Rationale Treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has for many years relied on psychostimulants particularly numerous formulations Rabbit Polyclonal to CBR3. of amphetamines and methylphenidate. atomoxetine has not been examined. Objectives In this article we review the evidence regarding misuse potential of atomoxetine a selective inhibitor of the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter which is definitely unscheduled/unrestricted in all countries where it is authorized. Methods Results from receptor binding in vitro electrophysiology in vivo microdialysis preclinical behavioral and human being laboratory studies have been examined. Results Atomoxetine has no appreciable affinity for or action GDC-0152 at central receptors through which medicines of misuse typically take action i.e. dopamine transporters GABAA GDC-0152 receptors and opioid μ receptors. In behavioral experiments in rodents atomoxetine does not increase locomotor activity and in drug discrimination studies its profile is similar to that of medicines without misuse potential. Atomoxetine does not serve as a reinforcer in monkey self-administration studies and human laboratory studies suggest that atomoxetine does not induce subjective results indicative of mistreatment. Conclusion Neurochemical preclinical and early clinical studies predicted GDC-0152 and supported a lack of abuse potential of atomoxetine which is usually consistent with the clinical trial and postmarketing spontaneous event data in the past 10?years. Keywords: Atomoxetine (Strattera?) ADHD Abuse potential Nonstimulant GDC-0152 Introduction Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (APA 2000) is an early onset childhood disorder that is estimated to occur in 3?% to 9?% of children and adolescents in the USA (Faraone et al. 2003; Greydanus et al. 2007) and 4?% to 8?% worldwide (Kessler et al. 2006; Smoot et al. 2007). Frequently associated with impaired academic and interpersonal functioning ADHD persists into adulthood in 50?% to 70?% of affected youth (Barkley et al. 2002; Hechtman 2000). For decades management of ADHD relied primarily on psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate for which short- and long-acting formulations are available through a wide variety of branded and generic manufacturers. Although their efficacy is usually well documented psychostimulants are controlled substances because of their documented abuse potentials. Amphetamines and methylphenidate are currently classified as schedule II drugs by the US Controlled Substance Act (CSA) indicating that while they have an approved medical use they also have significant abuse liabilities which raises concerns about nonmedical use in patients with ADHD including misuse abuse or diversion to individuals without ADHD (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2006; The National Center on Dependency and Substance Abuse at Columbia University 2007). A wide range of drug classes are subject to regulation under the CSA including central nervous system depressants and stimulants. CSA requires an eight-factor analysis for all those scheduling decisions by the Drug Enforcement Administration (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDER/UCM180870.pdf). This analysis includes factors such as its actual or relative potential for abuse; pharmacological effect; other current scientific knowledge; history and current pattern of abuse; scope duration and significance of abuse; public health risk; psychic or physiological dependence potential; and if the drug is an instant precursor of the controlled chemical under section 21 USC 811(c). Arranging of the medication regulated under CSA may impact prescribing production and usage requirements of this medication. Atomoxetine is certainly a selective inhibitor from the presynaptic norepinephrine (NE) transporter with reduced affinity for noradrenergic receptors or various other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors (Bymaster et al. 2002). In 2002 it had been accepted by the united states Food and Medication Administration (FDA) as an uncontrolled nonstimulant treatment for pediatric adolescent and adult ADHD (Michelson et al. 2002 2003 Spencer et al. 1998 2002 Atomoxetine provides been shown to become efficacious for the treating ADHD with a good protection profile (Simpson and Plosker 2004; Garnock-Jones and Keating 2010). Prolonged discharge formulations of two nonstimulant α(2A)-adrenoceptor recently.