Development of tics in a thirteen-year-old male following atomoxetine use

CNS Spectr. 2008 Apr;13(4):301-3. doi: 10.1017/s1092852900016412.

Abstract

Tics and Tourette syndrome are common comorbidities of patients diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). One of the mainstay pharmacologic therapies for ADHD has been stimulants. However, this class of drugs has been associated with tic exacerbations, thus limiting their utility in this patients subgroup. Atomoxetine has been explored as an alternative treatment as one of the few non-stimulants available to treat ADHD. Early data identifies atomoxetine's influence on Tourette symptomatology to be not merely equivocal but potentially suppressive in the manifestation of tics. There are, however, case studies describing patients experiencing recurrences of tics following treatment with atomoxetine. We present a unique case of a patient, without any prior history of a movement disorder, who developed tics following a single dose of atomoxetine that did not improve until interventional therapy was initiated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Clonazepam / therapeutic use
  • Clonidine / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Propylamines / adverse effects*
  • Propylamines / therapeutic use
  • Sympatholytics / therapeutic use
  • Tic Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Tic Disorders / drug therapy

Substances

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Propylamines
  • Sympatholytics
  • Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
  • Clonazepam
  • Clonidine