Summary: Atomoxetine is a powerful drug that may occasionally be prescribed by a doctor for the relief of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children affected by a variety of neurological disabilities. The text of this paper is adapted from the information given in various health bulletins and is only given here as a advance news of a new avenue of therapy in these disorders. The drug has recently been approved by the FDA of USA.
Last updated January 21, 2007

Atomoxetine (Systemic): New Hope for ADHD

Description

Atomoxetine Capsules is a new class of drug, approved recently by the FDA of USA for management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Its dosage is strictly under the supervision of a competent medical authority trained in such disorders, and licensed to use drugs of this class.

Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It reduces ADHD symptoms by blocking or slowing reabsorption of norepinephrine, a brain chemical considered important in regulating attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. Atomoxetine is not a controlled substance, and in an abuse-potential study in adults, Atomoxetine was not associated with stimulant or euphoriant properties.

Clinical trials lasting 9 weeks to 1 year, comparing Atomoxetine to placebo have shown statistically significant improvement in symptoms of ADHD. However, the safety and efficacy of Atomoxetine in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age have not been established.

Adverse Effects

Children/adolescents: dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness, and mood swings.

Adults: constipation, dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, dizziness, insomnia, decreased libido, ejaculatory problems, impotence, urinary hesitation and/or urinary retention and/or difficulty in micturition, and dysmenorrhea.

Pharmacokinetics

Atomoxetine is eliminated primarily by oxidative metabolism through the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) enzymatic pathway and subsequent glucuronidation. Atomoxetine has a half-life of 5 hours.

Dosage

This is a prescription-only drug, and the subject of dosing is best left to the clinician in charge of treating your child. It has interaction with other drugs whose metabolic action modifies the rate of activity of the above mentioned metabolic pathways. The dosage basically is dependent on the weight of the patient and degree of individual response, starting with a low dose and building up.

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