Retrospective safety analysis of atomoxetine in adult ADHD patients with or without comorbid alcohol abuse and dependence

Am J Addict. 2009 Sep-Oct;18(5):393-401. doi: 10.3109/10550490903077663.

Abstract

This post hoc analysis compared the safety of atomoxetine treatment of ADHD in adults with or without comorbid alcohol abuse/dependence. Study completion rates in patients receiving atomoxetine were comparable between heavy drinkers (60.9%) and patients with no alcohol-use disorder (71.0%) but lower in nonheavy drinkers (35.7%); however, there was no significant difference in discontinuation rates due to adverse events or lack of efficacy among these groups. Alcohol-use disorder patients, especially heavy drinkers, generally experienced the greatest frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events in both the atomoxetine and placebo groups. Vital signs and measures of hepatic function were not significantly different among the 3 drinking status groups taking atomoxetine.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / complications
  • Alcoholism / drug therapy*
  • Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / complications
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry)
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male
  • Propylamines / adverse effects*
  • Propylamines / therapeutic use
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vital Signs

Substances

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
  • Propylamines
  • Atomoxetine Hydrochloride