A placebo-controlled trial of atomoxetine in marijuana-dependent individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

This study evaluated the effects of atomoxetine on the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and marijuana use in marijuana-dependent adults. In conjunction with motivational interviewing, participants received either atomoxetine (n = 19) or matching placebo (n = 19) for 12 weeks. Participants randomized to atomoxetine had greater improvement in ADHD on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale than participants treated with placebo. No treatment group differences in self-rated ADHD symptoms, overall Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale scores, or marijuana use outcomes were noted. These results suggest that atomoxetine may improve some ADHD symptoms but does not reduce marijuana use in this population.

Atomoxetine for treatment of marijuana dependence: a report on the efficacy and high incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events in a pilot study.

Marijuana users consistently demonstrate impairments in attention, executive function and response inhibition, which resemble deficits seen in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We hypothesized that targeting the cognitive deficits associated with chronic marijuana use through ADHD medications may help identify a therapeutic agent for marijuana dependence. Thirteen subjects participated in an 11-week open label study to determine the feasibility, safety and tolerability of atomoxetine for individuals seeking treatment for marijuana dependence. The Time-Line Follow-Back measured marijuana use 90 days prior to study entry (p-TLFB) and weekly during the study (s-TLFB) along with weekly qualitative urine drug screen (UDS). For the eight subjects who completed the trial, the TLFB data showed a trend toward reduction in use with an increase in percent days abstinent (p=0.06). Analysis of weekly UDSs did not confirm the TLFB trend with 94% of all possible UDSs positive for THC through out the study. Marijuana dependent subjects taking atomoxetine experienced an inordinate number of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events. Overall, 10 of 13 subjects (77%) experienced a mild to moderate GI adverse event defined as nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, and loose stools. Atomoxetine is of limited utility in the treatment of cannabis dependence and is associated with clinically significant GI adverse events.

[My child is so restless]. / Wenn Kinder ständig stören: Erziehungsfehler oder Krankheit?

Hyperkinetic or attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) are characterized by three symptoms: attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. For some patients, intensive, continuous counselling or behaviour therapy leads to adequate success. If this is not effective, drug treatment using stimulants such as methylphenidate or the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine is indicated.