A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Atomoxetine in Marijuana-Dependent Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

This study evaluated the effects of atomoxetine on the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and marijuana use in marijuana-dependent adults. In conjunction with motivational interviewing, participants received either atomoxetine (n = 19) or matching placebo (n = 19) for 12 weeks. Participants randomized to atomoxetine had greater improvement in ADHD on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale than participants treated with placebo. No treatment group differences in self-rated ADHD symptoms, overall Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale scores, or marijuana use outcomes were noted. These results suggest that atomoxetine may improve some ADHD symptoms but does not reduce marijuana use in this population. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1-9).