Strattera, the New ADHD Medication
The newest ADHD medication Strattera (atomoxetine) is expected
to hit the pharmacy shelves this month to much ado. What
separates Strattera (atomoxetine) from the rest of the ADHD
medications pack is that Strattera (atomoxetine) is the first
non-stimulant medication FDA-approved for Attention Deficit
Disorder. Strattera (atomoxetine) is not a controlled substance
under the Controlled Substance Act, which translates to the
convenience of phone-in refills and less prescription hassles at
the pharmacy. Strattera (atomoxetine) is an oral capsule
prescribed in a once or twice daily dose, which also eliminates
the need for school children to medicate during the school day.
And, Strattera (atomoxetine) is the only ADHD medication
FDA-approved for adults. But before you knock on your doctor's
door asking for a prescription, there are a few things you
should know about this new ADHD medication. Although Strattera
(atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication, it still poses
many side effects consistent with the side effects of other ADHD
medications - and a few new ones that adults might find less
than pleasant.
Common Strattera (atomoxetine) Side Effects include (but not
limited to): _ Problems sleeping/Insomnia _ Dry mouth _
Decreased appetite _ Weight loss _ Upset stomach _ Constipation
_ Nausea and/or vomiting _ Dizziness _ Tiredness _ Mood swings _
Ear infection _ Influenza _ Irritability
Sexual side effects (in adults studied): _ Decreased libido _
Ejaculatory problems _ Impotence _ Urination problems _ Painful
menstrual periods
The following, though rare, have also been reported: _ Strattera
(atomoxetine) can cause potentially serious allergic reactions.
Strattera (atomoxetine) can increase heart rate and blood
pressure. Strattera (atomoxetine) can also worsen the conditions
of high blood pressure and heart disease. Strattera
(atomoxetine) should not be taken at the same time as, or within
two weeks of taking, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Patients
with narrow angle glaucoma should not take Strattera
(atomoxetine).
You should alert the prescribing physician of the following
condition before beginning Strattera (atomoxetine); _ Current or
past depression, psychosis or other mental conditions _ Alcohol
or drug abuse _ Heart disease _ High blood pressure _ Epilepsy
or seizure disorders _ Liver disease or kidney disease _
Pregnancy, nursing or plans to become pregnant
Strattera (atomoxetine) makers Eli Lilly and Company conducted
six placebo-controlled studies in children, adolescents and
adults for FDA submission. Early studies suggest that the
potential of abuse is lower with Strattera (atomoxetine) and
side effects may not be as pronounced as with other ADHD
medications. Two of the trials also tested Strattera's
effectiveness against methylphenidate and stated that
preliminary evidence indicates comparable effects between
atomoxetine (Strattera) and methylphenidate (Ritalin).
Researchers did, however, state that larger, double-blind
studies are needed to better compare the drugs against each
other. We do expect Strattera (atomoxetine) to become one of the
forerunners in ADHD medication, with millions of children on
this new drug in a short amount of time. Although Strattera
(atomoxetine) sounds like a good choice - as ADHD medications go
- the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center takes a wary
position until further testing is completed and analyzed. It is
important to note that this new ADHD medication is new, with the
tests for effectiveness lasting between six and 10 weeks and the
safety of this drug only tested for about one year. The
short-term studies showed that Strattera (atomoxetine) increased
the heart rate and blood pressure in children. The long-term
effects of increased heart rate and blood pressure are still
unknown. Children fell below their height and weight growth
curves on the longer-term study and again, it is still unknown
whether this will have an affect on adult height. Also of
concern are the side effects to sexual functioning reported in
adult and how that will affect children whose sexual organs are
still developing. In all fairness, this side effect likely would
not surface for Ritalin, Adderall or other ADHD medications
since those are for children. Since Strattera (atomoxetine) will
also be marketed as an adult prescription, clinical tests were
done on adults, which then unearthed sexual side effects. Our
last concern deals with verbiage on the Strattera (atomoxetine)
web site. The following is an excerpt from the www.strattera.com
FAQ page; "15. Is there a cure for ADHD? Like other chronic
disorders, ADHD is not curable. Some patients have a remission
of the disease, and may lead productive adolescent and adult
lives...."
Eli Lilly and Company knows better and we question why the web
site classified Attention Deficit Disorder as a "disease," and
one that people "have a remission" from. Attention Deficit
Disorder is NOT a "disease." In fact, Attention Deficit Disorder
was not even a "disorder" until 1980 by the American Psychiatric
Association classified it as such. Furthermore, people do not
"have a remission" from Attention Deficit Disorder, though many
children with Attention Deficit Disorder lead productive
adolescent and adult lives.