11 Strattera Side Effects You Should Know About

ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) affects millions of children and adults each year. Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and an inability to sit still. Treatment may involve behavioral therapy and/or medications. 

Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication that’s FDA approved to treat ADHD in children and adults. It has a low risk of dependence and misuse compared with stimulant medications like Adderall (amphetamine salts). But that doesn’t mean it’s free of risks.

Strattera side effects at a glance

Some Strattera side effects are usually mild, while others can be more serious.

Promotion disclosure

Strattera (Atomoxetine)

Avg retail price

$426.99(Save 93.88%)

GoodRx discount

$26.15

See all discounts

How it works

Use GoodRx to find medications, pharmacies, and discounts.

GoodRx discounts can help you pay less for your prescription.

Bring your free coupon or savings card to the pharmacy.

Typically mild Strattera side effects include:

• Stomach pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dry mouth

• Decreased appetite

• Tiredness

• Trouble sleeping (more common in adults)

• Headache

• Constipation

• Dizziness

• Sexual problems

• Trouble peeing

• Weight loss

Possibly serious Strattera side effects include:

• Increased blood pressure

• Increased heart rate

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Liver damage

• Prolonged erections (priapism)

• Slowed growth in children

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

• Behavioral changes including aggression, hostility, and mania (periods of extreme energy)

• Seizures

Below, we’ll talk more in depth about 11 of these Strattera side effects.

1. Nausea and vomiting

Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain are common Strattera side effects. Nausea is the most common side effect in adults. But children are more likely to experience stomach pain and vomiting..

You can take Stratterawith or without food. But if you’re experiencing nausea, taking it with food could help. If nausea continues, talk to your prescriber. They may recommend splitting your total daily dose into two smaller doses per day. Or they may lower your dose. Alternatively, you may need a different medication altogether if your nausea is severe.

2. Dry mouth

Dry mouth is another commonly reported Strattera side effect in adults. It can be uncomfortable, and can lead to bad breath and dental problems if you don’t take steps to manage it.

First, consider what you’re eating and drinking. Eating foods that are salty or acidic can make dry mouth worse, so changing your eating habits to limit these foods can help. Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water can also help.

Additionally, you can try home remedies for dry mouth, such as chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on ice chips, and sipping on cold liquids. You can also try over-the-counter (OTC) saliva substitutes, such as Biotene or BioXtra.

If your dry mouth is persistent or bothersome, talk to your prescriber. They may consider switching you to another medication.

3. Decreased appetite and weight loss

Decreased appetite is a common Strattera side effect in both children and adults. Not feeling hungry can make it tough to get the right nutrients and may lead to unintended weight loss.

Your prescriber might ask you to monitor your weight more frequently if you take Strattera. If you notice you’re not eating as much or you’re losing weight, you may need to adjust your diet or take nutritional supplements. Your healthcare team can help you come up with a plan to minimize weight loss. In some cases, they may recommend switching to another medication.

Good to know: Some data shows that children who use Strattera may experience slowed growth (height and weight). But in general, any growth-related effects that occur after starting Strattera don’t last long term. Still, talk to your child’s pediatrician if you’re concerned that Strattera may affect their growth.

4. Sleep changes

If you’ve noticed a change in your sleeping habits, Strattera might be the cause. You may experience insomnia (trouble sleeping), drowsiness, or fatigue. Dizziness is also possible.

If Strattera is causing excessive drowsiness, activities such as driving can be dangerous. This is especially true if you’re experiencing dizziness. Avoid driving and other activities that require alertness when you first start taking Strattera. Once you know how it affects you, you can determine if it’s safe to resume these activities. 

Talk to your healthcare team if sleep changes are excessive or don’t get better with time. And if you notice a change in your child’s sleep habits, let their pediatrician know.

5. Constipation

Constipation is another possible Strattera side effect. There are various ways to manage constipation, including:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day

• Incorporate movement into your daily routine 

• Increase your fiber intake with foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (fiber supplements may also be an option)

If these tips don’t work, OTC medications, such as docusate sodium (Colace) or polyethylene glycol (Miralax), may help. But keep in mind that if your constipation doesn’t improve, this may be a sign of a more serious issue. So let your prescriber know if your constipation isn’t improving after a few days or if you also have bloating and stomach pain.

6. Headache

Strattera can cause headaches for some people. They’re more commonly reported in children than adults, but can happen to anyone taking Strattera.

Headaches often go away as your body adjusts to the medication. In the meantime, drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest may help. You can also consider OTC pain relievers such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). But these aren’t safe for everyone, so check with your prescriber first.

If your headaches are severe or last a long time, let your provider know. They may adjust your Strattera dose.

7. Sexual problems

Strattera can cause various sexual problems, including:

• Decreased libido (sexual desire)

• Erectile dysfunction (trouble getting an erection)

• Delayed or slowed ejaculation

Strattera has also been linked to urinary problems, like trouble peeing. If you experience any of these side effects, let your prescriber know. They can help determine if these effects are from Strattera or something else.

8. Behavioral changes

Strattera may cause or worsen aggressive behavior or hostility. It can also cause hallucinations or mania in rare cases These side effects can develop even if a person has no history of a mental health condition, but they may be more likely if you have a history of mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder. If you or your child experience any mood or behavior changes when starting Strattera, talk to your prescriber.

Good to know: ADHD and other mental health conditions can be associated with irritability. So it may be hard to tell whether it’s Strattera or a health condition that’s causing aggression or hostility. This is why it’s important to let your healthcare team know immediately if you experience any mood or behavior changes. They can help determine the cause and the best way to manage it.

9. Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Suicidal thoughts or actions are a rare but serious Strattera side effect. In fact, Strattera has a boxed warning (the FDA’s strictest type of warning) for this reason. Children and adolescents are considered to be at higher risk for this side effect than adults. 

Suicidal thoughts and behavior may be more likely if you or your child have a history of depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, or other mental health conditions. If you or your child is taking Strattera, pay close attention to how you feel in the first few weeks after starting the medication or any time your dose changes. The risk is highest during these times.

If you notice any sudden changes in you or your child’s mood or behavior, don’t wait to see if it improves. Talk to a healthcare professional or seek emergency care right away.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone, and help is available. Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. 

10. Liver damage

Liver damage is another rare but serious side effect of Strattera. It may be more likely within the first 4 months of starting Strattera, but it can happen at any time while taking the medication.

Symptoms of liver damage include a yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and stomach pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your prescriber right away. They can order blood tests to check your liver health. They may also switch you to a different medication. However, if your symptoms feel severe, seek emergency care.

11. Heart problems

Strattera can also raise your blood pressure and heart rate. So if you have high blood pressure (hypertension), a fast heart rate (tachycardia), or any other heart conditions, Strattera may not be the best medication for you. 

Strattera can increase the risk of death in children and adolescents with existing heart problems, though this is rare. This includes structural heart problems, cardiomyopathy, and heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias). Cases of heart attack, stroke, and death have been reported in adults taking Strattera. These risks are extremely rare, but they’re possible. So before starting Strattera, let yours or your child’s prescriber know if you have any existing heart conditions.

Let your prescriber know if you feel your heart beating faster than usual while you’re taking Strattera. But if you develop chest pain or trouble breathing at any point, seek emergency care. These are serious symptoms of a heart problem.

When should you contact your healthcare team about Strattera side effects?

Most Strattera side effects are mild and may improve as your body gets used to the medication. However, you should contact your healthcare team if you have any concerns about side effects you’re having. They may suggest splitting your once-daily dose into two smaller doses to take morning and night. This can help lessen side effects.

However,if you have any of the following symptoms, it’s wise to call 911 or seek emergency care:

• Thoughts of harming yourself or suicide

• Symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating

• Symptoms of a stroke, such as a drooping face, trouble speaking, or sudden weakness on one side of the body

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts