Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of atomoxetine as an adjunctive medication for residual fatigue in a naturalistic treatment setting. METHODS: RESULTS: Twelve (85.7%) patients (nine remitters, three partial responders) received at least 4 weeks of atomoxetine treatment. The remaining two (partial responders) discontinued atomoxetine within 1-3 days due to increased anxiety. The brief fatigue inventory (BFI) and Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI) were administered when atomoxetine was first prescribed, and following 4-10 weeks of treatment (mean of 5.4+/-1.8 weeks). There was a significant decrease in BFI scores (41.9+/-14.9 versus 24.3+/-13.4, p=0.0015), and HDRS-17 scores (6.2+/-2.4 versus 3.5+/-2.8, p=0.0466), but not CGI-S scores (1.3+/-1.4-1.0+/-0.0, p=0.08) following treatment with atomoxetine. 5/12 (41.6%) patients had a 50% or greater decrease in BFI scores. All 12 patients were remitters at follow-up. The mean atomoxetine dose was 42.8+/-10.6 mg. Side effects included insomnia (n=6), increased anxiety (n=3), nausea (n=1) and dry mouth (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: Although preliminary, these results suggest a possible augmentation role for atomoxetine when used in conjunction with conventional antidepressants for residual fatigue in MDD. Prospective as well as controlled studies are necessary to further explore the role of atomoxetine augmentation in MDD.
|
Authors | George I Papakostas, Timothy J Petersen, Alana M Burns, Maurizio Fava |
Journal | Journal of psychiatric research
(J Psychiatr Res)
Vol. 40
Issue 4
Pg. 370-3
(Jun 2006)
ISSN: 0022-3956 [Print] England |
PMID | 15978621
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
- Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
- Propylamines
- Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
|
Topics |
- Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
(therapeutic use)
- Adult
- Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
- Depressive Disorder, Major
(complications)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Fatigue
(drug therapy, etiology)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Propylamines
(therapeutic use)
- Retrospective Studies
|