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Selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) — Non-stimulant ADHD Treatment

Atomoxetine

Brand names: Strattera

Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medicine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents and adults.

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 (norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitor, increasing noradrenergic neurotransmission in regions relevant to attention and impulse control.

Prescribing in practice

  • Patients and carers must be warned to watch for and report suicidal thinking or behaviour, particularly early in treatment, and rare severe hepatic injury can occur.
  • Blood pressure and heart rate can rise, so assess cardiovascular status before and during treatment.
  • Use a children's formulary for paediatric dosing and reduce the dose in hepatic impairment.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, growth in children, mood and signs of liver injury during treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • Full benefit may take several weeks to develop.
  • Seek urgent advice if there are new or worsening thoughts of self-harm, or signs of liver problems such as jaundice or dark urine.
  • Report palpitations, fainting or unexplained chest pain.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE recommends atomoxetine as an option for ADHD, supported by randomised controlled trial evidence.

Reference: NICE NG87 (ADHD); 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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