Perspectives in psychopharmacology: spotlight on atomoxetine.

1Medication Management Coordinator, Fraser Health Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia 2Clinical Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Assistant Professor (Part-Time), UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia introduction Over the last decade, several advances have been made in the pharmacological treatment of ADHD. Novel medications, longer acting preparations and results from recent clinical trials have broadened the landscape of ADHD management in Canada. Atomoxetine, a novel non-stimulant medication, was approved for use in Canada in December 2004. Unlike methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which act primarily by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, atomoxetine selectively inhibits the presynaptic reuptake of norepinephrine (Banaschewski T, et al., 2004). It has been approved for use and indicated in children (6 years of age and older), adolescents, and adults with ADHD. Atomoxetine is not habit forming and is not a controlled substance. Its efficacy and tolerability in children (aged 6 years and older), adolescents, and adults with ADHD has been studied in several RCTs (Banaschewski T, et al., 2004; Biederman J et al., 2002; Kelsey DK et al., 2004; Kratochvil CJ et al., 2002; Michelson D et al., 2003; Michelson D et al., 2002; Michelson D et al., 2001; Spencer T et al., 2002; Weiss M et al., 2005).