Efficacy and safety of atomoxetine in adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

This poster presents efficacy, safety/tolerability data for atomoxetine in the treatment of adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine is a nonstimulant medication recently approved in the US as a treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. Atomoxetine has been studied in 2 identical, acute, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (Study 1: n=141, Study 2: n=129) and 1 long-term open-label extension study (n=384) in adults with ADHD. Efficacy was measured utilizing the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale and Clinician Global Impression of Severity. Safety was assessed by open-ended questioning and adverse event reports. Atomoxetine was superior to placebo in reducing core ADHD symptoms. Patients that continued atomoxetine treatment in the open-label trial continued to experience symptom improvement. Atomoxetine was well-tolerated with a low rate of discontinuations due to adverse events (7.8%) in the open-label extension study. Atomoxetine appears to be efficacious and safe in the treatment of ADHD in adults. Reference: Michelson D et al. Biol Psychiatry 2003; 53:112–120