Strattera, The New ADHD Medication

Author: Jeannine Virtue

The newest ADHD medication Strattera (atomoxetine) is expected

to hit the pharmacy shelves this month to much ado. What

separates Strattera (atomoxetine) from the rest of the ADHD

medications pack is that Strattera (atomoxetine) is the first

non-stimulant medication FDA-approved for Attention Deficit

Disorder. Strattera (atomoxetine) is not a controlled substance

under the Controlled Substance Act, which translates to the

convenience of phone-in refills and less prescription hassles at

the pharmacy. Strattera (atomoxetine) is an oral capsule

prescribed in a once or twice daily dose, which also eliminates

the need for school children to medicate during the school day.

And, Strattera (atomoxetine) is the only ADHD medication

FDA-approved for adults. But before you knock on your doctor's

door asking for a prescription, there are a few things you

should know about this new ADHD medication. Although Strattera

(atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication, it still poses

many side effects consistent with the side effects of other ADHD

medications - and a few new ones that adults might find less

than pleasant.

Common Strattera (atomoxetine) Side Effects include (but not

limited to): _ Problems sleeping/Insomnia _ Dry mouth _

Decreased appetite _ Weight loss _ Upset stomach _ Constipation

_ Nausea and/or vomiting _ Dizziness _ Tiredness _ Mood swings _

Ear infection _ Influenza _ Irritability

Sexual side effects (in adults studied): _ Decreased libido _

Ejaculatory problems _ Impotence _ Urination problems _ Painful

menstrual periods

The following, though rare, have also been reported: _ Strattera

(atomoxetine) can cause potentially serious allergic reactions.

Strattera (atomoxetine) can increase heart rate and blood

pressure. Strattera (atomoxetine) can also worsen the conditions

of high blood pressure and heart disease. Strattera

(atomoxetine) should not be taken at the same time as, or within

two weeks of taking, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Patients

with narrow angle glaucoma should not take Strattera

(atomoxetine).

You should alert the prescribing physician of the following

condition before beginning Strattera (atomoxetine); _ Current or

past depression, psychosis or other mental conditions _ Alcohol

or drug abuse _ Heart disease _ High blood pressure _ Epilepsy

or seizure disorders _ Liver disease or kidney disease _

Pregnancy, nursing or plans to become pregnant

Strattera (atomoxetine) makers Eli Lilly and Company conducted

six placebo-controlled studies in children, adolescents and

adults for FDA submission. Early studies suggest that the

potential of abuse is lower with Strattera (atomoxetine) and

side effects may not be as pronounced as with other ADHD

medications. Two of the trials also tested Strattera's

effectiveness against methylphenidate and stated that

preliminary evidence indicates comparable effects between

atomoxetine (Strattera) and methylphenidate (Ritalin).

Researchers did, however, state that larger, double-blind

studies are needed to better compare the drugs against each

other. We do expect Strattera (atomoxetine) to become one of the

forerunners in ADHD medication, with millions of children on

this new drug in a short amount of time. Although Strattera

(atomoxetine) sounds like a good choice - as ADHD medications go

- the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center takes a wary

position until further testing is completed and analyzed. It is

important to note that this new ADHD medication is new, with the

tests for effectiveness lasting between six and 10 weeks and the

safety of this drug only tested for about one year. The

short-term studies showed that Strattera (atomoxetine) increased

the heart rate and blood pressure in children. The long-term

effects of increased heart rate and blood pressure are still

unknown. Children fell below their height and weight growth

curves on the longer-term study and again, it is still unknown

whether this will have an affect on adult height. Also of

concern are the side effects to sexual functioning reported in

adult and how that will affect children whose sexual organs are

still developing. In all fairness, this side effect likely would

not surface for Ritalin, Adderall or other ADHD medications

since those are for children. Since Strattera (atomoxetine) will

also be marketed as an adult prescription, clinical tests were

done on adults, which then unearthed sexual side effects. Our

last concern deals with verbiage on the Strattera (atomoxetine)

web site. The following is an excerpt from the www.strattera.com

FAQ page; "15. Is there a cure for ADHD? Like other chronic

disorders, ADHD is not curable. Some patients have a remission

of the disease, and may lead productive adolescent and adult

lives...."

Eli Lilly and Company knows better and we question why the web

site classified Attention Deficit Disorder as a "disease," and

one that people "have a remission" from. Attention Deficit

Disorder is NOT a "disease." In fact, Attention Deficit Disorder

was not even a "disorder" until 1980 by the American Psychiatric

Association classified it as such. Furthermore, people do not

"have a remission" from Attention Deficit Disorder, though many

children with Attention Deficit Disorder lead productive

adolescent and adult lives.

About the author:

Jeannine Virtue is a freelance journalist and mother of an

Attention Deficit Disorder son. Visit the Attention Deficit

Disorder Help Center at www.add-adhd-help-center.com to learn

about effective, drug-free alternatives to Ritalin and other

ADHD medications.

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Strattera, The New ADHD Medication

Article : Strattera, The New ADHD Medication