Atomoxetine
becomes first selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor to enter
clinical use in the U.S. for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Atomoxetine has
become the first selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor to become
available in the U.S., giving psychiatrists a nonstimulant option
for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The drug
is also the first to have effectiveness proven in trials involving
children, adolescents, and adults. Atomoxetine
is produced in capsule form and can be taken once or twice daily.
Clinical trials showed that it can provide full-day relief from
symptoms without causing insomnia in most children and adolescents.
In the U.S., experts estimate that the disorder
affects 3 to 7 percent of school-age children. Because roughly 60
percent of affected children retain symptoms in adulthood, roughly
4 percent of American adults are impaired by symptoms of the disorder.
The drug should not be taken concurrently
with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and should not be used by patients
with narrow angle glaucoma. Most participants in clinical trials
who experienced side effects were able to continue in the trial
rather than withdraw. The most common side effects in children and
adolescents were decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness,
dyspepsia, dizziness, and mood swings. In adults, the most common
side effects were sleep difficulties, dry mouth, decreased appetite,
constipation, dyspepsia, nausea, dizziness, difficulty with urination,
painful menstrual periods, and sexual difficulties.
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