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Selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) — ADHD (Non-Stimulant)

Atomoxetine

Brand names: Strattera

Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents and adults, taken orally.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor that increases noradrenaline availability in brain regions involved in attention and impulse control.

Prescribing in practice

  • There is an MHRA warning of suicidal ideation and self-harm, particularly early in treatment, so monitor mood and behaviour closely in children and young people.
  • It can raise heart rate and blood pressure, so assess cardiovascular history and baseline observations before starting, and rare hepatic injury has been reported.
  • Therapeutic benefit builds over several weeks rather than immediately, unlike stimulant ADHD treatments.

Monitoring

Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, weight, growth and mood, and review for any emergent suicidal thoughts.

Counselling the patient

  • Full benefit may take several weeks to appear.
  • Report any new low mood, agitation or thoughts of self-harm without delay.
  • Seek medical advice if there is unexplained abdominal pain, dark urine or jaundice.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE recognises atomoxetine as an option for ADHD, and MHRA has highlighted its suicidal-ideation and cardiovascular monitoring requirements.

Reference: NICE NG87 (ADHD); MHRA Drug Safety Update 2019 (Atomoxetine Hepatotoxicity); Strattera SPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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