Efficacy and Tolerability of Atomoxetine (Strattera) in Adult Patients With Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder

Last updated: May 19, 2016
Sponsor: University of California, San Diego
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

2/3

Condition

Panic Disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Mood Disorders

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT00260533
040100
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness and tolerability of atomoxetine (Strattera) in adult patients with generalized social anxiety disorder (an anxiety disorder characterized by a fear of interpersonal interactions).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Men and Women, ages 18-65, in good general health

  • Meet DSM-IV criteria for Social Anxiety Disorder

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Narrow angle glaucoma

  • Any uncontrolled medical condition or any medical condition which would represent acontraindication to atomoxetine (Strattera) pharmacotherapy (e.g., hepaticinsufficiency, untreated hypertension, untreated cardiovascular or cerebrovasculardisease)

  • Any concomitant non-psychotropic medications that the physician determines are acontraindication to atomoxetine (Strattera) pharmacotherapy (e.g., Albuterol, variouspressor agents)

  • Bipolar disorder, or any psychotic or organic mental disorder or dementia

  • Current substance abuse or dependency

  • Current active suicidal ideation

  • Current use of herbal psychoactive treatments such as St. John's Wort

  • Concurrent psychotropic medication is not permitted for 2 weeks prior to randomization (4 weeks in the case of fluoxetine) or at any point thereafter.

  • Receipt of formal psychotherapy concurrently

  • Inability, in the investigator's opinion, to comply with study procedures orassessments

Study Design

Total Participants: 27
Study Start date:
November 01, 2005
Estimated Completion Date:
July 31, 2008

Study Description

Controlled studies show that approximately 50% of patients with generalized social anxiety disorder(GSAD)will respond to treatment with available pharmacotherapeutic agents such as SSRI's. This still leaves 50% that respond partially or not at all. Those who do respond, often experience adverse events (e.g., sexual dysfunction), which leads them to discontinue treatment. Thus, there is a strong rational for identifying alternatives to SSRI's that are effective with fewer side effects (or with a different side-effect profile, that features less sexual dysfunction)for the treatment of GSAD. Available data demonstrate that sustained-release venlafaxine, a dual reuptake inhibitor, is also effective for GSAD.(Stein et al., 2005). It is unclear from these studies whether serotonin reuptake is integral to efficacy for social anxiety disorder, or whether norepinephrine reuptake will convey similar efficacy. Atomoxetine (Strattera)an inhibitor of the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter, is an ideal candidate to address both these issues.