ATOMOXETINE 

What is atomoxetine (Strattera)?

Atomoxetine is a medication used to treat attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine belongs to a class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Serotonin is a molecule in the body that aids in mood, sexual desire, sleep, digestion, wound healing, bone health, and blood clotting [1]. It is often referred to in psychology as the “happy” chemical. Norepinephrine is thought to play a role in the body’s stress response and helps to regulate sleep, alertness, and blood pressure [2]. In conditions like ADHD, the brain is dealing with an imbalance of chemicals such as serotonin and norepinephrine. SNRIs, like atomoxetine, work by keeping serotonin and norepinephrine in a state that can readily help with attention and concentration issues. Atomoxetine, unlike other medications used to treat ADHD, is not a stimulant. It is not a controlled substance and does not have a potential for abuse.

How can atomoxetine affect those with long COVID?

In those diagnosed with long COVID, many suffer from “brain fog”; decreased cognitive acuity, memory deficits, poor focus, reduced ability to multitask, and reduced concentration [2]. The proposed reason is that during a COVID-19 infection, the body’s immune response becomes activated, causing heavy amounts of inflammation.  This inflammation affects the central nervous system (CNS), or the brain and spinal cord. To combat this problem, researchers have turned to already existing medication therapies in the hopes they may be able to help decrease “brain fog” symptoms.

Currently, there has been one study in which a singular patient was given atomoxetine to combat their “brain fog.” The patient did respond, creating a potential avenue to combat fatigue and maintain wakefulness in patients with COVID-19 [3]. More research needs to be conducted to evaluate the actual effect atomoxetine has on patients with long COVID; however, there is potential that it may help in relieving “brain fog” in a subset of patients.

References:

¹https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin

²https://americanaddictioncenters.org/antidepressants-guide/ndris

³https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8405712/