Treatment patterns in adults with ADHD treated with atomoxetine - Video Abstract ID 150261

Video abstract of original research paper “Treatment patterns, health care resource utilization, and costs in Japanese adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder treated with atomoxetine” published in the open access journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment by Imagawa H, Nagar SP, Montgomery W, et al.
Objective: To describe the characteristics and medication treatment patterns of adult patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) prescribed atomoxetine in Japan.
Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of insurance claims data was conducted using the Japan Medical Data Center database. Adults ($18 years) with ADHD who had $1 atomoxetine claim from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014, and $180 to #900 days of follow-up were included. First atomoxetine claim defined the index date. Patient characteristics included age, gender, and comorbid conditions. Treatment patterns assessed included rates of atomoxetine discontinuation, switching, persistence, adherence (assessed via the medication possession ratio), and use of concomitant medications.
Results: A total of 457 adults met all the inclusion criteria. Mean (SD) age was 32.7 (10.4) years, and 61.0% of patients were male. Nearly 72.0% of the patients had at least one comorbid mental health condition in the baseline period; depression (43.8%) and insomnia (40.7%) were the most common mental health comorbidities. Most common physical comorbidities were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14.4%) and diabetes (12.9%). Non-ADHD-specific psychotropics were prescribed to 59.7% of patients during the baseline period and to 65.9% during the follow-up period; 6.6% were prescribed non-ADHD-specific psychotropics concomitantly with atomoxetine. Overall, 40.0% of adults discontinued atomoxetine during the entire follow-up period and 65.9% were persistent with atomoxetine therapy at 3 months post-index date. Mean (SD) atomoxetine medication possession ratio was 0.57 (0.25), and 25.4% switched to an alternative ADHD therapy; methylphenidate (22.4%) and non-ADHD-specific psychotropics (77.6%) were the most common medication alternatives. Nearly 8% augmented atomoxetine with methylphenidates, non-stimulants, or non-ADHD-specific psychotropics.
Conclusion: In this observational study, a majority of adults with ADHD treated with atomoxetine were still persistent with therapy at 3 months post-index date, with one quarter switching to alternative ADHD therapy. High proportions of mental health comorbidities, along with high use of non-ADHD-specific psychotropic medications in both the baseline and follow-up periods, were observed among patients with ADHD prescribed atomoxetine.
View the original article here: www.dovepress....

[@fortyoddyears5295]

Since starting Atomoxitine, I have chills, critically low wbc and Raynauds. It’s not helping my ADHD anymore at 100mg. My depression al just keeps declining. I’m in agreement that Provigil helped so much more for ADHD/depression.

[@Juggler_Debashis]

Can it be taken if someone has hypothyroidism & and is under control with medication?

[@gustavonobregadossantos1223]

How does amoxetine compare to Methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine in terms of performance but Also effects on appetite and body weight?

[@Chasper00]

Great medical perspective, taking real-world implications and holistically informed perspectives into account. Keep up the good work!

[@heartspacerelaxations6924]

“An unmet medical need” sorry sounds a bit ambiguous. What does that mean? Does it actually work? Is it under utilised?

[@mebeasensei]

yep...what the..? I waited all video to hear this and i don't know what it means either.

[@RahulRanjan674]

that it is not good enough. it does help with stability though but motivation is still low. im on 100mg right now

[@malazan6004]

Ive had a substance abuse issue years ago.. I really struggle with ADHD and focus\motivation as an adult though. I have had no interest in drug use for over 7 years but I'm struggling. Maybe this is a good choice for me?

[@Narayanan5]

Bupropion and Atomoxetine are worth a trial. However, the stimulants (Methylphenidate and Amphetamines) are first choice medications for ADHD. There are sustained release versions of these which are difficult to abuse. Stimulant use may not lead to drug abuse (in fact, it may lower it).

[@A95-x2j]

I have autism and inattentive ADHD with substance abuse issues in the past. I quit the hard stuff before I was diagnosed with ADHD but still frequently smoke and smoked cannabis as a way of self medication. Like you, I hoped that I could substitute the cannabis for ADHD medication but it doesn't quite work that way. You are still likely to use substances if you have been in the past 7 years, but gradually over a period of months, you may feel your dependency on them lessen because the ADHD medication is allowing you to get stimulated by other things. Best of luck. I still haven't quit the weed, but I'm warming up to the idea of going forward in life with a sober mind thanks to the medication (I tried Xaggitin and Elvanse).

[@SwagMaster-fq8qg]

@@A95-x2jhave you found any combination of medications that works?

[@PaleyDaley]

I'm in Japan and have just been prescribed atomoxetine. It's only been two weeks and I don't feel any different yet, but here's hoping.

[@GB-gi6ft]

wait 8 weeks and also should find the appropriate dosage.. it will take around 3 months to get complete results with dosage that works for you.. im in india and here stimulants are available but my doc prescribed atomoxetine

[@PaleyDaley]

@@GB-gi6ft Thank you. I can't wait for it to start working so that I can get on with my life.

[@GB-gi6ft]

@@PaleyDaleyhw much mg have you been taking??dose also matters bro. for some people, low dose would be enough but for many, a high dose around 80mg would be required..

[@PaleyDaley]

@@GB-gi6ft I started on 25mg. But now I am increasing it. In 2 weeks I will start 80mg.

[@wildcatslife686]

Today I start you use for what dear to help with?

[@jaysnehpandey7089]

i did not start with recommended 40 mg for first few days, straight to 80 mg , could this and other things be reason why i have no effect observed even after months of taking it

[@johnmoore1495]

No, if anything you’d be more likely to feel effects quicker.

[@eliteshooter8831]

Crazy I was started on 10 mg, but I'm also on anxiety med which is also 10 mg. Just started amoxitine today but the anxiety med seem to be helpful and I've only been on those for going on 4 days

[@fernandofran2360]

​@@eliteshooter8831cómo vas con la medicación, que combinas con la atomoxetina?

[@MDaDonLegacy]

Just here for the cover photo lol

[@mattrobichaud6760]

😂 😂 😂

[@hervymarquezgarcia1079]

They did the Doc dirty with that

[@mebeasensei]

Completely useless information.

[@mnejc]

Atomixatine or strattera is shit compared to Modafinil.

[@disbsam333]

Maybe for you, but not for everyone. Modafinil made me feel like crap and it messed my friend up.

[@ViWiCoverChannel]

Well it's better than nothing if it's your only choice. In my country stimulants and banned so I take what I can

[@somerandomguy7458]

atomox worked for me on the first day but its a very sublte increase over time. modafinil just keeps you up