Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, sold under the brand name Strattera, is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, to a lesser extent, cognitive disengagement syndrome. It may be used alone or along with psychostimulants. It is also used as a cognitive and executive functioning enhancer to improve self-motivation, persistence, attention, inhibition, and working memory. Use of atomoxetine is only recommended for those who are at least six years old. It is taken orally. Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and is believed to work by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. The effectiveness of atomoxetine is comparable to the commonly prescribed stimulant medication methylphenidate.
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Trade names | Strattera, others |
Other names | (R)-N-Methyl-3-phenyl-3-(o-tolyloxy)propan-1-amine |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a603013 |
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Routes of administration | By mouth |
Drug class | Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | 63 to 94% |
Protein binding | 98% |
Metabolism | Liver, via CYP2D6 |
Elimination half-life | 4.5–25 hours |
Excretion | Kidney (80%) and faecal (17%) |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.120.306 |
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Formula | C17H21NO |
Molar mass | 255.361 g·mol−1 |
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Common side effects of atomoxetine include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, feeling tired, and dizziness. Serious side effects may include angioedema, liver problems, stroke, psychosis, heart problems, suicide, and aggression. There is a lack of data regarding its safety during pregnancy; as of 2019, its safety during pregnancy and for use during breastfeeding is not certain.
It was approved for medical use in the United States in 2002. In 2021, it was the 219th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1.9 million prescriptions.