Tomoxetin (Atomoxetine) is the first non-stimulant drug approved for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine is classified as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and is approved for use in children, adolescents, and adults. However, its efficacy has not been studied in children under six years old. Its advantage over stimulants for the treatment of ADHD is that it has less abuse potential than stimulants, is not scheduled as a controlled substance and has proven in clinical trials to offer 24 hour coverage of symptoms associated with ADHD in adults and children.
Tomoxetin effectively treats symptoms of adult ADHD and can help:
- Focus your attention
- Listen more easily to what others are saying
- Be less forgetful in daily activities
- Concentrate and be less distracted
- Better organize tasks and activities
- Start and finish projects
Tomoxetin works differently from the other ADHD medicines available. The advantage of Tomoxetin over stimulants for the treatment of ADHD is that it has less abuse potential than stimulants, is not scheduled as a controlled substance and has proven in clinical trials to offer 24 hour coverage of symptoms associated with ADHD in adults and children.
Common side effects
Decreased appetite, Irritability, Increased blood pressure, Itching of skin, Mood swings, Indigestion, Nausea, Depression and depressed mood, Abdominal pain, Vomiting, Insomnia, Red and itchy skin, Decreased weight, Tics, Constipation, Loss of appetite, Dizziness, Sleepiness, Anxiety, Rash, Mydriasis, Agitation, Headache, Increased heart rate.
Contraindications
Contraindications include:
- Hypersensitivity to atomoxetine or any of the excipients in the product
- Symptomatic cardiovascular disease including: moderate to severe hypertension, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular flutter, advanced arteriosclerosis.
- Severe cardiovascular disorders
- Concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Narrow angle glaucoma