Atomoxetine attenuates dextroamphetamine effects in humans.
BACKGROUND
Although preclinical studies support the contribution of the noradrenergic system activation in mediating the acute effects of amphetamines, these findings have not been followed up in clinical studies.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of atomoxetine, a norepinephrine transporter inhibitor, on subjective, physiological, and plasma cortisol responses to dextroamphetamine in 10 healthy volunteers.


METHODS
Subjects were randomly assigned to a sequence of atomoxetine (40 mg/day) or placebo treatments each lasting for 4 days. On Day 4 of each treatment period, responses to a single 20 mg/70 kg dose of dextroamphetamine were assessed.


RESULTS
Atomoxetine treatment attenuated dextroamphetamine-induced increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and plasma cortisol as well as the self-report ratings of "stimulated," "high," and "good drug effects."


CONCLUSIONS
These findings are consistent with previous preclinical studies supporting the role of the noradrenergic system in mediating acute amphetamine responses.


CONCLUSIONS
Atomoxetine's capacity to attenuate some of the physiological and subjective responses to dextroamphetamine supports its potential use for stimulant addiction.
Sofuoglu
Mehmet
M
Yale University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA. Mehmet.Sofuoglu@yale.edu
Poling
James
J
Hill
Kevin
K
Kosten
Thomas
T
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D050484:Norepinephrine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011437:Propylamines / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D050484:Norepinephrine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D011437:Propylamines; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D003913:Dextroamphetamine; D006854:Hydrocortisone