Abuse liability assessment of atomoxetine in a drug-abusing population.

Author(s): Jasinski DR, Faries DE, Moore RJ, Schuh LM, Allen AJ

Affiliation(s): Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Center for Chemical Dependence, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.

Publication date & source: 2008-05-01, Drug Alcohol Depend., 95(1-2):140-6. Epub 2008 Mar 6.

Publication type: Comparative Study; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

BACKGROUND: Atomoxetine is a non-amphetamine medication approved to treat ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Previous studies demonstrated low abuse potential for atomoxetine in recreational drug users. This study assessed the abuse potential of atomoxetine in stimulant-preferring drug abusers compared to methylphenidate and phentermine as positive controls and desipramine and placebo as negative controls. METHODS: Forty male and female, 32-53 years old stimulant-preferring drug abusers completed this balanced Latin-square designed study. Subjects received acute, double-blind doses of placebo, desipramine (100 and 200 mg), methylphenidate (90 mg), phentermine (60 mg), and atomoxetine (45, 90, and 180 mg). Subjective and physiological effects were collected for 24 h following each drug treatment. RESULTS: Methylphenidate and phentermine were liked significantly more than placebo, atomoxetine, or desipramine. No atomoxetine dose was liked significantly more than placebo and liking scores for atomoxetine were similar to, or significantly lower than, desipramine, as assessed by the Drug Rating Questionnaire-Subject. While atomoxetine 45 and 180 mg did not significantly change any Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI) scores, atomoxetine 90 mg significantly increased A and BG stimulant scores of the ARCI and both methylphenidate and phentermine produced greater A and BG increases than any atomoxetine dose and also increased MBG (euphoria) scores relative to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Atomoxetine has significantly less abuse liability than methylphenidate or phentermine and no greater abuse liability than desipramine.