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Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Atomoxetine selectively inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain, increasing norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex and improving attention and executive function.
Atomoxetine selectively inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain, increasing norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex and improving attention and executive function. Used for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults, ADHD-related symptoms in patients with comorbid conditions.
At a glance
| Generic name | Atomoxetine (Strattera) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh |
| Drug class | Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) |
| Target | Norepinephrine transporter (NET) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) that blocks the norepinephrine transporter, preventing the reabsorption of norepinephrine at the presynaptic terminal. This increases norepinephrine concentration in synaptic spaces, particularly in brain regions responsible for attention, impulse control, and executive function. Unlike stimulant medications, it does not directly release norepinephrine or dopamine and has minimal abuse potential.
Approved indications
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults
- ADHD-related symptoms in patients with comorbid conditions
Common side effects
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Mood swings / irritability
- Increased blood pressure
- Tachycardia
Key clinical trials
- Atomoxetine and DAW2022 on OSA Severity (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Pharmacologically Modulating the Noradrenergic Arousal System to Reduce Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease: a Multi-centre and Multi-modal Approach (PHASE3)
- Atomoxetine and Executive Function in PTSD (PHASE4)
- TAME-PD - Physical Therapy, Atomoxetine and, Methylphenidate, to Enhance Gait and Balance in Parkinson's Disease (EARLY_PHASE1)
- A Novel Pharmacological Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (PHASE2)
- Pharyngeal Muscle Control Mechanisms of Atomoxetine-plus-oxybutynin in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Endotype DIrected Treatment for OSA in Down Syndrome (PHASE4)
- Pharmacological Agents for Chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Pittsburgh portfolio CI