Key takeaways
- The typical Strattera dosage for adults is 80 milligrams (mg) per day, though this can vary depending on individual factors.
- The drug comes in a capsule form and can be taken with or without food. Strattera is usually taken once daily in the morning or divided into two doses (morning and evening).
- Taking more Strattera than you’re prescribed can lead to symptoms like fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and dizziness.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and certain children.
The active ingredient in Strattera is atomoxetine. Strattera belongs to a group of drugs called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
This article describes the dosages of Strattera, as well as its strengths and how to take it.
Your doctor will likely start you by prescribing a low dosage and adjusting it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following table highlights the basics of Strattera’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg). For children who require a weight-based dosage, the doses are listed in milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg).
Always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown here.
| Strattera form | Strengths | Dosage for children who weigh up to 70 kg | Dosage for adults and for children who weigh more than 70 kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| capsules | • 10 mg • 18 mg • 25 mg • 40 mg • 60 mg • 80 mg • 100 mg | Starting dose per day: 0.5 mg/kg Maintenance (long-term) dose per day: 1.2 mg/kg Maximum dose per day: 1.4 mg/kg | Starting dose per day: 40 mg Maintenance dose per day: 80 mg Maximum dose per day: 100 mg |
Strattera form
Strattera comes as an oral capsule.
Strattera strengths
Strattera comes in strengths of 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg.
Strattera is approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and certain children. The typical Strattera dosage for adults is 80 mg per day.
Your Strattera dosage is based on several factors. These include:
- the severity of your ADHD
- other health conditions you may have
- whether you take other medications
Your doctor will likely start you by prescribing a low dosage and adjusting it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The starting dosage of Strattera to treat ADHD in adults is typically 40 mg taken once per day.
Your doctor will see how you respond to this dosage for at least 3 days. Then they will likely increase your dose to the recommended daily dose of 80 mg. This dose may be taken either once per day or in two divided doses (morning and evening). Your doctor will prescribe a dosing schedule that’s right for you.
In some cases, your doctor may increase your Strattera dosage after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment to the maximum dosage of 100 mg per day. This may help better manage your symptoms.
Dosage adjustments
If you have certain health conditions or factors, your doctor may prescribe a different dosage of Strattera for you. Examples include:
Serious liver disease: If you have serious liver disease, your doctor will likely need to lower your dosage of Strattera. This is because your body relies on your liver to help break down Strattera after you take a dose. Having a serious liver condition can affect how well your body breaks down Strattera. This can result in the drug building up in your body.
Problems with drug metabolism: Some people may have problems breaking down Strattera in their body. This is because they may have a genetic difference in a certain enzyme (protein) in their liver called CYP2D6. This enzyme helps break down the drug. People who have too little of this liver enzyme may need a lower dosage of Strattera to avoid the drug building up in their body.
Your doctor may check to see if you have any liver enzyme problems before prescribing Strattera. They can then adjust your dose if needed.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects of Strattera that may prevent you from taking your medication.
Strattera can be used for the treatment of ADHD in children ages 6 years and older.
The dosage of Strattera for children is based on their body weight in kg. For reference, 1 kilogram is equal to approximately 2.2. pounds (lb).
The starting daily dosage for children who weigh up to 70 kg (154 lb) is 0.5 mg/kg per day. Their doctor may then increase their dose after 3 days to the recommended maintenance (long-term) dosage of 1.2 mg/kg per day.
In some cases, your child’s doctor may increase their dosage after 2 to 4 weeks to the maximum daily dose of Strattera. This is 1.4 mg/kg or 100 mg per day, whichever is lower.
Your child’s doctor will monitor how they respond to their current dosage and may adjust it as needed.
For children who weigh more than 70 kg, their dosage is the same as the adult dosage. (See the dosing chart in the “Strattera dosage overview” section.)
For more information about Strattera’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Strattera comes as capsules you swallow. You can take the medication with or without food.
If you take Strattera once per day, you’ll likely take your dose in the morning. If you take Strattera twice daily, you’ll take one dose in the morning and one in the afternoon or early evening.
Your doctor will determine the dosing schedule that’s right for you. Be sure to take the dosage exactly as your doctor prescribes to keep a steady level of the drug in your body. This helps the medication work effectively.
If you have trouble taking Strattera, see these tips for how to swallow a pill. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
How long do you take Strattera?
Strattera is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term once you reach your maintenance dose.
Do not take more Strattera than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Strattera overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose of Strattera can include:
- fast heart rate
- high blood pressure
- dry mouth
- digestive symptoms, including abdominal pain
- dizziness
- tremors
- agitation or hyperactivity
In rare cases, an overdose may cause:
- changes in mental state, such as hallucinations or disorientation
- QT prolongation (changes in the electrical activity of the heart)
What to do in case you take too much Strattera
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Strattera. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The following are answers to some commonly asked questions about Strattera’s dosage.
How long does Strattera take to work?
Strattera can start working as soon as the first day of starting the medication. However, for most people, it could take a few weeks to take full effect on ADHD symptoms, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
How can I tell if my dose of Strattera is too high?
To begin your Strattera treatment, your doctor will prescribe you a low dose. After 3 days, they’ll likely increase your dose to a maintenance (long-term) dose. Your dosage may also depend on your age, the severity of your condition, and other health conditions you have.
Your doctor will check in with you regularly to see how Strattera is working for you. If you experience side effects that are bothersome or serious, call your doctor. They can determine whether you need a lower dose.
You should not take more Strattera than your doctor prescribes. This can lead to serious side effects or overdose. To learn about the symptoms of Strattera overdose, see the “What to do for a Strattera overdose” section.
If you think your dose of Strattera may be too high, talk with your doctor.
What if I miss a dose of Strattera?
If you miss a dose of Strattera, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
If you’re unsure what to do about a missed dose, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on what to do.
If you need help remembering to take your doses of Strattera on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
