Atomoxetine Ingestions in Children: A Report from Poison Centers

BACKGROUND:Atomoxetine uses a novel nonstimulant approach to the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There is limited information on overdose of atomoxetine in children or adults.OBJECTIVE:To provide information on atomoxetine in overdose.METHODS:Case series were conducted at 3 regional poison centers for atomoxetine ingestion in children (age ⩽17 y). Exclusion criteria were polypharmacy or lack of follow-up.RESULTS:Forty patients were included (25 boys; 63%) in the study. The mean ± SD age was 6.1 ± 4.9 years (range 9 mo–17 y). Twenty-five patients were managed at home, 14 in hospital emergency departments (3 children were admitted), and 1 patient was managed in a physician's office. Symptoms reported were tachycardia, drowsiness, nausea, hypertension, and vomiting. A seizure was reported in one child who had recently started atomoxetine therapy. No arrhythmias beyond sinus tachycardia were reported. Mean maximum heart rate in patients with tachycardia was 131 ± 14 beats/min. The mean ...