title: Atomoxetine.
abstract: Atomoxetine, formerly tomoxetine, is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and a new, nonstimulant treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies have shown that atomoxetine is a highly selective antagonist of the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter with little or no affinity for other noradrenergic receptors or other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors. In four randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials conducted over 6-9 weeks in children and adolescents with ADHD, atomoxetine (total daily dose 1-1.8 mg/kg administered in one or two doses daily) reduced symptoms (hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention) as determined by the reduction in ADHD total score (34-38% with atomoxetine versus 13-15.7% with placebo [p < 0.05]). Atomoxetine also significantly improved ADHD subscale rating scores (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001), psychosocial well-being (p < 0.05) and ADHD-related problem behavior according to parent and teacher ratings (p < 0.05). Atomoxetine was well tolerated in clinical trials and discontinuation rates due to adverse events were low (<5%). The most common treatment-related adverse event was decreased appetite. Atomoxetine shows no abuse potential and is not a controlled substance in the US.
authors.affiliation: Adis International Inc., Yardley, Pennsylvania 19067, USA. demail@adis.com
authors.forename: Dene
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Caroline M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Perry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001682:Biological Availability; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D011437:Propylamines / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D011437:Propylamines; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride