From Vincent Iannelli, M.D.,
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Strattera has become an increasing popular medicine to treat children with ADHD, as parents seek alternative to stimulants, like Adderall XR and Concerta.

Unfortunately, Strattera hasn't escaped the association with side effects, as the FDA has issued an alert about 'an increased risk of suicidal thinking in children and adolescents being treated with' Strattera.

According to the FDA, the label for Strattera will be revised to include the following warnings:

• Strattera may increase thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts in children and teens.
• Call your child's healthcare professional right away if your child or teen has:
  • new or increased thoughts of suicide
  • changes in mood or behavior including becoming irritable or anxious

This doesn't mean that your child can't be prescribed Strattera or that he should stop taking Strattera if it is doing a good job managing his ADHD symptoms and not causing side effects. Instead, the benefit of taking Strattera should be weighed against the possible risks of the drug. And children taking Strattera should be 'observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidal thinking or behaviors, or unusual changes in behavior,' especially in the first few months of starting treatment or when the dosage is changed.

And remember that fortunately, suicidal thoughts or actions are still felt to be an 'infrequent' side effect of taking Strattera.

Strattera FDA Alert

• Strattera Patient Information Sheet
• Strattera Healthcare Professional Sheet
• Strattera Public Health Advisory