What are the Sexual Side Effects of Strattera?

The generic drug atomoxetine is sold in the United States with the brand name Strattera 3. The medication is used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Strattera is an SNRI, or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, that functions by making the neurotransmitter norepinephrine more active in your brain 3. It is a prescription medication, administered as a capsule, that helps focus attention and reduce restlessness in ADHD sufferers, the Mayo Clinic reports.

Menstrual Side Effects

As with all sexual side effects of Strattera, those that affect a woman's menstrual cycle are common, but not categorized as serious 23. Strattera can make you have vaginal bleeding when you are not typically menstruating 3. It also can alter how much blood you produce during menstruation, and it can alter your normal cycle by changing when you are bleeding. It also may make your menstrual bleeding stop when it should normally continue during a cycle. These side effects should be temporary, receding and then stopping within a few days of starting the medication.

Lowered Libido

In both men and women, Strattera can temporarily lower your normal interest in sexual intercourse when you first take it 3. This can be a small or large change in interest, but how much you desire to have sexual intercourse should return to normal within a few days or a week of beginning treatment with the medication.

Impotence

In men, Strattera can cause the problem of being unable to get an erection even with stimulation 3. It also may make it difficult to maintain an erection during sexual activity. Again, this should be temporary, but consult your doctor if it continues beyond initial treatment with Strattera 3.

Sexual Ability

Even if Strattera does not make a man impotent nor lower the interest in sexual activity for women and men, it can reduce your ability to perform sexually 3. This can affect duration and overall satisfaction for both sexual partners, but it should rectify itself in several days as your body gets used to the medication.