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Visual Abstract
Acute atomoxetine treatment of younger and older children with ADHD: a meta-analysis of tolerability and efficacy
Atomoxetine treatment in younger and older children with ADHD
October 25, 2024
author
Kratochvil CJ, Milton DR, Vaughan BS, Greenhill LL
journal
Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health
Date Published
2008 Sep 15
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Study Summary
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What They Studied
The study examined how atomoxetine treatment responses and tolerability compare between younger children (6-7 years) and older children (8-12 years) with ADHD.
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What They Found
Atomoxetine was found to be more effective than a placebo in both younger and older children, with differences noted in various symptom measures.
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What This Means
These results support current evidence that atomoxetine (Strattera) is effective for ADHD treatment, which aligns with its FDA approval for use in children over six years old.
Study Summary
Study Overview
Researchers aimed to compare how atomoxetine (ATX) affects younger and older children with ADHD. They gathered data from several studies and analyzed it to see how well the medication worked and how safe it was for both age groups. The findings suggest that while ATX is effective for managing core ADHD symptoms, younger children may face more side effects than older ones due to their developing bodies.
This examination is notable as it provides insight into the effectiveness and tolerability of ATX across different pediatric ages, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring.
This examination is notable as it provides insight into the effectiveness and tolerability of ATX across different pediatric ages, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring.
Abstract: background
The purpose of this article is to describe and compare the treatment response and tolerability of atomoxetine between younger children (6-7 years) and older children (8-12 years) with ADHD, as reported in these six acute treatment trials.
Purpose of the study
"The purpose of this article is to describe and compare the treatment response and tolerability of atomoxetine between younger children (6-7 years) and older children (8-12 years) with ADHD, as reported in these six acute treatment trials."
Significant findings
"In the absence of trials specifically designed to examine these outcomes in young children treated with ATX, this meta-analysis may be the only available means of systematically assessing the effects of this medication, which is used with increasing frequency in this patient population."
Study insights
"This report will describe and compare the safety, tolerability and efficacy of ATX for the treatment of ADHD in young children, 6-7 years of age, compared with older children, 8-12 years of age."
Study Summary
Methods
Researchers combined the results from six clinical trials lasting 6 to 9 weeks, gathering data from 280 young children and 860 older ones diagnosed with ADHD. They assessed the effectiveness using established rating scales like ADHD-RS and CPRS-R:S. These tools help measure changes in symptoms and overall severity.
The study carefully tracked symptom changes and overall improvement using these standardized assessments. This approach ensured the reliability of the findings and allowed for direct comparisons between the two age groups.
The study carefully tracked symptom changes and overall improvement using these standardized assessments. This approach ensured the reliability of the findings and allowed for direct comparisons between the two age groups.
Abstract: methods
Data from six clinical trials of 6-9 weeks duration were pooled, yielding 280 subjects, ages 6-7 years, and 860 subjects, ages 8-12 years with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV)-diagnosed ADHD. Efficacy was...more
Study Summary
Results
Atomoxetine, or Strattera, proved more effective than a placebo in reducing ADHD symptoms in both age groups. Improvements were noted in overall ADHD behaviors and specific aspects like inattentiveness and hyperactivity. While there were no major differences in the effectiveness between younger and older children, the groups showed distinct baseline ADHD characteristics.
Side effects varied, with younger children more prone to issues like abdominal pain and vomiting. This signifies a treatment-age interaction, suggesting age-specific responses to the medication, indicating a need for cautious monitoring.
Side effects varied, with younger children more prone to issues like abdominal pain and vomiting. This signifies a treatment-age interaction, suggesting age-specific responses to the medication, indicating a need for cautious monitoring.
Abstract: results
Atomoxetine was superior to placebo in both age categories for mean (SD) change in ADHD-RS total, total T, and subscale scores; 3 CPRS-R:S subscales; and CGI-ADHD-S from baseline. Although there were no significant treatment differentials between the...more
Study Summary
Conclusions
The study concluded that atomoxetine (Strattera) effectively reduces ADHD symptoms in children aged 6 to 12. The medication was generally well-tolerated, meaning most children could take it without severe side effects. These findings were consistent across multiple scales used to measure ADHD severity.
Though the medication showed similar effectiveness across ages, slight differences in side effect experiences should be noted. Such insights allow healthcare providers to better tailor ADHD treatments for individual needs, especially considering age-related tolerance to medications.
Though the medication showed similar effectiveness across ages, slight differences in side effect experiences should be noted. Such insights allow healthcare providers to better tailor ADHD treatments for individual needs, especially considering age-related tolerance to medications.
Abstract: conclusions
Atomoxetine is an effective and generally well-tolerated treatment of ADHD in both younger and older children as assessed by three recognized measures of symptoms in six controlled clinical trials.
Background Information
Patient Guide
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FDA Approval for ADHD
Atomoxetine is approved for treating ADHD in children over six, aligning with study age groups.
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Mechanism of Action
Atomoxetine inhibits norepinephrine reuptake, influencing dopamine, relevant for ADHD treatment.
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Comprehensive Treatment Program
Atomoxetine forms part of a total ADHD treatment program, including psychological interventions.
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Dosing Specifications
Dosing differs based on factors like weight, impacting efficacy and tolerability assessment.
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Monitoring Adverse Effects
Patients require monitoring for reactions, which informs age-specific tolerability analysis.
Professional Guide
Expert Opinion: Atomoxetine treatment in younger and older children with ADHD
The findings underscore atomoxetine's efficacy in treating ADHD across different age groups, yet these results must be weighed against the specific risks highlighted in the clinical guidelines.
Increased monitoring is recommended for children due to potential psychiatric symptoms and slower growth.
Caution is advised for patients with cardiovascular conditions or hepatic impairment.
Increased monitoring is recommended for children due to potential psychiatric symptoms and slower growth.
Caution is advised for patients with cardiovascular conditions or hepatic impairment.
Evidence Summary
Unveiling ADHD Medication Effectiveness and Tolerability
Delving into ADHD medication studies reveals insights on how different treatments perform and how patients handle them. The review meticulously compares multiple studies, shedding light on both effectiveness and patient experience with side effects. By systematically evaluating various medications, this analysis provides a comprehensive look at treatment outcomes and safety, offering a clearer view of what patients might experience during their therapeutic journey.
Evidence Summary
Understanding Atomoxetine’s Role in ADHD Management for Young Adults
Atomoxetine plays a key role in treating ADHD in young adults by targeting attention and hyperactivity. The discussion highlights how the medication aids in improving focus while also managing impulsive behaviors. Additionally, it covers both the advantages and possible side effects of using atomoxetine, offering a well-rounded view of its impact on ADHD symptoms.
The text complements previous findings, focusing more on real-world implications in adult treatment.
The text complements previous findings, focusing more on real-world implications in adult treatment.
Evidence Summary
Adderall XR vs. Strattera: A Comparison for ADHD in Children
Adderall XR and Strattera, both prescribed for ADHD, are examined for how they enhance attention and behavior in school-aged children. The investigation compares the effectiveness of each medication and notes the potential side effects. The findings show how these medications perform in real-world settings, offering insights into their practical use alongside the broader analysis of Atomoxetine in pediatric patients.
