Atomoxetine Side Effects In Adults

Common Side Effects of Atomoxetine in Adults

Atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Clinical trials have identified several common side effects associated with its use. These include dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, decreased appetite, constipation, dizziness, sweating, dysuria, sexual problems, and palpitations . These adverse events are generally mild to moderate in severity and tend to appear early in the treatment course, often within the first week.

Cardiovascular Effects

Atomoxetine has been associated with modest increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Studies have shown that these increases are statistically significant but generally not clinically significant, meaning they are unlikely to pose serious health risks for most patients . Specifically, mean increases in heart rate and blood pressure were observed to be around 5.2 beats per minute and 2 mmHg systolic and 1.9 mmHg diastolic, respectively. These cardiovascular effects tend to stabilize over time and return to baseline levels upon discontinuation of the medication .

Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction, have been reported more frequently in older adults compared to younger adults. These side effects can be particularly bothersome and may lead to discontinuation of the medication in some cases. The median resolution time for these side effects can range from a few days to several weeks after stopping the medication.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Nausea and decreased appetite are among the most commonly reported gastrointestinal side effects. These symptoms are usually transient and tend to resolve within a few weeks of continued treatment . However, they can be severe enough to cause some patients to discontinue the medication.

Insomnia and Fatigue

Insomnia is another frequently reported side effect, which can significantly impact the quality of life. Conversely, some patients may experience fatigue. Both of these side effects are generally manageable with dose adjustments or by changing the timing of the medication .

Discontinuation Rates

The overall discontinuation rates due to adverse events are higher in atomoxetine-treated patients compared to those receiving a placebo. In acute trials, the discontinuation rate was around 8.9% for atomoxetine compared to 4.0% for placebo, and in long-term trials, it was 17.9% versus 6.3%. This indicates that while atomoxetine is generally well-tolerated, a significant proportion of patients may experience side effects severe enough to warrant discontinuation.

Conclusion

Atomoxetine is an effective treatment for ADHD in adults but comes with a range of side effects. The most common include dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, decreased appetite, and sexual dysfunction. Cardiovascular effects are generally mild but should be monitored. While the medication is generally well-tolerated, the higher discontinuation rates due to adverse events highlight the importance of monitoring and managing these side effects to ensure patient compliance and treatment efficacy.

Atomoxetine side effects in adults

Summary

Not a yes or no question