Can jitteriness be a side effect of taking Strattera (atomoxetine)?

Jitteriness as a Side Effect of Strattera (Atomoxetine)

Yes, jitteriness is definitely a known side effect of Strattera (atomoxetine). According to the FDA drug label, "feeling jittery" is specifically listed as a reported adverse reaction occurring in 2% of patients taking atomoxetine compared to 1% in placebo groups. 1

Common Side Effects of Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine can cause several nervous system and psychological side effects, including:

• Feeling jittery (reported in 2% of patients taking atomoxetine versus 1% in placebo groups) 1
• Jitteriness occurs more frequently in poor CYP2D6 metabolizers (5% of poor metabolizers versus 2% of extensive metabolizers) 1
• Other related side effects that may feel similar to jitteriness include:
  • Dizziness (8% vs 3% in placebo) 1, 2
  • Tremor (more common in poor metabolizers) 1
  • Irritability (5% vs 3% in placebo) 1

Mechanism and Management

The jitteriness experienced with atomoxetine is likely related to its mechanism of action:

• Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that increases noradrenergic activity in the central nervous system 3, 4
• Unlike stimulants, atomoxetine doesn't directly increase dopamine in the brain's reward pathways 3
• Jitteriness typically occurs early in treatment and may diminish over time 5

If you're experiencing jitteriness, consider these management strategies:

• Dose adjustment may help alleviate this side effect 5
• Taking the medication with food sometimes reduces side effects 6
• Splitting the dose into morning and evening administration rather than once daily dosing might help 4, 2
• Discuss with your healthcare provider about possibly lowering the dose temporarily 5

When to Seek Medical Attention

While jitteriness is a common and generally non-serious side effect, you should contact your healthcare provider if:

• The jitteriness is severe or interfering with daily activities 5
• You experience other concerning symptoms like significant increases in heart rate or blood pressure 1
• The side effect doesn't improve after several weeks of treatment 5

Important Considerations

• Atomoxetine is typically dosed at 40mg daily initially, then adjusted every 7-14 days up to 80mg daily or 1.4mg/kg/day (whichever is less) 5
• Unlike stimulant medications for ADHD, atomoxetine has negligible abuse potential 3, 2
• Side effects are often dose-dependent, with higher rates of adverse events at dosages greater than 1.5 mg/kg/day 6
• If you're a poor CYP2D6 metabolizer (about 7% of the population), you may be more susceptible to side effects like jitteriness 1

Remember that most side effects of atomoxetine are mild and transient, often improving as your body adjusts to the medication 7. However, always discuss persistent or bothersome side effects with your healthcare provider.