Is there a correlation between tick-borne illnesses and the use of Strattera (atomoxetine) in adolescents?

No Correlation Between Ticks and Strattera Use in Adolescents

There is no established correlation between tick-borne illnesses and the use of Strattera (atomoxetine) in adolescents. The available medical evidence does not indicate any relationship between Strattera medication and increased risk of tick-borne diseases.

Understanding Tick-Borne Diseases

Tick-borne diseases are caused by infectious pathogens transmitted through tick bites, not by medications. The most common tick-borne diseases in the United States include:

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
• Ehrlichiosis
• Anaplasmosis
• Tularemia
• Lyme disease (in endemic areas)

These diseases are transmitted when an infected tick attaches to a person for a sufficient period (typically 2-48 hours depending on the pathogen) 1.

Strattera (Atomoxetine) and Its Effects

Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Its mechanism of action involves:

• Selective inhibition of presynaptic norepinephrine reuptake in the prefrontal cortex
• High affinity for norepinephrine transporters
• Little or no affinity for various neurotransmitter receptors 2

Common side effects of Strattera include:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Somnolence
• Nausea 2

Importantly, there is no evidence in the medical literature linking Strattera use to increased susceptibility to tick-borne illnesses or to tick attraction.

Prevention of Tick-Borne Diseases

Since there is no correlation between Strattera and tick-borne diseases, standard prevention measures should be followed by all individuals, including those taking Strattera:

1. Avoid tick-infested habitats when possible, especially during peak tick activity periods (April-September) 1
2. Use appropriate insect repellents containing DEET (10-35% concentration) on exposed skin when in tick habitats 1
3. Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, light-colored clothing) 1
4. Perform thorough tick checks after being in wooded or grassy areas 1, 3
5. Remove attached ticks promptly using tweezers or fine-tipped forceps, grasping close to the skin and pulling with steady pressure 1

Clinical Implications

For adolescents taking Strattera:

• There is no need to modify Strattera treatment due to concerns about tick-borne diseases
• Standard tick prevention measures should be followed as for any individual
• If a tick-borne disease is suspected, the appropriate treatment (typically doxycycline) should be initiated promptly, regardless of Strattera use 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Mistaking medication side effects for tick-borne illness symptoms: Both Strattera side effects and early tick-borne disease symptoms can include headache and nausea, potentially leading to diagnostic confusion.

2. Delaying treatment for suspected tick-borne illness: If a tick-borne disease is suspected, treatment should not be delayed for laboratory confirmation, as early treatment significantly reduces morbidity and mortality 4.

3. Attributing tick exposure to medication use: There is no scientific evidence supporting any connection between Strattera and increased tick exposure or susceptibility to tick-borne diseases.

In conclusion, adolescents taking Strattera should follow standard tick prevention measures, but there is no evidence suggesting they need additional precautions beyond what is recommended for the general population.