Journal article
Randomized Controlled Trial of Atomoxetine for Cognitive Dysfunction in Early Huntington Disease
Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, Vol.29(5), pp.484-487
10/2009
DOI: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181b2ac0a
PMCID: PMC3806326
PMID: 19745649
Abstract
Background:
Cognitive symptoms are associated with functional disability in Huntington disease; yet, few controlled trials have examined cognitive treatments that could improve patient independence and quality of life. Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor approved for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Methods:
Twenty participants with mild Huntington disease who complained of inattention were randomized to receive atomoxetine (80 mg/d) or placebo in a 10-week double-blind crossover study. Primary outcome measures were self-reported attention and attention and executive neuropsychological composite scores. Secondary outcomes were psychiatric and motor symptom scores.
Results:
The rate of reported adverse effects while on atomoxetine was 56% (vs 35% on placebo), which most commonly included dry mouth (39%), loss of appetite (22%), insomnia (22%), and dizziness (17%). There were no serious adverse events related to atomoxetine. There were statistically significant, although mild, increases in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure on atomoxetine, consistent with other studies and not requiring medical referral. There were no significant improvements while on atomoxetine compared with placebo on primary outcomes. However, there was evidence of significant placebo effects on self-reported attention and psychiatric functions. There were no group differences on the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating total motor score.
Conclusions:
Atomoxetine demonstrated no advantages over placebo for primary or secondary outcomes. Although atomoxetine was not effective at improving attention at this dose, its safety and tolerability were similar to other studies.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Randomized Controlled Trial of Atomoxetine for Cognitive Dysfunction in Early Huntington Disease
- Creators
- Leigh J Beglinger - Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MIWilliams H Adams - Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MIHenry Paulson - Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MIJess G Fiedorowicz - Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MIDouglas R Langbehn - Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MIKevin Duff - Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MIAnne Leserman - Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MIJane S Paulsen - Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, Vol.29(5), pp.484-487
- DOI
- 10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181b2ac0a
- PMID
- 19745649
- PMCID
- PMC3806326
- NLM abbreviation
- J Clin Psychopharmacol
- ISSN
- 0271-0749
- eISSN
- 1533-712X
- Grant note
- R01 NS040068 || NS / National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke : NINDS
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 10/2009
- Academic Unit
- Psychiatry; Epidemiology; Psychological and Brain Sciences; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984004079602771
Metrics
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