Atomoxitine - generic
Strattera - is an oral drug that is used for treating attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An estimated 15 million Americans have
ADHD, and approximately half will require drug therapy to control
symptoms. While some children outgrow ADHD, about 60% continue to have
symptoms into adulthood. Until recently, drug therapy has consisted
almost exclusively of stimulants such as amphetamines and
methylphenidate (Ritalin and others). These stimulants are restricted in
availability under the Controlled Substances Act because of their
potential for abuse. Atomoxetine is the first drug for ADHD that is not
a stimulant under the Controlled Substances Act. Atomoxetine was
approved by the FDA November, 2002.
Although it is not known precisely how atomoxetine reduces the symptoms
of ADHD, scientists believe it works by affecting neurotransmitters in
the brain, chemicals that the nerves use for communicating with one
another. One neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, is considered important
in regulating attention, impulsivity and activity levels, all of which
are abnormal in ADHD. Norepinephrine is manufactured by nerves in the
brain and then is released from the nerves. The norepinephrine travels
to other nerves and attaches to the nerves, causing changes in the way
the nerves function. Some of the norepinephrine that is released is
reabsorbed by the nerves that produce it thereby reducing the amount of
epinephrine that is available to travel to other nerves. Atomoxetine is
believed to reduce the reabsorption of epinephrine by nerves. This makes
more norepinephrine available to attach to other nerves in the brain.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of atomoxetine in
children and adolescents are upset stomach, decreased appetite, nausea
and vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, and mood swings. Some children may
experience a loss of weight. The most common side effects in adults are
problems sleeping, dry mouth, decreased appetite, upset stomach, nausea
or vomiting, dizziness, problems urinating and sexual side effects. In
rare cases, atomoxetine causes allergic reactions, such as fluid
accumulation (edema) or hives, which can be serious. |
