Atomoxetine Hcl (atomoxetine HCl)

Dosage of atomoxetine hydrochloride is expressed in terms of atomoxetine.

Atomoxetine may be discontinued without tapering the dosage.

In adults and pediatric patients weighing >70 kg who are receiving concomitant therapy with strong inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 2D6 (e.g., paroxetine, fluoxetine, quinidine), the initial atomoxetine dosage should be 40 mg daily; the dosage should be increased to the usual target dosage of 80 mg daily only if ADHD symptoms fail to improve after 4 weeks of therapy and the initial dosage is well tolerated.

In children and adolescents weighing <=70 kg who are receiving concomitant therapy with strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., paroxetine, fluoxetine, quinidine), the initial atomoxetine dosage should be 0.5 mg/kg daily; the dosage should be increased to the usual target dosage of 1.2 mg/kg daily only if ADHD symptoms fail to improve after 4 weeks of therapy and the initial dosage is well tolerated.

Atomoxetine hydrochloride is administered orally once daily in the morning or in 2 equally divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening. The drug is administered without regard to meals.

The manufacturer states that atomoxetine is an ocular irritant; therefore, the capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be broken or opened, nor should the capsule contents be sprinkled on food.

If a dose of atomoxetine is missed, the missed dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered; however, the amount of atomoxetine taken within a 24-hour period should not exceed the prescribed total daily dosage of the drug.

Atomoxetine hydrochloride capsules should be stored at 20-25degreesC (excursions permitted between 15-30degreesC).

Atomoxetine is metabolized principally by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2D6. It does not cause clinically important inhibition or induction of cytochrome P-450 enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP3A, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9.

Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

Atomoxetine; Reboxetine; Viloxazine/Monoamine Oxidase Inhib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Monoamine oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzymes that degrade monoamine neurotransmitters-norepinephrine and serotonin. Atomoxetine, reboxetine, and viloxazine inhibit the pre-synaptic norepinephrine transporter. Concomitant use of atomoxetine, reboxetine, or viloxazine with MAOIs may potentiate the release of norepinephrine and other monoamines from adrenergic nerve endings.(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use may result in serious and sometimes fatal reactions including hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, and mental status changes that include extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma.(1-3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturers of atomoxetine and viloxazine state that the concurrent use of atomoxetine or viloxazine with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) is contraindicated. At least a two-week washout period should occur between switching a patient from a MAOI to atomoxetine or viloxazine, or from atomoxetine to a MAOI.(1,3) The Australian manufacturer of reboxetine states that concurrent use with an MAOI is contraindicated.(2)

DISCUSSION: Because the use of other drugs that affect brain monoamine concentrations with monoamine oxidase inhibitors has resulted in serious and sometimes fatal reactions, the manufacturer of atomoxetine states that the concurrent use of atomoxetine with a MAOI is contraindicated. At least a two-week washout period should occur between switching a patient from a MAOI to atomoxetine or from atomoxetine to a MAOI.(1) The Australian manufacturer of reboxetine and the US manufacturer of viloxazine state that concurrent use with an MAOI is contraindicated.(2-3) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(4-5) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(8,9) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology.

Selected Cyp2d6 Substrates/Mavorixafor

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Mavorixafor is a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6 and is expected to inhibit the metabolism of agents through this pathway.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of mavorixafor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from agents metabolized by CYP2D6.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: With tricyclic antidepressants, the risk of seizures may be increased in patients with a history of head trauma or prior seizure; CNS tumor; severe hepatic cirrhosis; excessive use of alcohol or sedatives; addiction to opiates, cocaine, or stimulants; use of over-the-counter stimulants and anorectics; diabetics treated with oral hypoglycemics or insulin; or with concomitant medications known to lower seizure threshold (antipsychotics, theophylline, systemic steroids). With anticholinergic agents, the risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of mavorixafor states concurrent use with CYP2D6 substrate that are highly dependent on CYP2D6 metabolism is contraindicated.(1) The US manufacturer of doxepin states if concurrent use of doxepin and strong CYP2D6 inhibitors such as mavorixafor is warranted, monitor doxepin plasma concentrations and reduce the doxepin dose based on doxepin plasma concentrations.(5)

DISCUSSION: Mavorixafor (400 mg) increased dextromethorphan (CYP2D6 substrate) maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by 6-fold and 9-fold, respectively.(1) Selected CYP2D6 substrates linked to this monograph include: aripiprazole, atomoxetine, brexpiprazole, desipramine, deutetrabenazine, dextromethorphan, doxepin, encainide, fenfluramine, metoclopramide, methoxyphenamine, metoprolol, mexiletine, nebivolol, paroxetine, perphenazine, risperidone, tetrabenazine, trimipramine, venlafaxine, and yohimbine.

Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

Atomoxetine; Vortioxetine/Strong 2D6 Inhibitors

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: FDA designates atomoxetine as a 'sensitive substrate' at CYP2D6. Sensitive substrates are drugs whose area-under-curve (AUC) increases 5-fold or higher when given a strong inhibitor of a particular enzyme.(1) Although metabolized via several CYP P-450 pathways, vortioxetine appears primarily metabolized via CYP2D6.(2-3) Bupropion, dacomitinib, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and quinidine are strong inhibitors of CYP2D6. Terbinafine is a moderate to strong inhibitors of CYP2D6.(1,4)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of bupropion, dacomitinib, fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, or terbinafine may result in elevated levels and adverse effects of atomoxetine or vortioxetine. Atomoxetine adverse effects may include elevated blood pressure, tachycardia, insomnia, irritability, nausea/vomiting, or appetite suppression.(5,7) Vortioxetine adverse effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or abnormal dreams.(2,3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients who are CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizers may be affected to a greater extent by CYP2D6 inhibitors. Patients who are CYP2D6 poor metabolizers lack CYP2D6 function and are not affected by CYP2D6 inhibition.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor is added to existing atomoxetine therapy, exposure to atomoxetine may increase greater than 5-fold, depending upon the dosage and specific CYP2D6 inhibitor involved. The manufacturer of atomoxetine recommends downward dosage adjustments when patients receive concomitant treatment with strong CYP2D6 inhibitors.(5) When initiating atomoxetine in children and adolescents weighing up to 70 Kg who are already receiving strong CYP2D6 inhibitors, the atomoxetine dose should be initiated at 0.5 mg/kg/day and only increased to the usual target dose of 1.2 mg/kg/day if symptoms fail to improve after 4 weeks and the initial dose is well tolerated.(5) When initiating atomoxetine in children and adolescents weighing over 70 Kg and adults who are receiving strong CYP2D6 inhibitors, atomoxetine should be initiated at 40 mg/day and only increased to the usual target dose of 80 mg/day if symptoms fail to improve after 4 weeks and the initial dose is well tolerated.(5) The manufacturer of vortioxetine recommends reducing vortioxetine dose by half when a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor is coadministered.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a single-blind study in 22 healthy subjects, the concurrent administration of paroxetine (20 mg twice daily in one arm, 20 mg one daily in another arm) with atomoxetine (20 mg twice daily) resulted in increases in the maximum concentration (Cmax), area-under-curve (AUC), and half-life of atomoxetine by 3.5-fold, 6.5-fold, and 2.5-fold, respectively. There were no changes in paroxetine pharmacokinetics.(4) In extensive metabolizers administered paroxetine(2,3) or fluoxetine(2) with atomoxetine, the AUC of atomoxetine is approximately 6-fold to 8-fold and the Cmax is about 3-fold to 4-fold greater than with atomoxetine alone. In vitro studies suggest that administration of CYP P-450 inhibitors to poor metabolizers would not increase plasma atomoxetine concentrations.(2) A drug interaction study conducted over 28 days evaluated the effect of bupropion 150 mg twice daily on the tolerance and steady-state kinetics of vortioxetine 10 mg daily in 28 healthy subjects. Vortioxetine AUC and Cmax increased by 2.3 and 2.1 fold respectively.(3) Bupropion, dacomitinib, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and quinidine are strong inhibitors of CYP2D6. Terbinafine is a moderate to strong inhibitors of CYP2D6.(1,4)

Selected Cyp1a2 Or Cyp2d6 Substrates/Givosiran

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Givosiran interferes with the first and rate-limiting step in hepatic heme biosynthesis, which may lower hepatic heme levels and decrease production and/or activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of givosiran may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from agents metabolized by CYP1A2 or CYP2D6.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: With tricyclic antidepressants, the risk of seizures may be increased in patients with a history of head trauma or prior seizure; CNS tumor; severe hepatic cirrhosis; excessive use of alcohol or sedatives; addiction to opiates, cocaine, or stimulants; use of over-the-counter stimulants and anorectics; diabetics treated with oral hypoglycemics or insulin; or with concomitant medications known to lower seizure threshold (antipsychotics, theophylline, systemic steroids). With anticholinergic agents, the risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(3)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of givosiran with agents that are sensitive substrates of CYP1A2 or CYP2D6, or CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index. If concurrent use is unavoidable, decrease the dose of the CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 substrate and monitor patients for toxicity.

DISCUSSION: A study of 9 patients with acute intermittent porphyria found that givosiran decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of caffeine (a CYP1A2 substrate) by 1.3- and 3.1-fold, respectively, compared to caffeine alone. Givosiran also decreased the Cmax and AUC of dextromethorphan (a CYP2D6 substrate) by 2- and 2.4-fold, respectively, compared to dextromethorphan alone.(1,2) Selected CYP2D6 substrates linked to this monograph include: atomoxetine, desipramine, deutetrabenazine, dextromethorphan, doxepin, encainide, methoxyphenamine, metoprolol, nebivolol, nefazodone, paroxetine, perphenazine, risperidone, tetrabenazine, trimipramine, and venlafaxine. Selected CYP1A2 substrates linked to this monograph include: agomelatine, aminophylline, rasagiline, tacrine, theophylline, tizanidine, and yohimbine.

Selected Cyp2d6 Substrates/Desvenlafaxine (>100 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Desvenlafaxine is considered a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of desvenlafaxine may lead to increased serum levels and adverse effects of drugs sensitive to inhibition of the CYP2D6 pathway.(1) Agents linked to this monograph are: atomoxetine, dapoxetine, deutetrabenazine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, tolterodine, and yohimbine.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: With perphenazine and tolterodine, the risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Reduce the dose of CYP2D6 substrates by up to one-half when coadministered with desvenlafaxine 400 mg.(1) Studies have shown that desvenlafaxine does not have a clinically relevant effect on CYP2D6 metabolism at the dose of 100 mg daily. CYP2D6 substrates should be dosed at the original level when coadministered with desvenlafaxine 100 mg or lower or when desvenlafaxine is discontinued.(1) The manufacturer of desvenlafaxine does not provide recommendations for use of desvenlafaxine at dosages between 100-400 mg concurrently with CYP2D6 substrates. Monitor for toxicity of the CYP2D6 substrate and consider reducing its dosage.

DISCUSSION: In a study, coadministration of desvenlafaxine 100 mg daily with desipramine (single dose 50 mg) increased desipramine's maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-the-curve (AUC)by 25% and 17%.(1) In a study, coadministration of desvenlafaxine 400 mg daily with desipramine (single dose 50 mg) increased desipramine's maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-the-curve (AUC)by 50% and 90%.(1) Selected CYP2D6 substrates linked to this monograph are: atomoxetine, dapoxetine, deutetrabenazine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, tolterodine, and yohimbine.

Selected Cyp2d6 Substrates/Panobinostat

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Panobinostat is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6 and is expected to inhibit the metabolism of agents through this pathway.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of panobinostat may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from agents metabolized by CYP2D6.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: With tricyclic antidepressants, the risk of seizures may be increased in patients with a history of head trauma or prior seizure; CNS tumor; severe hepatic cirrhosis; excessive use of alcohol or sedatives; addiction to opiates, cocaine, or stimulants; use of over-the-counter stimulants and anorectics; diabetics treated with oral hypoglycemics or insulin; or with concomitant medications known to lower seizure threshold (antipsychotics, theophylline, systemic steroids). With anticholinergic agents, the risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(4)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of panobinostat with agents that are sensitive CYP2D6 or CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index. If concurrent use is warranted, monitor patients for toxicity.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 14 subjects with advanced cancer, panobinostat (20 mg daily on Days 3, 5, and 8) increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of a single dose of dextromethorphan (60 mg) by 20-200% and 20-130%, respectively. Dextromethorphan exposures were extremely variable.(1) Selected CYP2D6 substrates linked to this monograph include: atomoxetine, desipramine, deutetrabenazine, dextromethorphan, doxepin, encainide, methoxyphenamine, metoprolol, nebivolol, paroxetine, perphenazine, risperidone, tetrabenazine, trimipramine, venlafaxine, and yohimbine.

Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

Selected Cyp2d6 Substrates/Desvenlafaxine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Desvenlafaxine is considered a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of desvenlafaxine may lead to increased serum levels and adverse effects of drugs sensitive to inhibition of the CYP2D6 pathway.(1) Agents linked to this monograph are: atomoxetine, dapoxetine, deutetrabenazine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, tolterodine, and yohimbine.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: With perphenazine and tolterodine, the risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Reduce the dose of CYP2D6 substrates by up to one-half when coadministered with desvenlafaxine 400 mg.(1) Studies have shown that desvenlafaxine does not have a clinically relevant effect on CYP2D6 metabolism at the dose of 100 mg daily. CYP2D6 substrates should be dosed at the original level when coadministered with desvenlafaxine 100 mg or lower or when desvenlafaxine is discontinued.(1) The manufacturer of desvenlafaxine does not provide recommendations for use of desvenlafaxine at dosages between 100-400 mg concurrently with CYP2D6 substrates. Monitor for toxicity of the CYP2D6 substrate and consider reducing its dosage.

DISCUSSION: In a study, coadministration of desvenlafaxine 100 mg daily with desipramine (single dose 50 mg) increased desipramine's maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-the-curve (AUC)by 25% and 17%.(1) In a study, coadministration of desvenlafaxine 400 mg daily with desipramine (single dose 50 mg) increased desipramine's maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-the-curve (AUC)by 50% and 90%.(1) Selected CYP2D6 substrates linked to this monograph are: atomoxetine, dapoxetine, deutetrabenazine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, tolterodine, and yohimbine.

Selected Sensitive Cyp2d6 Substrates/Mirabegron

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Mirabegron is considered a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6. FDA defines a moderate inhibitor as a drug which increases the area-under-curve (AUC) of a sensitive substrate 2 to 5 fold.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of mirabegron may lead to increased serum levels and adverse effects of drugs sensitive to inhibition of the CYP2D6 pathway.(1) Agents linked to this monograph are: atomoxetine, clomipramine, desipramine, duloxetine, imipramine, metoprolol, nebivolol, nortriptyline and yohimbine.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: With desipramine, clomipramine, imipramine and nortriptyline, the risk of seizures may be increased in patients with a history of head trauma or prior seizure; CNS tumor; severe hepatic cirrhosis; excessive use of alcohol or sedatives; addiction to opiates, cocaine, or stimulants; use of over-the-counter stimulants and anorectics; diabetics treated with oral hypoglycemics or insulin; or with concomitant medications known to lower seizure threshold (antipsychotics, theophylline, systemic steroids). The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(3)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Mirabegron has a long half-life of approximately 50 hours so extended monitoring over 10 to 13 days may be required to evaluate the full effect of this interaction. The manufacturer of mirabegron recommends appropriate monitoring and dose adjustment if necessary for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index.(1) Weigh the risks versus benefits of mirabegron treatment for overactive bladder symptoms based upon the interacting medication and patient specific characteristics.

DISCUSSION: The manufacturer of mirabegron conducted interaction studies with two sensitive substrates of CYP2D6: desipramine and metoprolol.(1) Mirabegron 160 mg daily for 5 days increased the AUC of a single dose of metoprolol 100mg by 229%. Mirabegron 100 mg daily for 18 days increased the AUC of a single dose of desipramine by 241%.

*Known hypersensitivity to atomoxetine or any ingredient in the formulation.

*Concomitant or recent use (within 2 weeks) of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

*Narrow angle glaucoma.

*Pheochromocytoma.

*Severe cardiovascular disorders.

• Acute myocardial infarction
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Pheochromocytoma

• Aggressive behavior
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Cerebrovascular accident
• Cerebrovascular disorder
• Child-pugh class B hepatic impairment
• Child-pugh class C hepatic impairment
• Chronic heart failure
• Congenital heart disease
• Coronary artery disease
• CYp2d6 poor metabolizer
• Disease of liver
• Hyperbilirubinemia
• Hypertension
• Manic disorder
• Priapism
• Suicidal ideation
• Valvular heart disease

• Bipolar disorder
• Congenital long QT syndrome
• Hypotension
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Seizure disorder
• Urinary retention

The most common adverse reactions reported with atomoxetine (>=5% and at least twice the incidence observed in placebo patients) in children and adolescents included nausea, vomiting, fatigue, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and somnolence.

The most common adverse reactions reported with atomoxetine (>=5% and at least twice the incidence observed in placebo patients) in adults included constipation, dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, dizziness, erectile dysfunction, and urinary hesitation.

More Frequent

• Dysmenorrhea
• Erectile dysfunction
• Urinary retention

Less Frequent

• Depression
• Dizziness
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Irritability
• Menstrual disorder
• Mood changes
• Tachycardia

Rare or Very Rare

• Abnormal hepatic function tests
• Acute hepatic failure
• Acute myocardial infarction
• Aggressive behavior
• Agitation
• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema
• Cerebrovascular accident
• Chest pain
• Drug-induced hepatitis
• Drug-induced psychosis
• Hallucinations
• Hostility
• Hyperbilirubinemia
• Hypersensitivity drug reaction
• Hypertension
• Jaundice
• Manic disorder
• Priapism
• Prolonged QT interval
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Seizure disorder
• Suicidal ideation
• Syncope
• Urticaria

More Frequent

• Acute abdominal pain
• Anorexia
• Constipation
• Drowsy
• Fatigue
• Flushing
• Headache disorder
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Sedation
• Urinary hesitancy
• Vomiting
• Xerostomia

Less Frequent

• Blurred vision
• Conjunctivitis
• Disorder of ejaculation
• Dyspepsia
• Dysuria
• Hyperhidrosis
• Libido changes
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Paresthesia
• Pelvic pain
• Prostatitis
• Sinus headache
• Skin rash
• Tremor
• Weight loss

Rare or Very Rare

• Alopecia
• General weakness
• Hypoesthesia
• Lethargy
• Mydriasis
• Orgasm disorder
• Palpitations
• Pharyngitis
• Pruritus of skin
• Sensation of cold
• Symptoms of anxiety

No enhanced messaging available.

Safety and efficacy of atomoxetine have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age.

Atomoxetine may increase the risk of suicidal ideation in children and adolescents with ADHD. In a pooled analysis of 12 short-term controlled clinical studies in pediatric patients with ADHD (11 studies) or enuresis (1 study), the risk of suicidal ideation was about 0.4% in those receiving atomoxetine versus 0% in those receiving placebo. One child receiving the drug attempted suicide; no completed suicides were reported. All events representing suicidal behavior or thinking occurred in children 12 years of age or younger and occurred during the first month of therapy. It is not known whether the risk of suicidal ideation in pediatric patients extends to long-term use of the drug. A similar analysis of data from adults with ADHD or major depressive disorder found no increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior in those receiving atomoxetine.

The potential risks of suicidality should be weighed against the clinical need for the drug prior to initiating atomoxetine therapy in children or adolescents. Sudden death has been reported in children and adolescents with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac conditions receiving usual dosages of stimulants. Temporary suppression of normal weight and/or height patterns has been reported during the first 9-12 months of atomoxetine therapy; however, weight and height gains have rebounded with continued treatment. Monitor the growth of pediatric patients receiving atomoxetine.

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including atomoxetine, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting https://womensmentalhealth.org/adhd-medications/.

Available published studies of atomoxetine use in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Some animal reproduction studies demonstrated adverse developmental outcomes with atomoxetine. In 1 of 3 studies in pregnant rabbits, administration of atomoxetine during organogenesis resulted in decreased live fetuses and an increase in early resorptions, as well as slight increases in the incidences of atypical origin of carotid artery and absent subclavian artery. These effects were observed at plasma levels (AUC) 3 times and 0.4 times the human plasma levels in extensive and poor CYP2D6 metabolizers receiving the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively. In rats, administration of atomoxetine prior to mating and during organogenesis resulted in a decrease in fetal weight (female only) and an increase in the incidence of incomplete ossification of the vertebral arch in fetuses at a dose approximately 5 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis. In 1 of 2 studies in which rats were dosed prior to mating through the periods of organogenesis and lactation, decreased pup weight and decreased pup survival were observed at doses corresponding to 5-6 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis. No adverse fetal effects were seen in pregnant rats dosed during the organogenesis period.

There are no data on the presence of atomoxetine or its metabolite in human milk, the effects on the breast-fed child, or the effects on milk production. Atomoxetine is present in animal milk. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. Consider the developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding along with the mother's clinical need for atomoxetine and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from the drug or from the underlying maternal condition.

The manufacturer does not make dosage adjustment recommendations for geriatric patients; the safety and efficacy of atomoxetine have not been evaluated in geriatric patients.

Safety and efficacy of atomoxetine have not been established in geriatric patients.