[Priapism associated with atomoxetine use]

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Urology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Priapism, a prolonged and painful erection, is a rare but serious side effect associated with certain medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of atomoxetine-induced priapism in an adult male.
• To highlight the importance of considering priapism as a potential side effect of atomoxetine in adult patients.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 33-year-old male patient treated with atomoxetine for ADHD.
• Clinical observation of side effects and patient-reported symptoms.
• Discontinuation of atomoxetine and monitoring for resolution of priapism.

Main Results:

• The patient developed intermittent priapism while taking atomoxetine.
• Discontinuation of atomoxetine led to the spontaneous resolution of painful erections.
• This case adds to existing literature on atomoxetine-induced priapism, previously reported mainly in pediatric populations.

Conclusions:

• Atomoxetine can cause priapism in adult patients, not exclusively in children and adolescents.
• Healthcare providers should maintain vigilance for priapism as a potential adverse effect of atomoxetine in all age groups.
• Early recognition and discontinuation of the drug can lead to spontaneous resolution of this complication.