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Ruppert K, Geffert C, Clement HW, Bachmann C, Haberhausen M, Schulz E, Fleischhaker C, Biscaldi-Schäfer M. Therapeutic drug monitoring of atomoxetine in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder: a naturalistic study. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:945-959. [PMID: 35391568 PMCID: PMC9217867 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02483-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine is potentially among the first-line pharmacotherapy options for ADHD. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) with the quantification and interpretation of atomoxetine serum concentrations is used to determine an individual dose followed by an optimal effectiveness and minimal side effects. The aim of this retrospective pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic analysis was to derive age-appropriate recommendations for the implementation of TDM to improve the efficacy and tolerability of atomoxetine in children and adolescents. Using the analytical method of high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection, 94 serum concentrations of 74 patients between 6 and 21 years of age were determined. Therapeutic effectiveness and side effects were evaluated according to the categories “low”, “moderate”, and “significant”. As part of TDM, a time interval with maximum concentrations of 1–3 h after the administration of atomoxetine was determined for blood sampling. In this time interval, a significant correlation between the weight-normalized dose and the serum concentrations was found. The efficacy as well as the tolerability proved to be mainly moderate or significant. A preliminary therapeutic reference range was between 100 and 400 ng/ml. Naturalistic studies have limitations. Therefore, and due to a limited study population, the results have to be regarded as preliminary observations that must be confirmed in further studies. The preliminary therapeutic reference range for children and adolescents proved to be narrower than the reference range for adult patients. However, due to good efficacy and tolerability an exact reference range remained difficult to determine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Ruppert
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Willi Clement
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Christian Bachmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Haberhausen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Eberhard Schulz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Christian Fleischhaker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
| | - Monica Biscaldi-Schäfer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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Kok FM, Groen Y, Fuermaier ABM, Tucha O. The female side of pharmacotherapy for ADHD-A systematic literature review. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239257. [PMID: 32946507 PMCID: PMC7500607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This comprehensive review examined sex differences in prescription rates and efficacy or effectiveness of pharmacotherapy treatment in girls and women with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while identifying gaps in the scientific knowledge on this topic. METHOD A rigorous electronic database search was carried out in order to identify all published studies on female-specific effects of stimulants and non-stimulants in the treatment of ADHD. In total, 2672 studies were screened of which 21 studies (seven on prescription rates, 14 on effects of pharmacotherapy) met the inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. RESULTS In all seven studies on ADHD prescription rates, girls received significantly less prescriptions than boys, a difference however no longer seen in adults with the exception of one study. Each of the 14 studies on effectiveness / efficacy found at least one sex-difference in the effects of ADHD pharmacotherapy. CONCLUSION Several sex-differences are demonstrated in the prescription, usage and efficacy /effectiveness of both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD pharmacotherapy. A single daily use of MPH may possibly not be optimal for girls with ADHD and ATX may be a promising medication for girls and women with ADHD. The robustness of this result requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francien M. Kok
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Groen
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anselm B. M. Fuermaier
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Oliver Tucha
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Griffiths KR, Jurigova BG, Leikauf JE, Palmer D, Clarke SD, Tsang TW, Teber ET, Kohn MR, Williams LM. A Signature of Attention-Elicited Electrocortical Activity Distinguishes Response From Non-Response to the Non-Stimulant Atomoxetine in Children and Adolescents With ADHD. J Atten Disord 2019; 23:744-753. [PMID: 28974127 PMCID: PMC8215986 DOI: 10.1177/1087054717733044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Atomoxetine has several characteristics that make it an attractive alternative to stimulants for treating ADHD, but there are currently no tests identifying individuals for whom the medication should be a first-line option. METHOD Within the ADHD Controlled Trial Investigation Of a Non-stimulant (ACTION) study, we examined neuro-cortical activity in 52 youth with ADHD. Baseline event-related potentials (ERP) were compared between those who subsequently responded to 6 weeks of atomoxetine versus those who did not. RESULTS Responders were distinguished by significantly lower auditory oddball N2 amplitudes than both non-responders and typically developing controls, particularly in the right frontocentral region ( p = .002, Cohen's d = 1.1). Leave-one-out cross validation determined that N2 amplitude in this region was able to accurately predict non-responders with a specificity of 80.8%. There were no P3 differences between responders and non-responders. CONCLUSION The N2 amplitude is a biomarker that may have utility in predicting response to atomoxetine for youth with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi R. Griffiths
- Brain Dynamics Centre, The Westmead Institue for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Barbora G. Jurigova
- Brain Dynamics Centre, The Westmead Institue for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John E. Leikauf
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Donna Palmer
- Brain Resource, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon D. Clarke
- Brain Dynamics Centre, The Westmead Institue for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia,Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia,Centre for Research into Adolescents Health, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tracey W. Tsang
- Brain Dynamics Centre, The Westmead Institue for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia,Discipline of Child & Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erdahl T. Teber
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael R. Kohn
- Brain Dynamics Centre, The Westmead Institue for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia,Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia,Centre for Research into Adolescents Health, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leanne M. Williams
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Pozzi M, Carnovale C, Peeters GGAM, Gentili M, Antoniazzi S, Radice S, Clementi E, Nobile M. Adverse drug events related to mood and emotion in paediatric patients treated for ADHD: A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2018; 238:161-178. [PMID: 29883938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ADHD is frequently comorbid with anxiety and mood disorders, which may increase the severity of inattention and hyperactivity symptoms. Emotional symptoms (anxiety, irritability, mood lability) also affect patients without comorbidity or emerge as adverse drug events. The influence of ADHD drugs on emotional symptoms demands investigation to improve therapies. METHODS Systematic review of trials reporting adverse events in patients pharmacologically treated for ADHD. Meta-analysis of the occurrence of irritability, anxiety, apathy, reduced talk, sadness, crying, emotional lability, biting nails, staring, perseveration, euphoria. Meta-regression analysis. RESULTS Forty-five trials were meta-analysed. The most frequently reported outcomes were irritability, anxiety, sadness, and apathy. Methylphenidates, especially immediate-release formulations, were most studied; amphetamines were half as studied and were predominantly mixed amphetamine salts. Reports on atomoxetine were scant. Meta-analysis showed that methylphenidates reduced the risk of irritability, anxiety, euphoria, whereas they worsened the risk of apathy and reduced talk; amphetamines worsened the risk of emotional lability. Factors influencing risks were study year and design, patients' sex and age, drug dose and release formulation. LIMITATIONS Possible discrepancy between adverse events as indicated in clinical trials and as summarised herein. Confounding due to the aggregation of drugs into groups; uninvestigated sources of bias; incomplete lists of adverse events; lack of observations on self-injury. CONCLUSIONS Methylphenidates appeared safer than amphetamines, although younger patients and females may incur higher risks, especially with high-dose, immediate-release methylphenidates. Only atomoxetine holds a black-box warning, but amphetamines and methylphenidates also did not show a safe profile regarding mood and emotional symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pozzi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy.
| | - Carla Carnovale
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriëlla G A M Peeters
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Gentili
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Antoniazzi
- IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Sonia Radice
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy; Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Maria Nobile
- Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
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Vafaei A, Vafaei I, Noorazar G, Akbarzadeh R, Erfanparast L, Shirazi S. Comparison of the effect of pharmacotherapy and neuro-feedback therapy on oral health of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. J Clin Exp Dent 2018; 10:e306-e311. [PMID: 29750089 PMCID: PMC5937964 DOI: 10.4317/jced.54586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic and progressive mental disorder related to the childhood period. This study aims to compare the oral health of two groups of ADHD children: those under pharmacotherapy and those under neuro-feedback therapy. Material and Methods 72 ADHD children (aged 6-12) were divided into two 36 member groups: The pharmacotherapy group and the neuro-feedback therapy group. Unstimulated salivary flow (USF), DMFT, and plaque index were assessed in these children. Statistical analysis was carried out on the data with the independent t-test, which was performed using SPSS 16. The significance level of the study was p<0.05. Results In this study, the USF of ADHD children who used Ritalin was found to be significantly less than that of the neuro-feedback group (1.25 ± 1.21 vs. 1.91 ± 1.16 ml/min; p=0.002). Also, the plaque index (5.9 ± 3.1 vs. 3.94 ± 1.9; p=0.018) and DMFT scores (39% ± 9% vs. 31% ± 9%; p=0.018) were significantly higher for the pharmacotherapy group. Conclusions Neuro-feedback therapy is preferable to Ritalin treatment for ADHD children in terms of their oral health status. Key words:Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, drug therapy, neurofeedback, oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Vafaei
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Iman Vafaei
- Postgraduate student, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Noorazar
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rafegh Akbarzadeh
- Student, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Erfanparast
- Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sajjad Shirazi
- Lecturer and Researcher, Dental and Periodontal Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Ghosh P, Maitra S, Saha T, Sinha S, Mukhopadhyay K. Functional genetic polymorphisms in dopaminergic transporters: Association with ADHD traits in the Indian probands. Meta Gene 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Savill NC, Buitelaar JK, Anand E, Day KA, Treuer T, Upadhyaya HP, Coghill D. The efficacy of atomoxetine for the treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a comprehensive review of over a decade of clinical research. CNS Drugs 2015; 29:131-51. [PMID: 25698145 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-014-0224-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Atomoxetine was first licensed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents in the US in 2002. The aim of this paper is to comprehensively review subsequent publications addressing the efficacy of atomoxetine in 6- to 18-year-olds with ADHD. We identified 125 eligible papers using a predefined search strategy. Overall, these papers demonstrate that atomoxetine is an effective treatment for the core ADHD symptoms (effect sizes 0.6-1.3, vs. placebo, at 6-18 weeks), and improves functional outcomes and quality of life, in various pediatric populations with ADHD (i.e., males/females, patients with co-morbidities, children/adolescents, and with/without prior exposure to other ADHD medications). Initial responses to atomoxetine may be apparent within 1 week of treatment, but can take longer (median 23 days in a 6-week study; n=72). Responses often build gradually over time, and may not be robust until after 3 months. A pooled analysis of six randomized placebo-controlled trials (n=618) indicated that responses at 4 weeks may predict response at 6-9 weeks, although another pooled analysis of open-label data (n=338) suggests that the probability of a robust response to atomoxetine [≥40% decrease in ADHD-Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) scores] may continue to increase beyond 6-9 weeks. Atomoxetine may demonstrate similar efficacy to methylphenidate, particularly immediate-release methylphenidate, although randomized controlled trials are generally limited by short durations (3-12 weeks). In conclusion, notwithstanding these positive findings, before initiating treatment with atomoxetine, it is important that the clinician sets appropriate expectations for the patient and their family with regard to the likelihood of a gradual response, which often builds over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola C Savill
- Eli Lilly and Co., Lilly House, Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9NL, UK,
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8
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Cain RE, Wasserman MC, Waterhouse BD, McGaughy JA. Atomoxetine facilitates attentional set shifting in adolescent rats. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2013; 1:552-9. [PMID: 21927630 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2011.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent rats show immaturities in executive function and are less able than adult rats to learn reinforcement reversals and shift attentional set. These two forms of executive function rely on the functional integrity of the orbitofrontal and prelimbic cortices respectively. Drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder, such as atomoxetine, that increase cortical catecholamine levels improve executive functions in humans, non-human primates and adult rats with prefrontal lesions. Cortical noradrenergic systems are some of the last to mature in primates and rats. Moreover, norepinephrine transporters (NET) are higher in juvenile rats than adults. The underdeveloped cortical noradrenergic system and higher number of NET are hypothesized to underlie the immaturities in executive function found in adolescents. We assessed executive function in male Long-Evans rats using an intra-dimensional/extradimensional set shifting task. We administered the NET blocker, atomoxetine (0.0, 0.1, 0.9 mg/kg/ml; i.p.), prior to the test of attentional set shift and a reinforcement reversal. The lowest dose of drug facilitated attentional set shifting but had no effect on reversal learning. These data demonstrate that NET blockade allows adolescent rats to more easily perform attentional set shifting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Cain
- University of New Hampshire, Department of Psychology, Durham, NH 03824, United States
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Hawi Z, Matthews N, Barry E, Kirley A, Wagner J, Wallace RH, Heussler HS, Vance A, Gill M, Bellgrove MA. A high density linkage disequilibrium mapping in 14 noradrenergic genes: evidence of association between SLC6A2, ADRA1B and ADHD. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 225:895-902. [PMID: 23052569 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2875-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological evidence suggests the importance of noradrenergic and other monoaminergic neurotransmitters in the aetiology and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Until recently, the genes of the noradrenergic pathway were not intensively investigated in ADHD compared to dopaminergic and serotonergic candidates. In this study, 91 SNP markers of 14 noradrenergic genes (an average density of one SNP per 4.5 kbp) were examined in ADHD samples from Ireland and Australia. Although suggestive evidence of association (nominal p ≤ 0.05) with the genes SLC6A2, ADRA1A, ADRA1B and ADRA2B was observed, none remained significant after permutation adjustments. In contrast, haplotype analyses demonstrated a significant association between ADHD and a SLC6A2 haplotype comprising the markers rs36009, rs1800887, rs8049681, rs2242447 and rs9930182 (χ(2) = 9.39, p-corrected = 0.019, OR = 1.51). A rare ADRA1B haplotype made of six SNPs (rs2030373, rs6884105, rs756275, rs6892282, rs6888306 and rs13162302) was also associated (χ(2) = 7.79, p-corrected = 0.042 OR = 2.74) with the disorder. These findings provide evidence of a contribution of the noradrenaline system to the genetic aetiology of ADHD. The observed haplotype association signals may be driven by as yet unidentified functional risk variants in or around the associated regions. Functional genomic analysis is warranted to determine the biological mechanism of the observed association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziarih Hawi
- Queensland Brain Institute and School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Shier AC, Reichenbacher T, Ghuman HS, Ghuman JK. Pharmacological treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: clinical strategies. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2012; 5:1-17. [PMID: 23650474 PMCID: PMC3616598 DOI: 10.4137/jcnsd.s6691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood that can result in significant functional impairment, and if not adequately treated can lead to impaired quality of life. Pharmacotherapy is considered the first-line treatment for ADHD in children and adolescents. We review both recent literature and seminal studies regarding the pharmacological treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents. There is ample evidence for the efficacy and safety of both stimulants and non-stimulants in the treatment of ADHD. We review important aspects of evaluation and assessment and discuss first-line pharmacological treatments and as well as when to consider using alternative pharmacological agents. Treatment approaches to manage frequently seen comorbid disorders with ADHD are also covered.
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Calleja J, Uribarri J. Effectiveness and safety of atomoxetine for ADHD in population between 6 and 19 years: a systematic review. Medwave 2012. [DOI: 10.5867/medwave.2012.08.5471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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12
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Charnsil C. Efficacy of atomoxetine in children with severe autistic disorders and symptoms of ADHD: an open-label study. J Atten Disord 2011; 15:684-9. [PMID: 20686100 DOI: 10.1177/1087054710376907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the efficacy of atomoxetine in treating symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with severe autistic disorder. METHOD Children with severe autistic disorder who had symptoms of ADHD were given atomoxetine for 10 weeks. The efficacy of atomoxetine was evaluated by using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) to rate ADHD symptoms at baseline, week 6, and week 10. The Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale was used as secondary outcome to assess the overall improvement of the children's development at week 10. RESULTS A total of 12 children participated in this study. Although CGI-I scores showed improvement at week 10, the ABC hyperactivity subscale did not show a significant improvement of the ADHD symptoms at baseline (M = 33.89) compared to those at week 10 (M = 31.78, p = .62). CONCLUSION Atomoxetine did not benefit children with severe autistic disorder who have ADHD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chawanun Charnsil
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand.
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Yildiz O, Sismanlar SG, Memik NC, Karakaya I, Agaoglu B. Atomoxetine and methylphenidate treatment in children with ADHD: the efficacy, tolerability and effects on executive functions. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2011; 42:257-69. [PMID: 21165694 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-010-0212-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the safety, efficacy, tolerability, and the effects of atomoxetine and OROS-MPH on executive functions in children with ADHD. This study was an open-label study that only included two medication groups. Children were randomized to open-label atomoxetine or OROS-MPH for 12 weeks. Primary efficacy measures were T-DSM-IV-S, CGI-I and neuropsychological tests battery. Safety assessments included electrocardiogram, adverse events checklist and laboratory tests. According to the endpoint improvement scores of CGI and parents T-DSM-IV-S, treatment responses were not significantly different between the two study groups. OROS-MPH led to a significantly greater reduction in teacher T-DSM-IV-S scale scores. OROS-MPH was more effective than atomoxetine on Stroop-5 time and number of corrections. Significant decrease in the percentage of perseverative errors on WCST in the OROS-MPH group was seen (p = 0.005). The most frequently reported adverse events in the atomoxetine group were anorexia, nausea, nervousness, weight loss, abdominal pain, and somnolence. In the OROS-MPH group, patients most frequently reported anorexia, nervousness, insomnia, headache, nausea, and weight loss. When all these results are considered, although both drugs can be considered effective in ADHD treatment, more remarkable improvement is provided by OROS-MPH based on the rates across informant (i.e., teachers, clinicians) and neuropsychological evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Yildiz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kocaeli University, İzmit, Turkey
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Manos MJ, Brams M, Childress AC, Findling RL, López FA, Jensen PS. Changes in emotions related to medication used to treat ADHD. Part I: literature review. J Atten Disord 2011; 15:101-12. [PMID: 20876887 DOI: 10.1177/1087054710381230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the literature investigating changes in emotional expression (EE) as a function of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of ADHD and to differentiate emotional effects related to ADHD pharmacotherapy from emotional effects related to ADHD as a disorder. METHOD English language articles published from January 1, 1988, through August 31, 2008 were identified through a PubMed literature search using the search terms attention, ADHD, hyperactive, hyperkinesis, and ADD cross-referenced with medication terms amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate , guanfacine, atomoxetine, and clonidine. The search was limited to randomized, controlled trials. Abstracts from all identified articles were selected for further review if they met criteria including (a) presence of a placebo arm, (b) children ≤ 18 years of age, (c) ≥ 20 participants, and (b) study design elements that would allow reviewers to determine whether EE phenomena were specifically attributable to medication effects versus alternative explanations (e.g., time, maturation, baseline comorbidity, selection artifacts, or treatments other than the medication-placebo contrast). Qualifying full-text articles were reviewed for prespecified EE terms. RESULTS Of 148 articles that met selection criteria, 47 reported varying types of EE. Eight of these included two active treatment arms. Hence, 55 data sets were identified. Patterns of change in EE in studies meeting search criteria are discussed. Data sets that reported accounts of EE by the percentage of patients were compiled and further analyzed for specific medication classes. The changes in EE are further discussed as (a) salutary or detrimental, (b) associated with time of day or circumscribed, and (c) presumed to be caused by pharmacological effects. CONCLUSIONS Definitive methodologies for assessing the presence of changes in EE in clinical trials and guidelines for the evaluation of EE in clinical practice are yet to be established and are needed. Such guidelines could be used by clinicians to monitor positive and negative changes in emotion when patients are taking medications for their ADHD.
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Aagaard L, Hansen EH. The occurrence of adverse drug reactions reported for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications in the pediatric population: a qualitative review of empirical studies. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2011; 7:729-44. [PMID: 22247615 PMCID: PMC3256000 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s26403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To review empirical studies of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported to be associated with the use of medications generally licensed for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in the pediatric population. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO(®) databases were searched from origin until June 2011. Studies reporting ADRs from amphetamine derivates, atomoxetine, methylphenidate, and modafinil in children from birth to age 17 were included. Information about ADR reporting rates, age and gender of the child, type, and seriousness of ADRs, setting, study design, ADR assessors, authors, and funding sources were extracted. RESULTS The review identified 43 studies reporting ADRs associated with medicines for treatment of ADHD in clinical studies covering approximately 7000 children, the majority of 6- to 12-year-old boys, and particularly in the United States of America (USA). The most frequently reported ADRs were decrease in appetite, gastrointestinal pain, and headache. There were wide variations in reported ADR occurrence between studies of similar design, setting, included population, and type of medication. Reported ADRs were primarily assessed by the children/their parents, and very few ADRs were rated as being serious. A large number of children dropped out of studies due to serious ADRs, and therefore, the actual number of serious ADRs from use of psychostimulants is probably higher. A large number of studies were conducted by the same groups of authors and sponsored by the pharmaceutical companies manufacturing the respective medications. CONCLUSION Reported ADRs from use of psychostimulants in children were found in clinical trials of short duration. Since ADHD medications are prescribed for long-term treatment, there is a need for long-term safety studies. The pharmaceutical companies should make all information about ADRs reported for these medications accessible to the public, and further studies are needed on the impact of the link between researchers and the manufacturers of the respective products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Aagaard
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Section for Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wehmeier PM, Schacht A, Dittmann RW, Banaschewski T. Minor differences in ADHD-related difficulties between boys and girls treated with atomoxetine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 2:73-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s12402-010-0022-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2009] [Accepted: 03/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Dell'Agnello G, Maschietto D, Bravaccio C, Calamoneri F, Masi G, Curatolo P, Besana D, Mancini F, Rossi A, Poole L, Escobar R, Zuddas A. Atomoxetine hydrochloride in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbid oppositional defiant disorder: A placebo-controlled Italian study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2009; 19:822-34. [PMID: 19716683 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2009.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2009] [Revised: 07/02/2009] [Accepted: 07/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of atomoxetine in improving ADHD and ODD symptoms in paediatric patients with ADHD and comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), non-responders to previous psychological intervention with parent support. METHODS This was a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial conducted in patients aged 6-15 years, with ADHD and ODD diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria by a structured clinical interview (K-SADS-PL). Only subjects who are non-responders to a 6-week standardized parent training were randomised to atomoxetine (up to 1.2 mg/kg/day) or placebo (in a 3:1 ratio) for the following 8-week double blind phase. RESULTS Only 2 of the 156 patients enrolled for the parent support phase (92.9% of males; mean age: 9.9 years), improved after the parent training program; 139 patients were randomised for entering in the study and 137 were eligible for efficacy analysis. At the end of the randomised double blind phase, the mean changes in the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Rating Scale-Revised (SNAP-IV) ADHD subscale were -8.1+/-9.2 and -2.0+/-4.7, respectively in the atomoxetine and in the placebo group (p<0.001 between groups); changes in the ODD subscale were -2.7+/-4.1 and -0.3+/-2.6, respectively in the two groups (p=0.001 between groups). The CGI-ADHD-S score decreased in the atomoxetine group (median change at endpoint: -1.0) compared to no changes in the placebo group (p<0.001 between groups). Statistically significant differences between groups, in favour of atomoxetine, were found in the CHIP-CE scores for risk avoidance domain, emotional comfort and individual risk avoidance subdomains. An improvement in all the subscales of Conners Parents (CPRS-R:S) and Teacher (CTRS-R:S) subscales was observed with atomoxetine, except in the cognitive problems subscale in the CTRS-R:S. Only 3 patients treated with atomoxetine discontinued the study due to adverse events. No clinically significant changes of body weight, height and vital signs were observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with atomoxetine of children and adolescents with ADHD and ODD, who did not initially respond to parental support, was associated with improvements in symptoms of ADHD and ODD, and general health status. Atomoxetine was well tolerated.
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Janknegt R, Faber A, Rodrigues Pereira R, Kalverdijk LJ. InforMatrix for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2009; 10:755-72. [PMID: 19351226 DOI: 10.1517/14656560902765769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to facilitate discussion on drug selection for the treatment of ADHD by using only clinically relevant selection criteria and providing an up-to-date overview. The InforMatrix method was used to select drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The following selection criteria were applied: clinical efficacy, safety, tolerability, ease of use, applicability, and cost. The drugs approved for ADHD in the Netherlands were included in the analysis, namely: atomoxetine, immediate-release methylphenidate, and various formulations of slow-release methylphenidate (Concerta, Equasym and Medikinet). Most studies are of limited quality, duration, and size. In one study, Concerta was more effective than atomoxetine. Although no relevant differences were seen in other comparative studies, the clinical experience with atomoxetine is still limited and unexpected toxicity cannot be excluded; few studies have been published with Equasym and Medikinet. No major differences were seen in general tolerability between the drugs. The ease of use of immediate-release methylphenidate is less than for the other drugs. The acquisition cost of immediate-release methylphenidate is considerably lower than that of the slow-release formulations. Atomoxetine is the most expensive drug. The InforMatrix program is available in an interactive format. It enables the user to judge both the importance of the selection criteria and the properties of each therapeutic option per criterion on the basis of his or her own personal expertise and/or the present document.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Janknegt
- Hospital Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacologist Maasland Ziekenhuis, Postbus, Sittard, The Netherlands.
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Dittmann RW, Wehmeier PM, Schacht A, Minarzyk A, Lehmann M, Sevecke K, Lehmkuhl G. Atomoxetine treatment and ADHD-related difficulties as assessed by adolescent patients, their parents and physicians. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2009; 3:21. [PMID: 19703299 PMCID: PMC2746185 DOI: 10.1186/1753-2000-3-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The degree of ADHD-related difficulties - reflecting overall impairment, social functioning, and quality of life - may be perceived differently by adolescent patients, parents and physicians. The primary aim of this study was to investigate ADHD-related difficulties during atomoxetine treatment, as perceived by the three different raters. Secondary objectives focused on effectiveness and tolerability of atomoxetine treatment in a population of adolescent patients with ADHD. METHODS Adolescents with ADHD, aged 12-17 years, received open-label atomoxetine (0.5-1.2 mg/kg/day) up to 24 weeks. ADHD-related difficulties at various times of the day were rated using the Global Impression of Perceived Difficulties (GIPD) instrument. Inter-rater agreement was analyzed using Cohen's Kappa with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). ADHD-Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) and Clinical Global Impression Severity (GGI-S) scores were assessed by the investigator; and spontaneous adverse events, vital signs and laboratory parameters were collected for tolerability assessments. RESULTS 159 patients received atomoxetine. Patients' baseline mean GIPD total ratings were significantly lower than parents' and physicians' scores (12.5 [95%CI 11.6;13.5] vs. 17.2 [16.2;18.2] and 18.8 [17.8;19.8]). For all raters, GIPD scores significantly improved over time. Changes were greatest within the first two weeks. Kappa coefficients varied between 0.186 [0.112;0.259] and 0.662 [0.529;0.795], with strongest agreements between parent and physician assessments, and significant improvements of patient/physician agreements over time (based on 95% CIs). ADHD-RS and CGI-S scores significantly improved over the course of the study (based on 95% CIs). Tolerability results were consistent with earlier reports. CONCLUSION ADHD-related difficulties were perceived differently by the raters in this open-label trial, but consistently improved during atomoxetine treatment. The GIPD instrument appeared sensitive to treatment-related change. These primarily quantitative findings may guide future studies to more systematically investigate the clinical and practical relevance of the differences observed. Additionally, in order to further validate these results, placebo- and comparator-controlled trials are recommended as well as inclusion of healthy controls and other patient populations. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00191737.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf W Dittmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Peter M Wehmeier
- Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Medical Department, Bad Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Anette Minarzyk
- Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Medical Department, Bad Homburg, Germany
| | - Martin Lehmann
- Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Medical Department, Bad Homburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sevecke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Gerd Lehmkuhl
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cologne, Germany
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Takahashi M, Takita Y, Yamazaki K, Hayashi T, Ichikawa H, Kambayashi Y, Koeda T, Oki J, Saito K, Takeshita K, Allen AJ. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of atomoxetine in Japanese children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2009; 19:341-50. [PMID: 19702486 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2008.0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Until the recent approval of methylphenidate (MPH), Japan had no approved treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The need still exists for an effective, safe, nonstimulant treatment. This first placebo-controlled Japan study of an ADHD nonstimulant therapy assessed atomoxetine efficacy and safety to determine the optimal dose for controlling ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. METHODS A total of 245 Japanese children and adolescents, aged 6-17 years and diagnosed with ADHD, were randomly assigned to receive placebo or one of three atomoxetine doses (0.5, 1.2, and 1.8 mg/kg per day) over 8 weeks. Symptoms were assessed with the Japanese Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV-Parent Version: Investigator scored and integrated with teacher reports (ADHD RS-IV-J:I/Sch). Adverse events, vital signs, laboratory tests, and electrocardiograms (ECGs) were obtained for safety analysis. RESULTS In all, 234 patients completed the study. Atomoxetine at 1.8 mg/kg per day was significantly superior to placebo in reducing ADHD symptoms (p = 0.01; one-sided). Decreased appetite and vomiting were significantly greater in the atomoxetine treatment groups; however, no clinically significant differences were observed. Two patients discontinued due to affect lability and headache. A linear dose-response and vital signs similar to those from other atomoxetine studies were observed. CONCLUSION Atomoxetine provides an effective and safe nonstimulant option for the treatment of Japanese pediatric patients with ADHD.
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Ghuman JK, Aman MG, Ghuman HS, Reichenbacher T, Gelenberg A, Wright R, Rice S, Fort C. Prospective, naturalistic, pilot study of open-label atomoxetine treatment in preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2009; 19:155-66. [PMID: 19364293 PMCID: PMC2857147 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2008.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to report preliminary data regarding effectiveness and tolerability of atomoxetine in 3- to 5-year-old preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS Nine boys and 3 girls (mean age = 5.0 +/- 0.72 years) diagnosed with ADHD were treated with atomoxetine in an open-label pilot study. Atomoxetine was gradually titrated to a maximum dose of 1.8 mg/kg per day. RESULTS There was a significant effect of time from baseline to end point on the parent-rated hyperactivity/impulsivity Swanson Nolan and Pelham (SNAP-IV-HI) subscale ratings (F[9, 11] = 6.32, p < 0.0001). The mean difference between the baseline and end-point parent SNAP-IV-HI scores was 10.2 +/- 7.3 (p = 0.0005). The rate of positive response (defined as at least a 30% reduction in the end-point parent SNAP-IV-HI scores and a Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement [CGI-I] rating of Much Improved or Very Much Improved) was 75%. The Children's Global Assessment Scale scores improved significantly over time [F(9, 11) = 6.24 p < 0.001]. The mean end-point daily dose of atomoxetine was 1.59 +/- 0.3 mg/kg. A high proportion (66.7%) of the preschoolers experienced side effects with atomoxetine. Side effects of defiance, tantrums, aggression, and irritability were most disconcerting to parents, and gastrointestinal complaints were the most commonly reported adverse effects. One child was terminated from the study due to "chest ache." There were no changes in weight, height, or cardiovascular measures. CONCLUSION This open-label pilot study provides preliminary evidence of effectiveness and tolerability of atomoxetine for treating ADHD in preschool children, although double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaswinder K Ghuman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724-5002, USA.
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Nair V, Mahadevan S. Randomised controlled study-efficacy of clonidine versus carbamazepine in children with ADHD. J Trop Pediatr 2009; 55:116-21. [PMID: 19203986 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmn117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood psychiatric disorder with a prevalence of 8-12%. Even though psychostimulants remain the treatment of choice, its cost and availability in developing countries limits the usage of the drug. In view of free availability and low cost, a Randomized controlled study was carried out using two second line drugs (clonidine and carbamazepine) in a tertiary care hospital, Pondicherry, South India. OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of clonidine and carbamazepine in children with ADHD. METHOD With approval of ethics committee, a prospective, Double-blind, Randomized controlled study of clonidine and carbamazepine was conducted with 50 children with ADHD (age group 4-12 years), over a period of 2 years (2005-07) in a tertiary care hospital, Pondicherry, South India. RESULTS Clonidine was effective in improving the hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms in children with ADHD as compared to carbamazepine. Statistical significant improvement was not noted with respect to inattention symptoms and other comorbid conditions. CONCLUSION Clonidine can be a safer and cheaper alternative in treatment of children with ADHD, with a predominant effect on their hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vrinda Nair
- Department of Pediatrics, JIPMER Hospital, Pondicherry, India.
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Kim CH, Waldman ID, Blakely RD, Kim KS. Functional gene variation in the human norepinephrine transporter: association with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1129:256-60. [PMID: 18591486 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1417.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET) is responsible for the re-uptake of NE into presynaptic nerve terminals, thus critically regulating noradrenergic signaling and homeostasis. Since NE signaling contributes to diverse brain functions, we hypothesize that promoter variation within the human NET gene (solute carrier family 6, member 2; SLC6A2) may impact risk for NE-related disorders, including depression, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), and autonomic dysfunction. In support of this, we recently found a functional polymorphism at -3081 position upstream of the transcription initiation site. This polymorphism displayed differential promoter function, which we showed could arise from recruitment of a transcriptional repressor. Further analyses identified Slug and Scratch as candidates involved in repression of SLC6A2 transcription generated by the -3081(T) allele. Moreover, we observed a significant association of the -3081(T) variant with ADHD. Altered transcription of SLC6A2 may therefore represent a novel risk factor for the development of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hyung Kim
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
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Wehmeier PM, Dittmann RW, Schacht A, Minarzyk A, Lehmann M, Sevecke K, Lehmkuhl G. Effectiveness of atomoxetine and quality of life in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as perceived by patients, parents, and physicians in an open-label study. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2007; 17:813-30. [PMID: 18315453 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2007.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Health-related quality of life in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may improve with atomoxetine treatment. However, the degree of improvement may be perceived differently by patients, parents, and physicians. The primary aim of this study was to investigate ADHD-related difficulties as perceived from these three perspectives and to compare the perspectives. The degree of perceived difficulties was taken to reflect the health-related quality of life of patients in the study. A second objective was to assess the effectiveness of atomoxetine in children with ADHD in an open-label setting. METHODS Children aged 6-11 years with ADHD were treated for 24 weeks with atomoxetine at a target dose of 0.5-1.2 mg/kg per day. ADHD-related difficulties were assessed after 8 and 24 weeks of treatment using the newly devised Global Impression of Perceived Difficulties (GIPD) scale. This instrument, that has not yet been psychometrically validated, reflects patient quality of life from the three perspectives. Agreement among the perspectives was determined using Cohen's kappa. RESULTS A total of 262 patients was treated with atomoxetine. The mean dose for the respective visit intervals ranged between 1.15 and 1.17 mg/kg per day. Quality of life as reflected by the degree of perceived difficulties improved over time. Change in GIPD scores was greatest within the first 2 weeks. The course of the mean GIPD total scores over time showed a similar pattern among the three different rater perspectives. However, patients perceived the degree of difficulties as significantly less compared to parents and physicians. Agreement of ratings was highest between physicians and parents. CONCLUSIONS Results from the GIPD suggest that patient quality of life improves with time on atomoxetine. The effectiveness of atomoxetine in an open-label study was very similar to the effectiveness shown in placebo-controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Wehmeier
- Medical Department, Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Saalburgstrasse 153, Bad Homburg, Germany.
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Cheng JYW, Chen RYL, Ko JSN, Ng EML. Efficacy and safety of atomoxetine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents-meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 194:197-209. [PMID: 17572882 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0840-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2007] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of atomoxetine in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched for studies published between 1985 and 2006 through Medline, PubMed, PsychInfo and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2006 Issue 3) using keywords related to atomoxetine and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and scanned though reference lists. We included nine randomized placebo-controlled trials (atomoxetine:placebo = 1,150:678). RESULTS Atomoxetine was superior (p < 0.01) to placebo in reducing ADHD symptoms across different scales (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV, Conners' Parent and Teacher Rating Scales-Revised:Short Form, Clinical Global Impression-Severity) rated by different raters (parent, teacher, clinician). The number-needed-to-treat (NNTs) for treatment response and relapse prevention were 3.43 (95% CI, 2.79-4.45) and 10.30 (95% CI, 5.89-40.62), respectively. High baseline ADHD symptoms (p = 0.02) was associated with greater reduction in ADHD symptoms, whereas male gender (p = 0.02), comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) status (p = 0.01) and ADHD hyperactive/impulsive subtype (p = 0.01) were associated with smaller reductions. The commonest adverse events were gastrointestinal [appetite decrease, number-needed-to-harm (NNH) = 8.81; abdominal pain, NNH = 22.48; vomiting, NNH = 29.96; dyspepsia, NNH = 49.38] and sleep related (somnolence, NNH = 19.41). Young age (p = 0.03) and high baseline hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (p < 0.01) were associated with more adverse events, whereas ADHD inattentive subtype (p = 0.04) was associated with less adverse events. Quality of life using Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) improved (p < 0.01) with atomoxetine treatment. Both ADHD and ODD symptoms (p < 0.01) were reduced in comorbid ADHD+ODD, and ODD status was not associated with more adverse events. Efficacy and side effects were not altered by comorbid general anxiety disorder or major depression. CONCLUSIONS Atomoxetine is efficacious in reducing ADHD symptoms. It may have a role in treating comorbid ODD or depression, and probably in comorbid anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie Y W Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a highly diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children. This widespread and complex condition requires extensive evaluation involving clinicians, parents and teachers. Proper management involves individual assessment and treatment. Psychostimulants remain the primary medication of choice as they have been shown to be efficacious for this condition. Newer, long-acting medications are providing expanded options for children and their caregivers. Failure to assess and treat can lead to serious long-term effects later in life.
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Bangs ME, Emslie GJ, Spencer TJ, Ramsey JL, Carlson C, Bartky EJ, Busner J, Duesenberg DA, Harshawat P, Kaplan SL, Quintana H, Allen AJ, Sumner CR. Efficacy and safety of atomoxetine in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and major depression. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2007; 17:407-20. [PMID: 17822337 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2007.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This double-blind study examined efficacy and safety of atomoxetine (ATX; < or =1.8mg/kg per day) in adolescents aged 12-18 with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) diagnoses of both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and co-morbid major depressive disorder (MDD). Diagnoses were confirmed by the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version and persistently elevated scores on the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV, Parent version, Investigator-administered and -scored (ADHDRS-IV-Parent:Inv, > or =1.5 standard deviations above age and gender norms) and Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R, > or = 40). Patients were treated for approximately 9 weeks with ATX (n = 72) or placebo (n = 70). Mean decrease in ADHDRS-IV-Parent:Inv total score was significantly greater in the ATX group (-13.3 +/- 10.0) compared with the placebo group (-5.1 +/- 9.9; p < 0.001). Mean CDRS-R score improvement was not significantly different between groups (ATX, -14.8 +/- 13.3; placebo, -12.8 +/- 10.4). Rates of treatment-emergent mania did not differ between groups (ATX, 0.0%; placebo, 1.5%). ATX treatment was associated with significantly more nausea and decreased appetite (p = 0.002; p = 0.003). No spontaneously reported adverse events involving suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior occurred in either group. ATX was an effective and safe treatment for ADHD in adolescents with ADHD and MDD. However, this trial showed no evidence for ATX of efficacy in treating MDD.
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Gau SSF, Huang YS, Soong WT, Chou MC, Chou WJ, Shang CY, Tseng WL, Allen AJ, Lee P. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on once-daily atomoxetine in Taiwanese children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2007; 17:447-60. [PMID: 17822340 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2006.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the once-daily atomoxetine compared with placebo in pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Taiwan. METHOD The study sample included 106 patients aged 6-16 years who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria of ADHD randomly assigned to atomoxetine once daily (n = 72) and placebo once daily (n = 34) in a double-blind, 6-week treatment study. The primary efficacy measure was the total score of the ADHD Rating Scale-IV Parents Version: Investigator Administered and Scored. The secondary efficacy measures included the Clinical Global Impressions--ADHD--Severity and Chinese Conner's Parent and Teacher Rating Scale--Revised: Short Form. Data were analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis and a last-observation-carried-forward approach. RESULTS The two treatment groups did not differ in demographics and baseline measures. Compared to the placebo group, the atomoxetine group showed significantly greater reductions in ADHD-related symptoms according to the ratings of investigators, parents, and teachers. The treatment effect size of the primary efficacy measure was 0.70 at the end of study. Adverse events reported significantly more frequently with atomoxetine were decreased appetite (36.1%) and nausea (16.6%). No drug-related serious adverse event was observed. CONCLUSIONS Once-daily atomoxetine is an effective, well-tolerable, and safe treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan S F Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan Universiy, Taipei, Taiwan
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Wang Y, Zheng Y, Du Y, Song DH, Shin YJ, Cho SC, Kim BN, Ahn DH, Marquez-Caraveo ME, Gao H, Williams DW, Levine LR. Atomoxetine versus methylphenidate in paediatric outpatients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized, double-blind comparison trial. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2007; 41:222-30. [PMID: 17464703 DOI: 10.1080/00048670601057767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To (i) test whether atomoxetine is non-inferior to methylphenidate in treating symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in paediatric patients; and (ii) determine the tolerability of the two drugs. METHOD This double-blind study was conducted in 6- to 16-year-old outpatients with ADHD (DSM-IV) in China, Korea and Mexico (January-October 2004). Patients were randomly assigned to once-daily atomoxetine (0.8-1.8 mg kg(-1) day(-1); n = 164) or twice-daily methylphenidate (0.2-0.6 mg kg(-1) day(-1); n = 166) for approximately 8 weeks. Primary efficacy assessment was the comparison of response rates (> or =40% reduction from baseline to end point in total score) on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV-Parent Version: Investigator-Administered and -Scored. Tolerability measures included, but were not limited to, the assessment of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and weight. RESULTS Atomoxetine was non-inferior to methylphenidate in improving ADHD symptoms based on response rates (atomoxetine, 77.4%; methylphenidate, 81.5%; one-sided 95% lower confidence limit = -11.7%, p = 0.404). Treatment-emergent adverse effects experienced significantly more frequently in the atomoxetine group, compared with the methylphenidate group, included anorexia (37.2% vs. 25.3%; p = 0.024), nausea (20.1% vs. 10.2%; p = 0.014), somnolence (26.2% vs. 3.6%; p <0.001), dizziness (15.2% vs. 7.2%; p = 0.024) and vomiting (11.6% vs. 3.6%; p = 0.007), most of which were of mild or moderate severity. Atomoxetine-treated patients experienced a small but significantly greater mean weight loss from baseline to end point than methylphenidate-treated patients (-1.2 kg vs. -0.4 kg; p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that atomoxetine is non-inferior to methylphenidate in the improvement of ADHD symptoms in paediatric outpatients. Although both of the drugs were well tolerated, atomoxetine was associated with a higher incidence of TEAEs than methylphenidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Wang
- Institute of Mental Health, Beijing Medical University, Beijing, China
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Kádár K, Nagy E, Gál K, Oprea V, Hartyánszky I, Gyarmati G, Tóth A, Sikos Z. [Utility of B-type natriuretic peptide in children]. Orv Hetil 2007; 148:265-70. [PMID: 17344178 DOI: 10.1556/oh.2007.27895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been reported to indicate ventricular dysfunction, however, in children it has not been studied yet in our country. PURPOSE 157 BNP tests were performed in 107 children, on the one hand, to evaluate its clinical value, to assess LV or systemic RV function in patients with transposition of great arteries after Senning operation, on the other hand, to prove the relation between BNP, MRI and echocardiographic ventricular function parameters. PATIENTS' AGE: 4 months-20 years, mean 12.5 yrs. Group I: Senning patients, Groups II and III: patients with dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Group IV: patients with aortic insufficiency. METHODS BNP was determined using the electrochemiluminesce method (Elycsys-10 Roche). During the functional MRI Mass- Medis software RV LV EF, end-diastolic, end-systolic volumes were calculated. Echo M-mode, TEI index were calculated. RESULTS BNPs were significantly as higher compared to normal in each group of patients. Group I: 318 +/- 285 pg/ml, p < 0.01, Group II: 7262 +/- 10970 pg/ml, p < 0.01, Group III: 1558 +/- 2765 pg/ml, p < 0.01, Group IV: 1076 +/- 2791 pg/ml, p < 0.00l, vs 58 +/- 31 pg/ml. BNP were negatively correlated with MRI RV EF (r: -0.51, p < 0.05) and showed good correlation with TEI index (0.43 +/- 0.18, p < 0.05). After 3 weeks of medical or surgical treatment BNP decreased significantly. 4 patients died during the follow-up period, these had the highest BNP levels in each patients group. CONCLUSIONS BNP is a useful, prognostically valuable method in children to monitor ventricular function. BNP levels reflect the severity of the impairment of systemic RV function in Senning patients in whom a complex RV geometry is present causing the assessment of RV function more difficult, so we recommend BNP measurements as a longitudinal test in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Kádár
- Gottsegen György Országos Kardiológiai Intézet, Budapest, Rákóczi út 29. 1088
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Wolraich ML, McGuinn L, Doffing M. Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Drug Saf 2007; 30:17-26. [PMID: 17194168 DOI: 10.2165/00002018-200730010-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Despite a large body of evidence for both the validity of the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the efficacy of its treatment with medication, there is an equally long history of controversy. This article focuses on presenting safety information for medications approved by the US FDA for the treatment of individuals with ADHD. Stimulant medications are generally safe and effective. The common adverse effects of stimulant medications, including appetite suppression and insomnia, are usually of mild severity and manageable without stopping the medication. The more severe adverse effects such as tics or bizarre behaviours occur with low frequency and usually resolve when the medication is stopped. The possible impact on growth requires careful monitoring. Several rare but potentially severe adverse effects including sudden cardiac death and cancer following long-term treatment have been reported; however, these effects have not been adequately demonstrated to be of significant concern at this time. Atomoxetine also has a mild adverse effect profile in terms of severity and frequency although the numbers of studies and years of clinical experience is considerably less with this drug than for the stimulant medications. When the risks are juxtaposed to the clear efficacy in significantly reducing dysfunctional symptoms of ADHD, benefit-risk analyses support the continued use of these pharmacological treatments for patients with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Wolraich
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117, USA
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Heal DJ, Pierce DM. Methylphenidate and its isomers: their role in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder using a transdermal delivery system. CNS Drugs 2006; 20:713-38. [PMID: 16953648 DOI: 10.2165/00023210-200620090-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
dl-threo-Methylphenidate is a highly efficacious drug for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that is currently administered as immediate- or controlled-release and osmotically controlled-released formulations. The drug exists as two enantiomers, d-threo-methylphenidate and l-threo-methylphenidate, with the former having been developed as a medication to treat ADHD in its own right. dl-threo-Methylphenidate undergoes enantioselective metabolism in the liver, which results in marked differences in the plasma concentrations of its isomers, depending on the route of administration and formulation. When dl-threo-methylphenidate is orally administered, the plasma concentrations of d-threo-methylphenidate are higher than those of l-threo-methylphenidate. However, with the recently developed methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS), 'first-pass' metabolism is circumvented and, as a consequence, plasma concentrations of d-threo-methylphenidate are consistent with those produced by oral formulations, but the relative concentrations of l-threo-methylphenidate are much higher, i.e. 50-60% of those of d-threo-methylphenidate. In this article, we review the pharmacokinetics and pharmacology of dl-threo-methylphenidate and its isomers to assess the extent to which their mechanism of action as noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and dopamine reuptake inhibitors is responsible for their efficacy and commonly occurring adverse effects. The major findings are that d-threo-methylphenidate and l-threo-methylphenidate share the same pharmacological profile as the parent racemate, i.e. catecholamine-selective reuptake inhibition with higher potency against dopamine versus noradrenaline reuptake in vivo. However, d-threo-methylphenidate is approximately 10-fold more potent than the l-isomer in this regard. For these drugs, their abilities not only to ameliorate the behavioural and cognitive dysfunctions in ADHD, but also to induce the common adverse effects of reduced appetite, nausea/vomiting and stomach ache, are almost certainly due to their ability to potentiate noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic function in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The sympathomimetic actions of ADHD drugs on cardiovascular function are currently an issue of concern. Since noradrenaline reuptake inhibition is the likely mediator for the effects of dl-threo-methylphenidate on blood pressure and heart rate, the more potent d-isomer will therefore be predominantly responsible. Motor and vocal tics are the other important adverse event to be considered in the treatment of ADHD. It is now accepted that tics are a frequently occurring behavioural manifestation of ADHD itself and the evidence for or against their exacerbation by treatment with dl-threo-methylphenidate or other stimulants remains highly contradictory. Focusing on the enantiomers of dl-threo-methylphenidate, it can be concluded that d-threo-methylphenidate, which is the more potent and abundant of the two isomers, is the major contributor of both efficacy and adverse effects, irrespective of the formulation or route of administration of the racemate. Moreover, for the oral, extended-release formulations of dl-threo-methylphenidate, the d-isomer represents the only pharmacologically active moiety when these medications are used in the clinic. With the MTS, plasma concentrations of l-threo-methylphenidate are higher than are achieved using oral formulations, but even in this case, it is likely that the contribution of this enantiomer to the efficacy and adverse effects of the racemate is no greater than 5-10% of the total.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Heal
- RenaSci Consultancy Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham, UK.
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Kim CH, Hahn MK, Joung Y, Anderson SL, Steele AH, Mazei-Robinson MS, Gizer I, Teicher MH, Cohen BM, Robertson D, Waldman ID, Blakely RD, Kim KS. A polymorphism in the norepinephrine transporter gene alters promoter activity and is associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:19164-9. [PMID: 17146058 PMCID: PMC1748193 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0510836103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The norepinephrine transporter critically regulates both neurotransmission and homeostasis of norepinephrine in the nervous system. In this study, we report a previously uncharacterized and common A/T polymorphism at -3081 upstream of the transcription initiation site of the human norepinephrine transporter gene [solute carrier family 6, member 2 (SLC6A2)]. Using both homologous and heterologous promoter-reporter constructs, we found that the -3081(T) allele significantly decreases promoter function compared with the A allele. Interestingly, this T allele creates a new palindromic E2-box motif that interacts with Slug and Scratch, neural-expressed transcriptional repressors binding to the E2-box motif. We also found that both Slug and Scratch repress the SLC6A2 promoter activity only when it contains the T allele. Finally, we observed a significant association between the -3081(A/T) polymorphism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), suggesting that anomalous transcription factor-based repression of SLC6A2 may increase risk for the development of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and other neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maureen K. Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Yoosook Joung
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 135-170, Korea
| | | | - Angela H. Steele
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Michelle S. Mazei-Robinson
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Ian Gizer
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322; and
| | | | - Bruce M. Cohen
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratories, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478
| | - David Robertson
- **Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology, and Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Irwin D. Waldman
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322; and
| | - Randy D. Blakely
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Kwang-Soo Kim
- *Molecular Neurobiology
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common chronic condition with childhood onset that can continue into adulthood. Medication is a fundamental element in the management of this disorder. Atomoxetine is the newest nonstimulant medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ADHD. It is the only nonstimulant medication approved by the FDA for treatment of adult ADHD. Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that selectively inhibits the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. A growing body of literature supports the use of atomoxetine both in children and adults with ADHD. This paper summarizes information from the literature about atomoxetine, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical trials, dosing, and side-effects.
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Easton N, Marshall F, Fone K, Marsden C. Atomoxetine produces changes in cortico-basal thalamic loop circuits: assessed by phMRI BOLD contrast. Neuropharmacology 2006; 52:812-26. [PMID: 17140608 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2006.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2006] [Revised: 09/21/2006] [Accepted: 09/29/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Atomoxetine is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which has not yet been assessed using pharmacological neuroimaging for its effects on rat brain activity. The pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) response was determined in rat brain regions following administration of atomoxetine. Rats were individually placed into a 2.35T Bruker magnet for 60min to achieve basal recording of changes in signal intensity. Either saline (n=9) or atomoxetine hydrochloride (2mg/kg; i.p.; n=10) was then administered and recording continued for a further 90min. Data were analysed for BOLD random effects using statistical parametric maps and time course analysis. The main changes observed were widespread negative BOLD responses in the caudate putamen and changes in brain regions associated with the cortico-basal thalamic loop circuits. BOLD changes in the basal ganglia help explain its efficacy in reducing hyperactivity observed in ADHD patients. Although positive BOLD changes in the prefrontal cortex were limited to the ventral orbital cortex this is an area associated with behavioral control and may be of relevance to the use of the drug in ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Easton
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
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Arnold LE, Aman MG, Cook AM, Witwer AN, Hall KL, Thompson S, Ramadan Y. Atomoxetine for hyperactivity in autism spectrum disorders: placebo-controlled crossover pilot trial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2006; 45:1196-1205. [PMID: 17003665 DOI: 10.1097/01.chi.0000231976.28719.2a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore placebo-controlled efficacy and safety of atomoxetine (ATX) for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). METHOD Children ages 5 to 15 with ASD and prominent ADHD symptoms were randomly assigned to order in a crossover of clinically titrated ATX and placebo, 6 weeks each, separated by 1-week washout. Slopes for each condition were compared by paired t test. RESULTS In 2004-2005, 12 boys and 4 girls (7 with autistic disorder, 1 Asperger's, 8 pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) all completed at least 3 weeks of each condition. On the primary outcome, the Hyperactivity subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, ATX was superior to placebo (p =.043, effect size d = 0.90). It was also superior on a 0 to 3 rating of nine DSM-IV ADHD hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (p =.005, d = 1.27), but missed significance on nine inattentive symptoms (p =.053, d= 0.89). Nine subjects responded to ATX, four to placebo (25% improvement on the Hyperactivity subscale plus Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement of 1-2. One was rehospitalized for recurrent violence on ATX. Adverse events were otherwise tolerable, with no tendency to stereotypy. CONCLUSIONS ATX appears safe and effective for treating hyperactivity in some children with autism spectrum disorders. The effect appears as large as in a multisite methylphenidate trial in the same population, with fewer intolerable side effects. Further study in autism spectrum disorders is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Eugene Arnold
- The authors are with Ohio State University's Nisonger Center, Columbus.
| | - Michael G Aman
- The authors are with Ohio State University's Nisonger Center, Columbus
| | - Amelia M Cook
- The authors are with Ohio State University's Nisonger Center, Columbus
| | - Andrea N Witwer
- The authors are with Ohio State University's Nisonger Center, Columbus
| | - Kristy L Hall
- The authors are with Ohio State University's Nisonger Center, Columbus
| | - Susan Thompson
- The authors are with Ohio State University's Nisonger Center, Columbus
| | - Yaser Ramadan
- The authors are with Ohio State University's Nisonger Center, Columbus
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Hazell P, Zhang S, Wolańczyk T, Barton J, Johnson M, Zuddas A, Danckaerts M, Ladikos A, Benn D, Yoran-Hegesh R, Zeiner P, Michelson D. Comorbid oppositional defiant disorder and the risk of relapse during 9 months of atomoxetine treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2006; 15:105-10. [PMID: 16523251 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-006-0506-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the influence of comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) on the relative risk (RR) of relapse during 9 months of treatment with atomoxetine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD Four hundred and sixteen children and adolescents with ADHD whose symptoms remitted during initial 10-week, open-label atomoxetine treatment were randomly assigned to continue with atomoxetine or placebo. RESULTS In all, 43% met criteria for comorbid ODD. A total of 17% of patients with comorbid ODD relapsed (CGI-Severity score >or= 3 and ADHD Rating Scale total score of 90% or more of baseline at study entry on two consecutive visits) during atomoxetine treatment, compared with 26% of patients without comorbid ODD (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.42-1.06). Mean time to relapse was not significantly different [mean (SE) days to relapse, ADHD/ +ODD: 215 (7.38); ADHD/-ODD: 211 (7.61); log rank p = 0.08]. This finding is placed within the context of atomoxetine affording an overall protection against relapse compared with placebo (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43-0.80). CONCLUSIONS Comorbid ODD does not influence the rate of relapse of patients with ADHD during longer-term treatment with atomoxetine. Atomoxetine protects against the relapse of ADHD symptoms regardless of the presence or absence of comorbid ODD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Hazell
- Child and Youth Mental Health Service, University of Newcastle, Locked Bag 1014, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia.
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Biederman J, Wigal SB, Spencer TJ, McGough JJ, Mays DA. A post hoc subgroup analysis of an 18-day randomized controlled trial comparing the tolerability and efficacy of mixed amphetamine salts extended release and atomoxetine in school-age girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Clin Ther 2006; 28:280-93. [PMID: 16678649 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2006.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because the scientific literature on the pharmacotherapy of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is almost entirely based on the results of studies in samples consisting primarily of boys, much is unknown about the treatment response in girls. OBJECTIVE This post hoc analysis compared the efficacy, tolerability, and time course of the effect of mixed amphetamine salts extended release (MAS XR) and atomoxetine in school-age girls with ADHD. METHODS This was an intent-to-treat subanalysis of the data from girls enrolled in a multicenter, 18-day, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, forced dose-titration, laboratory school study enrolling boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years with ADHD. The study compared the efficacy, tolerability, and time course of the effect of increasing doses of MAS XR (10, 20, and 30 mg/d) and atomoxetine (0.5 and 1.2 mg/kg per day). The laboratory school sessions were organized in cycles to include 12 hours of observation. Efficacy measures included the SKAMP (Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham) deportment rating subscale, the SKAMP attention rating subscale, and academic testing (number of math problems attempted and answered correctly). Adverse events were assessed throughout the study period. Tolerability and efficacy measures were assessed during laboratory school visits on days 7, 14, and 21. RESULTS This subanalysis included 57 girls (median age, 9 years; 49.1% white, 22.8% black, 17.5% Hispanic) with a diagnosis of ADHD, combined subtype. Twenty-six girls were randomized to receive MAS XR and 31 were randomized to receive atomoxetine. Mean SKAMP deportment and attention subscale scores in the 2 groups were similar at baseline. Mean changes from baseline were significantly greater for MAS XR compared with atomoxetine on the SKAMP deportment score (-0.48 vs -0.04, respectively; P<0.001) and SKAMP attention score (-0.45 vs -0.05; P<0.001). The time course of medication effect, based on change from baseline in SKAMP deportment scores, indicated 12-hour efficacy for MAS XR at hours 2, 4.5, 7, 9.5, and 12 (all time points, P<0.01 vs baseline) but not for atomoxetine. At the end of the study, both treatment groups had a significant increase from baseline in the mean number of math problems attempted and answered correctly (P<0.001). Girls who received MAS XR attempted significantly greater numbers of problems compared with those who received atomoxetine (P=0.04). Both MAS XR and atomoxetine were well tolerated. The most frequently occurring treatment-related adverse events in girls receiving MAS XR were decreased appetite (40.7%), upper abdominal pain (29.6%), insomnia (25.9%), and headache (14.8%). The most frequently occurring treatment-related adverse events in girls receiving atomoxetine were somnolence (28.1%), upper abdominal pain (15.6%), vomiting (15.6%), nausea (12.5%), and decreased appetite (12.5%). CONCLUSION This post hoc analysis in a subpopulation of girls with ADHD, combined subtype, found that 18-day treatment with MAS XR was significantly more effective than atomoxetine in terms of ratings of classroom behavior, attention, and academic productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Biederman
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
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Purper-Ouakil D, Fourneret P, Wohl M, Rénéric JP. [Atomoxetine: a new treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents]. Encephale 2005; 31:337-48. [PMID: 16142049 DOI: 10.1016/s0013-7006(05)82399-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides a review of safety and efficacy data as well as of pharmacological characteristics of atomoxetine, a new drug treatment for the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). To date, the only pharmacological treatment available in France for children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD is methylphenidate, a psychostimulant drug. However, the clinical response to methylphenidate may be absent or insufficient in about 20-30% drug-treated children while the occurrence of adverse effects with methylphenidate (sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, tics increase...) may sometimes require a dose reduction or even the discontinuation of the treatment. Atomoxetine is an alternative candidate drug for the treatment of ADHD. The drug has been developed with respect to the actual standards of investigation of drugs intended to a -pediatric use. Atomoxetine has been recently licensed in the USA for the treatment of ADHD. Atomoxetine is a potent inhibitor of the norepinephrine transporter that shows only mini-mal affinity for other neurotransmitter systems. Although pharmacokinetics of atomoxetine is influenced by the polymorphism of the CYP2D6 metabolic pathway, safety and -tolerability data reported during clinical trials did not show any difference in poor versus extensive metabolizers. In addition, atomoxetine does not inhibit nor induce the CYP2D6 enzymatic function. The major metabolite of atomoxetine is 4-hydroxyatomoxetine, a pharmacologically active metabolic found in very low plasma concentrations in pediatric patients, suggesting that it plays only a minor role in the norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Preliminary studies were aimed to assess the effective dose range of atomoxetine and to evaluate its safety and efficacy on the reduction of ADHD symptoms in adults and children diagnosed with ADHD. Main data on the child and adolescent population were obtained in four double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials: two identical pivotal trials, a multiple dose study, a once-daily dose study. The first two pivotal trials were carried out in ADHD children aged 7-13 years, treated with atomoxetine vs placebo for a duration of 9 weeks. Patients presenting comorbidities (ie conduct disorder, -anxiety, depression) as well as a history of previous treatment with methylphenidate were also eligible to participate. The primary outcome was the reduction of the score on the ADHD rating scale, ADHD-RS ; secondary criteria included the responder's rate (patients with an ADHD-RS score reduction of 25% or above), the Clinical Global Impression Scale and the Conners Parent Rating Scale. With a mean dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day, atomoxetine showed a significant reduction of mean ADHD-RS scores at endpoint (ANOVA, p<0.001) (table II). Yet, the clinical significance of both studies is limited since efficacy was scored only in a social/familial setting and not in classroom conditions. In addition, intermediate results from baseline to endpoint were not presented in the publication. The multiple dose trial showed a significant reduction of the symptom score at the 1.2 and 1.8 mg/kg/day doses. The objective of the last study was to assess the efficacy of a single daily dose of atomoxetine versus placebo during a 6 week-treatment. Patients were evaluated by parents, investigators, as well as by teachers. The superiority of atomoxetine was demonstrated as compared to the placebo and the effect size of the daily dosing was similar to that reported with multiple doses. Preliminary data on ADHD patients presenting comorbidities showed that atomoxetine alone signi-ficantly reduced the symptom scores of anxiety and depression and similarly to atomoxetine associated with fluoxetine. In ADHD children with the oppositional defiant disorder, oppositional symptoms were reduced in the group receiving atomoxetine 1.8 mg/kg/day. Preliminary results in children with ADHD and chronic tics or Tourette syndrome showed a significant reduction of ADHD symptoms and a tendency to the decrease of tics. Tolerance and safety data pooled from the child and adolescent trials were acceptable. Study discontinuations due to adverse events in the four registration studies were only 2.8%. The most frequent adverse effects reported were gastrointestinal symptoms and decreased appetite. Weight loss reported early in clinical studies tended to stabilize during the open-label extension phases lasting up to 9 months. A retrospective comparison showed that the adverse event profile of poor metabolizers was similar to that of extensive metabolizers. In summary, data presented suggest that atomoxetine is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents. Further studies are expected to accurately define the place of atomoxetine in the treatment strategy of ADHD, a chronic and invalidating disorder affecting 3 to 7% of school-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Purper-Ouakil
- Service de Psychopathologie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Hôpital Robert Debré, boulevard Sérurier, 75019 Paris
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Hazell P. Do adrenergically active drugs have a role in the first-line treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2005; 6:1989-98. [PMID: 16197353 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.6.12.1989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Adrenergically active drugs used for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include the alpha-agonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclics and the selective noradrenergic re-uptake inhibitors. In addition to a longer duration of treatment effect than the predominantly dopaminergic psychostimulant drugs, a theoretical advantage of the adrenergically active drugs is a lesser tendency to aggravate common comorbidities of ADHD, such as anxiety, obsessionality, depression and tics. Nevertheless, adrenergically active drugs have always been considered second-line treatments to the psychostimulant drugs. No study has demonstrated superiority of adrenergically active drugs over the psychostimulants in reducing the core symptoms of ADHD, although several small trials have suggested 'equivalence'. The case for superiority of the adrenergically active drugs over psychostimulants in alleviating comorbid symptoms remains largely unproven, as there have been few comparative trials. Safety data have favoured the psychostimulant drugs. The advantage of once daily or morning and evening dosing of the adrenergically active drugs has been diminished since the introduction of sustained release preparations of methylphenidate and amphetamine. Although adrenergically active drugs may be the preferred treatment in the presence of severe comorbidity, for the most part they remain second-line treatment for ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Hazell
- University of Newcastle and Hunter - New England Mental Health Service, Australia.
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Ratner S, Laor N, Bronstein Y, Weizman A, Toren P. Six-week open-label reboxetine treatment in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2005; 44:428-33. [PMID: 15843764 DOI: 10.1097/01.chi.0000155327.30017.8c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This open-label study assessed the effectiveness of reboxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) resistant to a previous methylphenidate trial. METHOD Thirty-one child and adolescent outpatients, aged 8 to 18 (mean age, 11.7; SD = 2.87) years, diagnosed with ADHD were enrolled in a 6-week open-label study. Assessments included rater-administered scales (DSM-IV ADHD Scale; Clinical Global Impressions Scale), parent-administered scales (the Abbreviated Conners Rating Scale), and self-administered-scales for the evaluation of depressive (Children's Depression Inventory) and anxiety (the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale) symptoms. Reboxetine was initiated and maintained at a dose of 4 mg/day. RESULTS A significant decrease in ADHD symptoms, on all scales measured, was noted. Adverse effects were relatively mild and transient. The most common adverse effects were drowsiness/sedation and gastrointestinal complaints. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current open-label study suggest the effectiveness of reboxetine in the treatment of ADHD in methylphenidate-resistant children and adolescents. Double-blind, placebo-, and active comparator-controlled studies are indicated to rigorously test the efficacy of reboxetine in ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Ratner
- Tel Aviv-Brull Community Mental Health Center, Israel
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Banaschewski T, Roessner V, Dittmann RW, Santosh PJ, Rothenberger A. Non-stimulant medications in the treatment of ADHD. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2004; 13 Suppl 1:I102-16. [PMID: 15322961 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-004-1010-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stimulants are the first-line medication in the psychopharmacological treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, 10 to 30% of all children and adults with ADHD either do not respond to or do not tolerate treatment with stimulants. OBJECTIVE To describe alternative treatment approaches with various non-stimulant agents, especially atomoxetine. METHOD General review of empirically based literature concerning efficacy and safety of the substances. RESULTS A large and still increasing body of data supports the usefulness of atomoxetine, a once daily dosing, and new selective noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor, with few side effects. Atomoxetine has been licensed in the US for use in ADHD across the lifespan, and is currently under consideration in Europe. Other non-stimulant substances, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and alpha-2-adrenergic agonists, which are used to treat ADHD, are also reviewed. TCAs have been well studied and shown to be efficacious in the treatment of ADHD, but are limited by side effects. The number of studies documenting the efficacy of alpha-2-adrenergic agonists is still limited. Some experimental studies support a potential role of cholinergic drugs such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (tacrine, donepezil) as well as novel nicotinic analogues (ABT-418). CONCLUSION Non-stimulant agents have been shown to be effective in treatment of ADHD. Especially, atomoxetine seems promising and newline drugs are in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Banaschewski
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göttingen, von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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Hazell P. Review of new compounds available in Australia for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Australas Psychiatry 2004; 12:369-75. [PMID: 15715810 DOI: 10.1080/j.1440-1665.2004.02129.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, efficacy, safety and cost of Ritalin LA, Concerta and Strattera, three compounds recently released in Australia for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS MEDLINE was searched for relevant review articles and primary treatment studies. Data were augmented by product information supplied by the respective manufacturers. Costing information was obtained by surveying five community pharmacy outlets in Newcastle-Lake Macquarie, New South Wales. RESULTS The three compounds reviewed have similar tolerability and efficacy to immediate-release methylphenidate, with the advantage of once daily dosing. The properties of these agents, particularly Strattera, make them less able to be abused. Ritalin LA may be superior to Concerta in controlling symptoms of ADHD in the first 4 h following ingestion, but the data should be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS The newer treatments for ADHD offer advantages over immediate-release methyphenidate in dosing schedule and duration of action that may be of particular benefit to adolescent and adult patients. Prescription of these medications may be limited by their expense to the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Hazell
- University of Newcastle and Wallsend Hospital, Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
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Christman AK, Fermo JD, Markowitz JS. Atomoxetine, a Novel Treatment for Attention-Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder. Pharmacotherapy 2004; 24:1020-36. [PMID: 15338851 DOI: 10.1592/phco.24.11.1020.36146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the only agent approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults. Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine transport inhibitor that acts almost exclusively on the noradrenergic pathway. Its mechanism of action in the control and maintenance of ADHD symptoms is thought to be through the highly specific presynaptic inhibition of norepinephrine. Clinical trials to evaluate the short-term effects of atomoxetine in children and adults have shown that atomoxetine is effective in maintaining control of ADHD. Likewise, long-term trials have determined that atomoxetine is effective in preventing relapse of ADHD symptoms without an increase in adverse effects. A comparative trial of atomoxetine with methylphenidate in school-aged children indicated similar safety and efficacy without the abuse liability associated with some psychostimulants. The most commonly reported adverse effects in children and adolescents are dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and weight loss. The rates of adverse events in the trials were similar for both the once- and twice-daily dosing regimens. The discontinuation rate was 3.5% in patients treated with atomoxetine versus 1.4% for placebo and appeared to be dose dependent, wit a higher percentage of discontinuation at dosages greater than 1.5 mg/kg/day. In clinical trials involving adults, the emergence of clinically significant or intolerable adverse events was low. The most common adverse events in adults were dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, decreased appetite, constipation, urinary retention or difficulties with micturition, erectile disturbance, dysmenorrhea, dizziness, and decreased libido. Sexual dysfunction occurred in approximately 2% of patients treated with atomoxetine. Atomoxetine should be used with caution in patients who have hypertension or any significant cardiovascular disorder. Overall, atomoxetine therapy in patient with ADHD appears to be effective in controlling symptoms and maintaining remission, with the advantages being comparable efficacy with that of methylphenidate, a favorable safety profile, and non-controlled substance status. Additional long-term studies are needed to determine its continued efficacy for those who require lifelong treatment, and comparative trials against other stimulant and nonstimulant agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa K Christman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA
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Vitiello B, Heiligenstein JH, Riddle MA, Greenhill LL, Fegert JM. The interface between publicly funded and industry-funded research in pediatric psychopharmacology: opportunities for integration and collaboration. Biol Psychiatry 2004; 56:3-9. [PMID: 15219466 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2003] [Revised: 03/08/2004] [Accepted: 03/18/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric psychopharmacology research is undergoing a major expansion consequent to increasing use of psychotropic medications in children and recent legislative incentives to industry. In this rapidly changing context, the interface between publicly and privately funded research needs to be reconsidered to integrate activities and avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts. Once, by default, the almost exclusive domain of public research, child research is now increasingly funded by industry. There are, however, important issues unlikely to be addressed through private funding for which public support is needed, such as direct comparisons between active medications, between pharmacological and psychosocial interventions, or between combined and single treatment modalities; development of effective treatment strategies for patients unresponsive to first-line treatments; development of better research methods to assess efficacy and safety; identification of moderators and mechanisms of treatment response; and impact of treatment on illness course and prognosis. Industry-sponsored research is limited by the restricted access to proprietary databases, which impedes independent analyses and meta-analyses. Translation of basic neuroscience discoveries into treatment applications for children with mental illness is a critical area of inquiry that can benefit from integration of efforts and collaborations among academia, government, and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Vitiello
- Child and Adolescent Treatment and Preventive Intervention Research Branch, Division of Services and Intervention Research, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Eiland LS, Guest AL. Atomoxetine Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Ann Pharmacother 2004; 38:86-90. [PMID: 14742801 DOI: 10.1345/aph.1d144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review the literature of the first nonstimulant approved for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). data sources: Primary literature and review articles were obtained through PubMed/MEDLINE (1966–February 2003). STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Literature evaluating atomoxetine in ADHD was selected. Animal data were excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS: Stimulants are currently first-line therapy for ADHD. However, their use raises several concerns including the potential for abuse and adverse effects. Atomoxetine introduces a new therapeutic drug class, selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors, for ADHD management. This additional treatment option offers potential advantages over current therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical trials demonstrate that atomoxetine is a safe and effective alternative for ADHD treatment in children and adults; however, its disadvantages may hinder it from becoming a first-line agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea S Eiland
- Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA.
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Caballero J, Nahata MC. Atomoxetine hydrochloride for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Clin Ther 2003; 25:3065-83. [PMID: 14749146 DOI: 10.1016/s0149-2918(03)90092-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) occurs in approximately 3% to 10% of the pediatric population. Most of the drugs typically used to treat ADHD are stimulants, which, because of their addictive properties and potential for abuse, are controlled substances. Although these drugs are the mainstay of treatment for ADHD, nearly one third of patients may not respond to or be able to tolerate them. Atomoxetine hydrochloride, a nonstimulant approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ADHD, may provide an alternative to the use of stimulants. OBJECTIVE The goal of this review was to describe the chemistry, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and efficacy and safety profiles of atomoxetine in pediatric and adult patients with ADHD, as well as relevant pharmacoeconomic considerations. METHODS Relevant publications were identified through a search of the English-language literature indexed on PreMEDLINE and MEDLINE (1966-May 2003) using the search terms atomoxetine, tomoxetine, and LY139603. These terms were also applied to the Google search engine. All articles were reviewed for suitability for inclusion. The manufacturer of atomoxetine provided both published and unpublished data. RESULTS In the data reviewed, atomoxetine was more efficacious than placebo in patients with ADHD (P<0.05 to P<0.01). Therapeutic doses ranged from 45 mg or placebo (P<0.05). These results add support to the hypothesis that atomoxetine may not cause the increase in dopamine concentrations in the nucleus accumbens that is associated with pleasurable effects and abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Caballero
- Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Columbus 43210, USA
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Rivas-Vazquez RA. Atomoxetine: A Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor for the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY-RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2003. [DOI: 10.1037/0735-7028.34.6.666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Greydanus DE, Pratt HD, Sloane MA, Rappley MD. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: interventions for a complex costly clinical conundrum. Pediatr Clin North Am 2003; 50:1049-92, vi. [PMID: 14558681 DOI: 10.1016/s0031-3955(03)00081-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Management of a child or adolescent with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is reviewed, including psychological and pharmacologic approaches. Psychological treatment includes psychotherapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, support groups, parent training, educator/teacher training, biofeedback, meditation, and social skills training. Medications are reviewed that research has revealed can improve the core symptomatology of a child or adolescent with ADHD. These medications include stimulants, antidepressants, alpha-2 agonists, and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Management of ADHD should include a multi-modal approach, involving appropriate educational interventions, appropriate psychological management of the patient (child or adolescent), and judicious use of medications. Parents, school officials, and clinicians must work together to help all children and adolescents with ADHD achieve their maximum potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E Greydanus
- Department of Pediatrics & Human Development, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, A110 East Fee Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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