Apollo
logo

Welcome User

Login/Sign Up

Home
Buy Medicines
Lab Tests
Doctor Consult
Circle Membership
insurance
Blogs
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Return & Refunds
Need Help
Terms and Conditions
Not for online sale
Product icon
Check at a nearby store
Trailing icon
compositionComposition:ATOMOXETINE-18MG
prescription
Prescription Medicine
info
image icons

Defexit-18 Capsule is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It contains Atomoxetine which moderates the activity of a few chemical messengers in the brain. Thus, decreases restlessness and increases attention. It may cause common side effects such as headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, sleepiness, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, and about all the medications you are taking and pre-existing medical conditions.

Read more
Written By Bayyarapu Mahesh Kumar , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
OffersOffers & Discounts

Get Free delivery (₹99) with circle icon

Join Circle
coupon
Get Extra 18% Off with Coupons
coupon
Extra 10% Off with Bank Offers
bank offer
bank offer
bank offer

More about the Product

Composition :

ATOMOXETINE-18MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

East West Pharma India Pvt Ltd

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Defexit-18 Capsule

Defexit-18 Capsule is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults. It helps manage core symptoms like difficulty focusing, restlessness, and impulsive behaviour. By improving these symptoms, it supports daily productivity and social interactions.

To get the best results, you must take Defexit-18 Capsule consistently every single day, as it builds up in your system over several weeks. It is typically taken once daily in the morning or divided into two smaller doses in the morning and late afternoon, with or without food. Pairing this medication with structured daily routines, behavioural therapy, and healthy lifestyle habits can significantly enhance its positive effects.

While taking Defexit-18 Capsule , you may experience mild side effects like nausea, dry mouth, or a temporary drop in appetite. However, it is vital to contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms, such as signs of liver damage, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or sudden changes in your mood, including thoughts of self-harm.

Before starting this medication, talk to your doctor if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart problems, or mental health issues. Do not take this if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe blood vessel or heart conditions, an adrenal gland tumour, or if you have used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant within the past 14 days.

Let your doctor know about all other medications you take, as combining Defexit-18 Capsule with certain antidepressants or blood pressure drugs can lead to dangerous side effects. Additionally, you should limit or avoid alcohol, as it can worsen drowsiness and reduce the effectiveness of your treatment. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing health conditions in your later years, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure this medicine is safe for you.

Uses of Defexit-18 Capsule

Defexit-18 Capsule is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults. The detailed uses of Defexit-18 Capsule are as follows:

  • Paediatric Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Defexit-18 Capsule helps children and teenagers over six years of age improve their focus, stay organised, and control impulsive actions or hyperactive behaviours at school and home.
  • Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Defexit-18 Capsule assists adults in managing daily symptoms of distractibility, poor time management, restlessness, and impulsive decision-making, helping to improve overall work and personal productivity.
     

Key Benefits

Defexit-18 Capsule helps manage ADHD symptoms by improving attention, reducing impulsive behaviour, and supporting better emotional regulation throughout the day. With consistent use, it provides steady symptom control, offers a non-stimulant treatment option, and helps improve focus and daily functioning at home, school, or work.

  • Consistent, All-Day Support: Unlike some traditional ADHD treatments, Defexit-18 Capsule provides a steady, 24-hour release of symptom control. This prevents the sudden drop-off in focus that often occurs in the evening, helping you maintain stability throughout your entire day.
  • Non-Habit-Forming Relief: Because this medication is not a stimulant, it does not carry a risk of physical dependence or abuse. This makes it a reliable option for long-term treatment and a reassuring choice for individuals or families concerned about the risks associated with controlled substances.
  • Improved Emotional Control: By balancing chemical messengers in the brain, Defexit-18 Capsule helps reduce the emotional volatility, low frustration tolerance, and sudden mood swings that often accompany ADHD, allowing for calmer daily interactions.
     
Side effects of Defexit-18 Capsule
Overcome Medication-Induced Nausea: A 9-Step Plan
  • Inform your doctor about the nausea and discuss possible alternatives to the medication or adjustments to the dosage.
  • Divide your daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to reduce nausea.
  • Opt for bland, easily digestible foods like crackers, toast, plain rice, bananas, and applesauce.
  • Avoid certain foods that can trigger nausea, such as fatty, greasy, spicy, and smelly foods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or sports drinks.
  • Use ginger (tea, ale, or candies) to help relieve nausea.
  • Get adequate rest and also avoid strenuous activities that can worsen nausea.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication if your nausea is severe.
  • Record when your nausea occurs, what triggers it, and what provides relief to help you identify patterns and manage your symptoms more effectively.
To prevent, manage, and treat Constipation caused by medication usage, follow these steps:
  • Preventing Vomiting (Before it Happens)
  • Take medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This can help minimize side effects, including vomiting.
  • Having a small meal before taking your medication can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication along with your prescribed medication.
  • Managing Vomiting (If it Happens)
  • Try taking ginger in the form of tea, ale, or candy to help alleviate nausea and vomiting.
  • What to Do if Vomiting Persists
  • Consult your doctor if vomiting continues or worsens, consult the doctor for guidance on adjusting your medication or additional treatment.
  • Rest well; get enough sleep.
  • Eat a balanced diet and drink enough water.
  • Manage stress with yoga and meditation.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine.
  • Physical activities like walking or jogging might help boost energy and make you feel less tired.
  • Consume more protein-rich foods and healthy fats like beans, avocados, cheese, nuts and lean meats to minimize appetite.
  • Prefer foods high in fiber to help feel full for a long time.
  • If you have decreased appetite, eat only when you are hungry.
  • Eat several small meals or snacks all day.
  • Try to take only small sips of fluids while eating.
  • Drink water or other clear fluids.
  • To prevent worsening of pain, limit intake of tea, coffee, or alcohol.
  • Include bland foods like rice, toast, crackers, and rice in your diet.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after eating as it may cause indigestion or heartburn.
  • Avoid acidic and spicy food as it may cause indigestion.
  • Avoid driving or operating machinery or activities that require high focus until you know how the medication affects you.
  • Maintain a fixed sleeping schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your sleeping space is comfortable to maximize your sleep quality.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine as these may worsen drowsiness and disturb sleep patterns.
  • Drink plenty of water as it helps with alertness and keeps you hydrated and for overall well-being.
  • Moderate physical activity can improve energy levels, but avoid intense workouts right before bedtime.
Here are the steps to cope with constipation as a side effect of medication:
  • Inform your doctor about your constipation symptoms. They may adjust your medication or advise alternative treatments.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient of water (at least 8-10 glasses a day) to help soften stool and promote bowel movements.
  • Increase fibre intake by eating foods high in fibre, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables and legumes, to help bulk up the stool.
  • Establish a bowel routine by trying to go to the bathroom at the same time each day to train your bowels.
  • Engaging in regular exercise, like walking or yoga, can support in bowel movement stimulation.
  • Consult your doctor if constipation persists, and discuss alternative treatments or adjustments to your medication.

Directions for Use

  • Defexit-18 Capsule can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
  • Swallow Defexit-18 Capsule as a whole with a glass of water.
  • Do not chew, crush, or break it.

How Defexit-18 Capsule Works

Defexit-18 Capsule contains atomoxetine. It works by selectively targeting a key chemical messenger in the brain called norepinephrine. In individuals with ADHD, an imbalance of chemical activity in the brain can make focusing and controlling impulses difficult. Defexit-18 Capsule prevents the brain from quickly reabsorbing norepinephrine, leaving more of this chemical available to carry signals between nerve cells. By sustaining higher levels of norepinephrine in the brain's attention-regulating pathways, it naturally improves attention span, calms hyperactive behaviours, and enhances overall impulse control without the need for stimulant properties.
bannner image

Alcohol

Unsafe

Do not drink alcohol with this Defexit-18 Capsule because it may produce more dizziness and drowsiness.

bannner image

Pregnancy

Caution

This Defexit-18 Capsule should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

bannner image

Breast Feeding

Caution

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Inform your doctor before breast-feeding.

bannner image

Driving

Caution

If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or a headache as side-effects when using Defexit-18 Capsule then it may not be safe to drive or operate heavy machinery.

bannner image

Liver

Caution

Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have liver disease or any concerns regarding this.

bannner image

Kidney

Caution

Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.

bannner image

Children

Safe if prescribed

Defexit-18 Capsule can be given to children if prescribed by the doctor.

bannner image

Heart

Unsafe

Defexit-18 Capsule is not recommended for use in cardiac patients due to the cardiovascular effects.

bannner image

Geriatrics

Caution

Defexit-18 Capsule should be given in elderly patients with caution due to the risk of cardiovascular problems.

What if I have taken an overdose of Defexit-18 Capsule

If you take more than your prescribed dose, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control centre. Symptoms of an overdose may include extreme sleepiness, agitation, hyperactivity, stomach issues, or a fast heartbeat.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Maintain a consistent eating schedule: Because Defexit-18 Capsule can reduce your appetite, schedule regular meals and keep nutrient-dense snacks on hand to ensure you or your child gets adequate daily nutrition.
  • Stay hydrated: Keep a water bottle nearby throughout the day to help manage dry mouth, which is a common side effect of this medication.
  • Establish a structured daily routine: Pair your medication with behavioural strategies, such as using daily planners, checklists, and quiet study areas to maximise the benefits of improved focus.
  • Limit caffeine intake: Avoid excessive coffee, energy drinks, or soda, as caffeine can compound the heart rate and blood pressure changes sometimes caused by Defexit-18 Capsule .
  • Prioritise regular sleep: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to help manage any sleep disturbances that can occur, especially when first starting the medication.
     
health query

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Defexit-18 Capsule to start to work: The time required for Defexit-18 Capsule to show its action is unknown. The time for which the effects of Defexit-18 Capsule last: The effect of Defexit-18 Capsule lasts for 24 to 30 hours.

What if you forget to take Defexit-18 Capsule

If you miss a dose of Defexit-18 Capsule , take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage

•Store Defexit-18 Capsule capsules at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). • Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, to protect it from moisture and direct light.

Drug Warnings

  • Do not open, cut, or handle damaged Defexit-18 Capsule capsules. The powder inside is a strong irritant that can cause severe redness, swelling, and watering if it contacts your eyes. If contact occurs, wash the area with water immediately.
  • Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Your doctor will likely want to check these vitals at your follow-up visits.
  • Avoid driving or operating machinery when you first start taking Defexit-18 Capsule or after gradually increasing your dose until you know how this medicine affects your alertness.
  • Watch closely for any sudden changes in mood or behaviour, especially in children and teenagers, and report any sudden sadness, irritability, or unusual thoughts to your doctor immediately.
     

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Combining these can cause a dangerous, life-threatening spike in blood pressure. Do not take Defexit-18 Capsule within 14 days of taking an MAOI.
  • Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors (such as fluoxetine or paroxetine): These medications can slow down how your body processes Defexit-18 Capsule , leading to higher levels of the drug in your blood and increasing the risk of side effects.
  • Albuterol or other asthma inhalers: May increase the risk of rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure when taken together.
     
AtomoxetineMesoridazine
Critical
AtomoxetineGrepafloxacin
Critical

Drug-Drug Interactions

Login/Sign Up

AtomoxetineMesoridazine
Critical
How does the drug interact with Defexit-18 Capsule:
Using mesoridazine together with Defexit-18 Capsule can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Defexit-18 Capsule with Mesoridazine is not recommended, consult a doctor before taking it. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
AtomoxetineGrepafloxacin
Critical
How does the drug interact with Defexit-18 Capsule:
Taking Defexit-18 Capsule and Grepafloxacin may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Defexit-18 Capsule with Grepafloxacin is not recommended, consult a doctor before taking it. Do not discontinue any medication without consulting a doctor.
AtomoxetineHalofantrine
Critical
How does the drug interact with Defexit-18 Capsule:
Using halofantrine together with Defexit-18 Capsule can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Defexit-18 Capsule with Halofantrine is not recommended, consult a doctor before taking it. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitation. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
AtomoxetineSelegiline
Critical
How does the drug interact with Defexit-18 Capsule:
Co-administration of Selegiline with Defexit-18 Capsule can increase the risk of high blood pressure.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Selegiline with Defexit-18 Capsule together can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. However, consult a doctor if you experience sudden and severe headache, blurred vision, confusion, fits, chest pain, nausea or vomiting, sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), speech difficulties, fever, sweating, lightheadedness, or fainting. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
AtomoxetineFurazolidone
Critical
How does the drug interact with Defexit-18 Capsule:
Using furazolidone together with Defexit-18 Capsule can cause serious high blood pressure.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Defexit-18 Capsule with Furazolidone is not recommended, consult a doctor before taking it. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden and severe headache, blurred vision, confusion, seizures, chest pain, nausea or vomiting, sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), speech difficulties, fever, sweating, lightheadedness, and fainting. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
AtomoxetineCisapride
Critical
How does the drug interact with Defexit-18 Capsule:
Using cisapride together with Defexit-18 Capsule can increase the risk of a serious irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Defexit-18 Capsule with Cisapride is not recommended, please consult a doctor before taking it. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations. Do not stop using any medications without consulting a doctor.
AtomoxetineZiprasidone
Critical
How does the drug interact with Defexit-18 Capsule:
Co-administration of Defexit-18 Capsule with Ziprasidone can increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between Ziprasidone and Defexit-18 Capsule but can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. Contact a doctor immediately if you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
AtomoxetinePhenelzine
Critical
How does the drug interact with Defexit-18 Capsule:
Using phenelzine together with Defexit-18 Capsule can cause dangerously high blood pressure.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Defexit-18 Capsule with Phenelzine is not recommended, consult a doctor before taking it. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden and severe headache, blurred vision, confusion, seizures (fits), chest pain, nausea or vomiting, sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), speech difficulties, fever, sweating, lightheadedness, and/or fainting. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
AtomoxetineDronedarone
Critical
How does the drug interact with Defexit-18 Capsule:
Using dronedarone together with Defexit-18 Capsule can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Defexit-18 Capsule with Dronedarone is not recommended, please consult a doctor before taking it. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
AtomoxetineSaquinavir
Critical
How does the drug interact with Defexit-18 Capsule:
Using saquinavir together with Defexit-18 Capsule can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Defexit-18 Capsule with Saquinavir is not recommended, please consult a doctor before taking it. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • Caffeine: Consuming high amounts of caffeine can combine with this medicine to increase your heart rate and blood pressure.
     
No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

Login/Sign Up

All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[ANTIDEPRESSANT]

FAQs

Defexit-18 Capsule is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Immediately contact to your doctor if you did not take at correct time. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
If you are taking Defexit-18 Capsule and have high blood pressure, inform your doctor before using OTC (without prescription drugs) products that may increase blood pressure.
You can feel dizzy while taking this Defexit-18 Capsule . To lower the chance of feeling dizzy, rise slowly if you have been lying down or sitting. Be careful about going up and downstairs.
Immediately go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Yes, nausea is common during the treatment with Defexit-18 Capsule . If you experience nausea drink enough water, get plenty of fresh air, drink ginger or peppermint tea, eat smaller or more frequent meals, avoid activity after eating, and avoid fried foods.
You should call a doctor immediately if you notice symptoms like fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, dysarthria (slow or difficult speech), dizziness or faintness, weakness or numbness of an arm or leg; itchy skin, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, pain in the upper right part of your stomach, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; hoarseness, seizures, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, hives, rash, abnormal thoughts, hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), or erection that lasts for several hours or longer.
Defexit-18 Capsule belongs to the group of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors which works by raising norepinephrine levels, a chemical required for controlling behaviour.
Avoid taking Defexit-18 Capsule with MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors, medicines used to treat depression) as it might cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Let the doctor know if you have taken MAOI such as phenelzine sulfate or tranylcypromine sulfate in the past 14 days.
No, you should not give Defexit-18 Capsule to a 3-year-old child as it is not recommended for children below 6 years because studies have not been done in this age group.
Defexit-18 Capsule should be taken as the doctor has prescribed it based on your health condition. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
The side effects of Defexit-18 Capsule include headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, sleepiness, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. Consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
No, Defexit-18 Capsule is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Unlike traditional ADHD medications, it does not belong to the stimulant class and has a lower potential for abuse or dependence. Talk to your doctor for more information.
No, you should not open or crush Defexit-18 Capsule capsules. The powder inside is highly irritating and can damage your eyes or skin if it spills. Always swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. If you or your child has trouble swallowing capsules, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Yes, Defexit-18 Capsule can cause a decreased appetite, which may lead to temporary weight loss, especially in children. Your doctor will monitor height and weight during treatment. To help manage this, try eating regular, nutrient-dense meals or taking the medication with a meal. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about weight loss.
It is highly recommended to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking Defexit-18 Capsule . Alcohol can increase side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness and can impair your focus and judgement. Talk to your doctor about your alcohol intake before starting this medicine.
Drowsiness and fatigue are common side effects, especially when you first start taking this medicine or when your dose is being adjusted. Talk to your doctor about whether taking your daily dose at bedtime instead of in the morning might help manage daytime sleepiness.
Yes, Defexit-18 Capsule can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor will likely measure your blood pressure and heart rate before you start this medication and check them regularly during your treatment. Talk to your doctor if you experience chest pain or a racing heart.
Defexit-18 Capsule must be taken consistently every single day to be effective. It does not work on an "as-needed" basis like stimulant medications. You should not stop taking Defexit-18 Capsule or change how you take it without consulting your healthcare provider first. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

16Th Floor, Godrej Bkc, Plot C, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400 051, India.
Other Info - DEF0395

Buy best C.n.s Drugs products by

whatsapp Floating Button