Indicated for: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Route of administration: oral
Substance: atomoxetine (psychostimulant)
ATC: N06BA09 (Nervous system | Psychostimulants, agents used for adhd and nootropics | Centrally acting sympathomimetics)
Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (sNRI) medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, to a lesser extent, cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS).
It may be used alone or along with stimulant medication.
It enhances the executive functions of self-motivation, sustained attention, inhibition, working memory, reaction time, and emotional self-regulation.
Use of atomoxetine is only recommended for those who are at least six years old.
It is taken orally. The effectiveness of atomoxetine is comparable to the commonly prescribed stimulant medication methylphenidate.
Atomoxetine alleviates ADHD symptoms through norepinephrine reuptake inhibition and by indirectly increasing dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, sharing 70-80% of the brain regions with stimulants in their produced effects.
Unlike α2-adrenergic receptor agonists such as guanfacine and clonidine, atomoxetine's use can be abruptly stopped without significant withdrawal symptoms being observed.