A review on atomoxetine in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Atomoxetine is a first non-stimulant and the first drug to be licensed for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. Atomoxetine was got approval for treatment of ADHD in the US in November 2002 and in the UK in May 2004. The Mechanism by which atomoxetine acts is unclear, but is expected to be related to its selective inhibition of presynaptic norepinephrine reuptake in the prefrontal cortex. It shows high affinity and selectivity towards norepinephrine receptors, but minimal or no affinity towards muscarinic, serotonergic, cholinergic, and adrenergic receptors, and serotonin and dopamine receptors. As a result atomoxetine is unlikely to have abuse potential or to cause motor tics. Atomoxetine has found to be having a significant role in the treatment of young people who do not respond or develop side-effects to stimulants. Atomoxetine has been shown to be well tolerated in most of the patients. Most of the adverse drug reactions associated with atomoxetine treatment was mild or moderate, and there was a very low incidence of serious adverse events. Very rare but significant side-effects that have been reported include elevated liver enzymes, and motor tics. Atomoxetine offers other advantages such as once daily dosage.