The efficacy of atomoxetine as adjunctive treatment for co-morbid substance use disorders and externalizing symptoms.

BACKGROUND

We examined the effect of atomoxetine supplementation in treated-as-usual patients with alcohol, tobacco and other drug dependence (ATOD) and co-morbid externalizing symptoms (ES).

METHOD: Subjects were selected from a substance dependence treatment-cohort and assessed for: (a) high ES counts, (b) maximum prior period of abstinence, (c) quality of life during that period, and (d) shortest time from prior relapse to restarting treatment. Subjects were prescribed atomoxetine and followed up to their first relapse.

RESULTS

Out of 262 subjects screened during the study period (March-April 2008), 18 subjects who fulfilled eligibility criteria were recruited. All subjects were male, with early onset of substance dependence to at least two substances. Atomoxetine treatment led to significant treatment benefits: ES reduction, longer abstinence, shorter turnaround time and better quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Atomoxetine has a potential role in the treatment of early onset ATOD patients with ES, as an adjuvant to the standard treatment.