What Is Atomoxetine?

Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children age 6 and older.

Sold under the brand name Strattera, Atomoxetine was originally developed and manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It was FDA-approved in 2002, making it the first non-stimulant medication approved for ADHD. Today, generic Atomoxetine is widely available from multiple manufacturers.

Atomoxetine belongs to a drug class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Unlike stimulant ADHD medications such as Adderall (Amphetamine) or Ritalin (Methylphenidate), Atomoxetine is not a controlled substance — it has no DEA schedule and carries no risk of abuse or dependence.

What Is Atomoxetine Used For?

FDA-Approved Use

Atomoxetine is FDA-approved for one indication:

• ADHD in adults and children age 6 and older (including all three subtypes: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined)

Off-Label Uses

Some providers prescribe Atomoxetine off-label for:

• Treatment-resistant depression in adults (when other antidepressants haven't worked)
• Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing due to nervous system dysfunction)

Off-label use means the medication is being prescribed for a condition it wasn't specifically FDA-approved for, but a doctor has determined it may help based on available evidence.

How Is Atomoxetine Taken?

Atomoxetine comes as oral capsules in the following strengths: 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg.

Dosing for Adults

• Starting dose: 40 mg once daily
• After 3 days: Increase to 80 mg/day (taken once in the morning or split into two doses — morning and afternoon)
• Maximum dose: 100 mg/day

Dosing for Children (Age 6+, Under 70 kg)

• Starting dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day
• Target dose: 1.2 mg/kg/day
• Maximum dose: 1.4 mg/kg/day or 100 mg, whichever is less

Important Instructions

• Take by mouth, once daily in the morning or in two divided doses (morning and afternoon)
• Can be taken with or without food (taking with food may reduce stomach upset)
• Swallow capsules whole — do not open, crush, or chew them
• It takes 4 to 6 weeks for Atomoxetine to reach its full therapeutic effect, so be patient

For a plain-English explanation of how Atomoxetine works in your brain, see our guide: How Does Atomoxetine Work?

Who Should Not Take Atomoxetine?

Atomoxetine is not safe for everyone. Do not take it if you have:

• Allergy to Atomoxetine or any ingredient in the capsule
• Used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days (such as Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, or Selegiline) — combining these can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)
• Severe heart or blood vessel problems that can't tolerate increases in blood pressure or heart rate

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications before starting Atomoxetine. For a detailed list of drug interactions, read our drug interactions guide.

Special Populations

• CYP2D6 poor metabolizers (about 7% of Caucasians) process Atomoxetine more slowly and may experience stronger effects. Your doctor may order genetic testing or adjust your dose.
• Liver impairment — Dose reductions are needed for patients with liver problems.
• Pregnancy — Category C. Use only if the benefit outweighs the risk.
• Children under 6 — Not recommended.

How Much Does Atomoxetine Cost?

The cost of Atomoxetine varies significantly depending on whether you use insurance, coupons, or pay cash:

• Generic Atomoxetine with a coupon: As low as $27 for a 30-day supply
• Generic retail cash price (no coupon): $150 to $430+
• Brand Strattera (no insurance): $400 to $500+

Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D cover generic Atomoxetine, though some may require prior authorization (especially for adults) or step therapy (trying a stimulant first).

To save money, check out our complete guide to Atomoxetine savings, coupons, and patient assistance programs.

Side Effects at a Glance

The most common side effects include nausea, decreased appetite, dry mouth, insomnia, and dizziness. Atomoxetine also carries an FDA boxed warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents.

For a full breakdown of common and serious side effects, read: Atomoxetine Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor.

Final Thoughts

Atomoxetine is a well-established, non-stimulant option for treating ADHD. It's a particularly good choice for patients who can't tolerate stimulants, have a history of substance abuse, or prefer a medication that isn't a controlled substance. While it takes longer to work than stimulants (4 to 6 weeks vs. the same day), many patients find it provides steady, all-day symptom relief.

If you've been prescribed Atomoxetine and need help finding it at a pharmacy, Medfinder can help you check stock near you. And if you need a provider to prescribe it, our guide on finding a doctor who prescribes Atomoxetine can help.