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COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians
Synopsis: Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a new, nonstimulant medication approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. Unlike methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which act primarily by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It does not appear to be habit forming and is not a controlled substance.
Safety: The most significant safety concerns for children are weight loss and slowing of growth. In one trial, 19.3 percent of the children receiving atomoxetine lost at least 3.5 percent of their body weight with the typical dosage and gained less height when compared with children receiving placebo. (1) Atomoxetine also can increase pulse and blood pressure, and the manufacturer recommends that the drug be used with caution in patients with hypertension, tachycardia, cardiovascular disease, or cerebrovascular disease. (1) Approximately one in 15 white patients will slowly metabolize atomoxetine and can be expected to have serum levels 5 to 10...
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