimulants.
A non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases norepinephrine levels in the brain to improve focus and impulse control.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06BA09
- RxNorm
- 38400
- Generic
- Atomoxetine
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Atoncy, Strattera
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 40-80mg once daily or divided twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once or twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-1.2mg/kg/day
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once or twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 40mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
Avoid use during pregnancy unless potential benefits justify potential risks to the fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
Continue only if clearly needed, consider dose reduction
regular fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
Discontinue gradually before delivery if possible
fetal monitoring and assessment for neonatal effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
Atomoxetine passes into breast milk, monitor infant for adverse effects
observe infant for changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and behavior
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lowest effective dose
Use with caution, limited clinical trials in patients over 65
monitor blood pressure and heart rate, assess for cardiovascular effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 12weight-based dosing
Approved for patients 6 years and older, initial dose based on weight
monitor growth (height and weight), liver function tests, and cardiovascular parameters
pediatric_age
adolescentsstandard adult dosing
Approved for patients 12 years and older at adult dosing
monitor for suicidal ideation and behavior changes
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment required
No dosage adjustment necessary for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 50%
Use with caution in severe renal impairment, consider dose reduction
monitor renal function and adjust accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatereduce dose by 50%
Reduce dose to 50% of normal in moderate hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severereduce dose by 75%
Reduce dose to 25% of normal in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary indication
Therapeutic use
FDA approval year
Regulatory approval information
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamics
Atomoxetine is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in patients 6 years and older. It can be used as a first-line treatment or when stimulants are ineffective, contraindicated, or cause unacceptable side effects.
Atomoxetine works by selectively inhibiting the pre-synaptic norepinephrine transporter, preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine. This increases norepinephrine availability in the brain, improving attention, concentration, and impulse control.
Atomoxetine is not a controlled substance and has a lower abuse potential than stimulants. It may take 4-8 weeks to achieve full therapeutic effects. Common side effects include decreased appetite, nausea, and fatigue. Rare but serious risks include hepatotoxicity and suicidal ideation in young patients. It is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma and those taking MAOIs.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy