AHS Views

A recent study tested Atomoxetine, a generic form of the ADHD drug Straterra, on cocaine addicts. They’re testing to see if Straterra can help cocaine addicts kick the habit. Fortunately – all we need is one more treatment program that substitutes one drug for another – the test failed. So, I guess we’re going to have to stick with good, old-fashioned drug rehab. I hope the drug’s manufacturer isn’t too disappointed.

To “test the effectiveness of the drug” and “prove that it wasn’t dangerous”, patients were hooked up to a heart monitor while they did four lines of cocaine. They repeated this five times. Three out of five times the coke addicts also took Atomoxetine. When combined, the drugs caused an elevated heart rate, even though it’s listed as a non-stimulant. 

Having lost that opportunity, Atomoxetine is now being tested to see if it will work better on marijuana dependence. Three trials, one for children and two for adults are currently underway.

The side effects of Atomoxetine include exhaustion, dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations, heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, decrease in appetite, sexual side effects, and a risk of suicidal thoughts among children and adolescents - to name a few. Just what we need.

I have to admit to being baffled at times: Why, when millions of people have gotten off drugs through a drug rehab program of one form or another, do we keep trying to find more drugs for them to go on instead? I don’t know the answer, but I do know where to find it: Follow the money.