New ADHD drug to go on PBS? : Melbourne Indymedia

A new drug to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will be listed on the Federal Government's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

ADHD is a behavioural and developmental disorder affecting young children.

The Government says the drug Strattera will be available for children between six and 18 years of age who cannot take stimulants, which are usually used to treat the condition.

About 18,000 people are expected to start using the drug from July 1, at a cost of around $101 million.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1895672.htm

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomoxetine

Also very common is digestive discomfort, such as heartburn. The most common side effects in children and adolescents (and, after drowsiness, in adults) are upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. The medication's tendency to decrease appetite may contribute to this problem, as taking Strattera on an empty stomach is usually discouraged; it can also be a problem in itself, in the form of hunger pangs. Consumption of dairy products can cause further upset.

A significant minority of adult male patients taking Strattera suffer minor to severe sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, painful orgasm, and the decoupling of orgasm from ejaculation, wherein ejaculation takes place up to ten seconds before or after orgasm.

Two confirmed cases of liver injury have been reported by Eli Lilly and Company out of approximately two million prescriptions written. In both cases upon discontinuation of atomoxetine, patients' liver functions returned to normal.

Discontinuation adverse effects

Further information: Chemical synapse

The central nervous system (CNS) adapts to the presence of psychoactive drugs. Such adaptation commonly involves the readjustment of neuroreceptors to compensate for the acute pharmacological action of the medication. This adaptation theory also explains why withdrawal symptoms and signs can occur on the discontinuation of such medications as clearance of drug can occur at a rate faster than the brain can readjust to the absence of medication. Hence, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic factors contribute to the risk of a withdrawal syndrome.

Psychiatric reactions

In September 2005, Strattera was determined to increase risk of suicidal thoughts among children and adolescents; one attempted suicide and five cases of suicidal thoughts were reported out of 1,357 young patients taking Strattera, while none was reported out of a control group of 851 taking placebos. [1], [2]. The FDA has required that black box warnings be placed on all antidepressant medications warning they may result in increased risk of suicidal tendencies in children and adolescents; therefore, Strattera bears such a warning.

In less than three years on the market 10,988 adverse "psychiatric reactions" have been reported to Eli Lilly for the ADHD drug Strattera, according to the British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), January 2006.