An adult patient will begin taking atomoxetine [Strattera] for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. What will the nurse teach this patient?
A) Appetite suppression does not occur, because this drug is not a stimulant.
B) Stopping the drug abruptly will cause an abstinence syndrome.
C) Suicidal thoughts may occur and should be reported to the provider.
D) Therapeutic effects may not be felt for 1 to 3 weeks after beginning therapy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atomoxetine is a selective inhibitor of norepinephrine (NE) reuptake, and its effects probably are the result of adaptive changes that occur after uptake blockade, which can take 1 to 3 weeks. Appetite suppression is an adverse effect of this drug. Atomoxetine does not have abuse potential, and abstinence syndrome does not occur when it is withdrawn. Suicidal thoughts may occur in children and adolescents but not in adults.

An Adult Patient Will Begin Taking Atomoxetine [Strattera] for Attention-Deficit/hyperactivity