From the Guidelines
Atomoxetine can suppress appetite in some individuals, as decreased appetite is listed as one of the most common adverse effects of the medication, occurring in clinical trials, as noted in the study published in 2022 1. The mechanism of action of atomoxetine, which involves increasing synaptic noradrenaline by binding to the norepinephrine transporter, may contribute to its effects on appetite regulation.
- Key points to consider:
- Atomoxetine is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and works by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain.
- The appetite-suppressing effects of atomoxetine tend to be milder and less consistent than those associated with stimulant medications.
- Decreased appetite is one of the most common adverse effects of atomoxetine, along with nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, and somnolence, as reported in clinical trials 1.
- The impact of increased norepinephrine on brain regions that regulate hunger and satiety signals may be responsible for the appetite-suppressing effects of atomoxetine.
- Management of appetite suppression:
- If patients experience significant appetite suppression while taking atomoxetine, they should discuss this with their healthcare provider.
- Dosage adjustments or timing of medication with meals may help manage this side effect, although specific guidance on this is not provided in the study 1.
- It is essential to monitor patients closely for any adverse effects, including decreased appetite, especially during the initial treatment phase or when adjusting the dosage.
From the FDA Drug Label
The most commonly observed adverse reactions in patients treated with atomoxetine hydrochloride (incidence of 5% or greater and at least twice the incidence in placebo patients) were: constipation, dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, dizziness, erectile dysfunction, and urinary hesitation Additional data from ADHD clinical trials has shown that approximately 5 to 10% of adult patients experienced potentially clinically important changes... Investigations Weight decreased 2 1 Metabolism and Nutritional Disorders Decreased appetite 16 3
Atomoxetine (Strattera) can suppress appetite. This is evident from the drug label, which lists decreased appetite as one of the most commonly observed adverse reactions in patients treated with atomoxetine hydrochloride, with an incidence of 16% in adult patients, compared to 3% in placebo patients 2. Key points include:
- Decreased appetite was reported in 16% of adult patients treated with atomoxetine hydrochloride
- Weight decreased was also reported in 2% of adult patients treated with atomoxetine hydrochloride It is essential to monitor patients for changes in appetite and weight while taking atomoxetine.
From the Research
Atomoxetine and Appetite Suppression
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) has been associated with decreased appetite in several studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- The most common adverse events reported in clinical trials of atomoxetine include decreased appetite, along with other gastrointestinal disorders 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Decreased appetite was generally noted to be transient, with no significant changes in weight and height gain reported over long-term follow-up 3, 4
- Atomoxetine's mechanism of action, as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, may contribute to its effect on appetite suppression, although the exact relationship is unclear 5, 6, 7
- Clinical trials have demonstrated that atomoxetine is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, with decreased appetite as a common but generally manageable side effect 3, 4, 5, 6, 7