A pilot study of atomoxetine in young children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder

Christopher J. Kratochvil, Brigette S. Vaughan, Michelle L. Mayfield-Jorgensen, John S. March, Scott H. Kollins, Desiree W. Murray, Hima Ravi, Laurence L. Greenhill, Lisa A. Kotler, Natalya Paykina, Patricia Biggins, Julie Stoner

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38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of atomoxetine during acute treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 5 and 6 year olds. Method: Twenty two children (male n = 19, 86%) with ADHD were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks in a three-site, open-label pilot study. Dosing was flexible, with titration to a maximum of 1.8 mg/kg per day. Parent education on behavior management was provided as part of each pharmacotherapy visit. Results: Subjects demonstrated a mean decrease of 20.68 points (SD = 12.80, p < 0.001)) on the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-IV-RS) total score, 10.18 (SD = 7.48, p < 0.001) on the inattentive subscale and 10.50 (SD = 7.04, p < 0.001) on the hyperactive/impulsive subscale. Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) was improved in 82% of the children (95% CI, 66-98%) and Children's Global Assessment (CGAS) scores improved 18.91 points on average (SD = 12.20, p < 0.001). The mean final dose of atomoxetine was 1.25 mg/kg per day (SD = 0.35 mg/kg per day). Mood lability was the most commonly reported adverse event (n = 12, 54.5%). Eleven subjects (50%) reported decreased appetite and a mean weight loss of 1.04 kg (SD = 0.80 kg) (p < 0.001) was observed for the group. Vital sign changes were mild and not clinically significant. There were no discontinuations due to adverse events or lack of efficacy. Conclusion: Atomoxetine was generally effective for reducing core ADHD symptoms in the 5 and 6 year olds in this open-label study.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)175-185
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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