Atomoxetine For ADHD Children: Is It Effective?

If your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you have probably done a few internet searches of the best treatment options and the various adhd medications available. While one treatment might not work from one child to the next, many children typically engage in a combination of effective treatments for ADHD. These treatments include medication, behavioral therapy, and counseling. 

You have most likely heard of stimulant medications and their unwanted side effects, however, there are other ADHD medications available that can be effective in treating ADHD, without the side effects typically seen in stimulant medication.

This article will explore a medication commonly prescribed for children and adolescents with ADHD, as well as its effectiveness, side effects, and risks. Keep reading to learn more! 

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What Is Atomoxetine?

Atomoxetine (or Strattera for the common brand name) is an FDA or Food and Drug Administration-approved medication used to treat symptoms of ADHD. It belongs in the group of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which increase the levels of norepinephrine, an important chemical messenger in the brain and central nervous system.

Individuals who have ADHD have been found to have a deficiency in the chemical, norepinephrine. Low levels of norepinephrine are seen to make it harder to focus and remain alert, which in turn increases hyperactivity and impulsivity. Atomoxetine is a medication that has been proven effective for symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. 

Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication, is a widely used and accepted treatment option for ADHD, as it is not a controlled substance, and is non habit forming. Therefore, parents would not have to worry about the potential for abuse and dependence of this medication.

It is important to note that this information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as medical or diagnostic advice. Always consult with your child's doctor or medical provider regarding medications and the benefits of taking atomoxetine. 

Can Atomoxetine Help with ADHD Symptoms?

Yes! Atomoxetine treatment has been a proven effective option for reducing ADHD symptoms. It is generally considered effective in managing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is also the first non stimulant medication approved by the FDA for treatment of ADHD. 

Multiple studies have found that atomoxetine can significantly improve symptoms of ADHD in children and adults. In a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with children who were diagnosed with ADHD, those who received atomoxetine treatment showed significant improvements in measures of attention, hyperactivity, and oppositional defiant disorder symptoms compared to children who were a part of the placebo group. 

In addition, research has also shown that atomoxetine has been effective for decreasing symptoms of anxiety in children and adolescents who have ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. 

Side Effects of Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine will not cause many of the side effects seen with taking a stimulant medication, however there are side effects that can be experienced by children and adolescents who take atomoxetine and these include:

• Decreased appetite
• Upset stomach or stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Abdominal pain

While these side effects are not common and rarely reported, individuals taking strattera might also experience increased blood pressure and increased heart rate, risk of switching to hypomania or mania, particularly in individuals with bipolar disorder, 

The most common side effects associated with adults taking Strattera or atomoxetine include:

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Erectile dysfunction
• Urinary tract abnormalities
• Painful menstruation
• Hot flashes

Although most of these side effects are unlikely to occur, always seek medical attention or call a doctor if you notice any of these side effects while your child is taking strattera. In addition, call 911 if you believe your child is having severe allergic reactions to the drug, strattera. 

Risks of Taking Atomoxetine

While there are no risks associated with long-term use of atomoxetine treatment, there are a few potential short-term risks that parents should be aware of. 

Suicidal Ideation 

Although rare, suicidal thinking can occur while taking atomoxetine. In a clinical trial, 4 out of 100 children and adolescents reported having suicidal ideation while taking atomoxetine or Strattera. Because of this risk, the FDA put a black box warning on Strattera to make parents aware of the potential for this life threatening risk.

If you believe that your child has had an increase in anxiety symptoms or depressive symptoms since they began taking atomoxetine, consult with your child's doctor immediately. 

High Blood Pressure 

In addition, atomoxetine treatment may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate, therefore, it is important for children to have their heart rate and blood pressure monitored while taking atomoxetine.

Allergic Reactions

In some rare cases, atomoxetine may cause severe allergic reactions. This can include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the lips and face, and difficulty breathing. If you believe that your child is having an allergic reaction to the medication, seek medical attention immediately. 

Pregnancy Risks

It is not recommended that individuals who are pregnant take atomoxetine. Therefore, if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant soon, discuss your current medications with your doctor. 

There is no current evidence to suggest that there are withdrawn symptoms associated with discontinuing atomoxetine. Individuals who are concerned about the potential for dependence and abuse that can occur with taking stimulant medications may be advised to treat adhd symptoms with atomoxetine. 

Asking Your Doctor about ADHD Treatment

There are a variety of treatment options available for children and adolescents with ADHD, which can include medications, therapy, and life-style changes. 

In addition to medication, behavioral therapy is also typically recommended for children with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can include techniques such as parent-training, social skills training, and cognitive behavioral therapy, which will help children learn strategies for managing their symptoms and improve functioning at home and in school.

What is the best ADHD medication for a child?

When it comes to medication options, there are a variety of options. Make sure to talk to your child’s provider about all available options before advocating for your child to be on one medication versus another. 

When determining the best treatment plan for your child, it is important to work closely with your child's doctor. It may take some trial and error to find the right combination of medication and therapy to make the best impact on their performance in school, within their social life, and at home. 

Atomoxetine Efficacy for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Research has indicated that taking atomoxetine has been proven effective for improving emotional lability, and individual's quality of life, and for a reduction in ADHD symptoms. 

Atomoxetine generally works over a long period of time, which differs from stimulant medications, where individuals on stimulant medications notice an immediate effect. While it may take atomoxetine 4-6 weeks to begin working, it can have lasting effects for up to 24 hours. 

In addition, unlike stimulant medications, it may take several weeks to a month before any benefit is noticed from taking atomoxetine. With that said, it is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed even if immediate improvement is not noticed. 

Other Conditions Atomomexetine Can Treat

Considering atomoxetine is a SNRI, it belongs to the class of drugs that are typically used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. They work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which is thought to play an important role in mood regulation. 

As mentioned previously, research has indicated that atomoxetine treatment has been effective in decreasing symptoms of anxiety in children and adolescents with comorbid anxiety disorders and ADHD. It has also been effective in the treatment of social anxiety and ADHD, as well as adults who have comorbid ADHD and alcohol abuse disorders. Although the FDA has not approved it for these uses, atomoxetine has also been shown as an effective medication for the reduction in binge-eating behaviors in some people.

It is important to note that atomoxetine has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of these conditions and more research is required to determine the safety and effectiveness for these uses. 

Takeaway

Although atomoxetine may not be as effective as a stimulant medication for adhd treatment, atomoxetine is a safe and effective option for the short-term and long-term management of ADHD. While ADHD medications are typically the first line in treating ADHD, there are other effective options that should be incorporated as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, parent-training, and behavior modification. 

As always, consult with your child's doctor before making any changes or adding to your child's medication regimen. Your child's doctor will be able to discuss any drug interactions that interfere with atomoxetine treatment.