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

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.