Suboptimal dosing of Strattera (atomoxetine) for ADHD patients

To raise awareness, this article provides a commentary on the frequent underdosing of atomoxetine for the treatment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that may be associated with poor patient outcomes. Data suggest an adequate atomoxetine dose for sufficient duration is important for ADHD symptom improvement. Despite the recommended 80 mg/day target dose, real-world data show that an approximately 60 mg/day average adult atomoxetine dose is utilized. This article discusses the factors that may contribute to this suboptimal dosing. Atomoxetine dose titration, setting patient expectations, and the importance of keeping the patient at target dose for an adequate length of time (about 4−6 weeks) prior to judging efficacy are also discussed.