Atomoxetine Treatment for Cocaine Abuse and Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Preliminary Open Trial

Abstract

The purpose of this 12-week open-label trial was to evaluate the potential utility of atomoxetine for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in cocaine-dependent treatment seekers. The sample consisted of 20 participants who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for ADHD and cocaine dependence. Using several measures to assess ADHD, there was a significant reduction in ADHD symptoms. There was no significant decrease in cocaine use throughout the trial. Taken together, although cocaine-dependent individuals showed some reduction in ADHD symptoms while receiving atomoxetine, the high dropout rate and lack of impact on cocaine use may limit its utility in adults with ADHD who are currently abusing cocaine.

KEYWORDS:

• ADHD
• cocaine dependence
• Atomoxetine

This research was supported by NIDA grants P50DA09236 and KO2 00465. We want to thank the staff of the Substance Treatment and Research Service of the New York State Psychiatric Institute and of Project Outreach of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center for their clinical support. Some of these data were presented at the College on Drug Dependence's 68th Annual Meeting in 2006. Dr. Levin is a past consultant for Eli Lily and Company, Shire Pharmaceuticals Group, AstraZeneca, and OrthoMcNeil Pharmaceutical Inc. Also, she has also received research support from Eli Lily and Company, UCB Pharma Inc, Shire Pharmaceuticals Group, AstraZeneca, and OrthoMcNeil Pharmaceutical Inc. Eli Lily provided the medication for this study.

Notes

∗Week corresponds to weeks in trial (1–12).

∗∗Baseline AARS represents AARS score at week 0, prior to trial start.

∗∗∗Treatment is atomoxetine relative to historical placebo.