Atomoxetine for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a review

Abstract

Objective:

This review examines and summarizes the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, short- and longer-term efficacy, the moderating effect of comorbid disorders, as well as short- and long-term safety and tolerability of atomoxetine for the treatment of pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods:

A systematic literature search was performed to review the extant literature on articles pertaining to the pharmacological treatment with atomoxetine in pediatric and/or adolescent ADHD.

Results:

There is an extensive literature on atomoxetine; over 4000 children have participated in clinical trials of atomoxetine, demonstrating its short- and longer-term efficacy. In addition, studies have examined the moderating effect of comorbid disorders on atomoxetine response, as well as atomoxetine’s therapeutic potential for other psychiatric conditions. Short- and longer-term safety and tolerability continue to be reported.

Conclusions:

Atomoxetine is indicated for both acute and maintenance/extended treatment of pediatric ADHD. Clinicians and families must be familiar with atomoxetine’s evidence base, including its profile of clinical response and its possible effectiveness in the presence of comorbidity.

Keywords:

• ADHD
• atomoxetine
• pediatric

Disclosures

Dr. Daniel Geller MD receives(ed) lifetime

• Research support: Eli Lilly and Co., Forest Laboratories, Glaxo-SmithKline, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

• Speaker Honoraria: Alza, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Eli Lilly, Forest Laboratories, Glaxo-SmithKline, Novartis, Pfizer, Shire, Wyeth.

• Medical Advisory Boards/Consulting: Eli Lilly, Solvay, Pfizer, Lundbeck and Glaxo-SmithKline.

• Private Foundations: Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, Tourette Syndrome Association, Wallace Foundation, McIngvale Family Foundation.

• NIH: National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Dr. Daniel Geller MD receives/d inlast 12 months (to November 2008).

• Research support: Eli Lilly.

• Speaker Honoraria: Eli Lilly.

• Medical Advisory Boards/Consulting: Eli Lilly.

• Private Foundations: McIngvale Family Foundation.

• NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Mental Health.