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First non-addictive ADHD drug to be trialled locally
By Clair Weaver
November 19, 2006 01:00am
THE first non-addictive drug to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is to be trialled on Australian adolescents.
It is hoped that Strattera – which does not contain amphetamines or other stimulants – will be made available under subsidy as an alternative medication for sufferers if the trial is successful.
Australia has one of the highest recorded rates of ADHD in the world, with about a quarter of a million prescriptions for treatment a year.
The usually prescribed drugs Ritalin and dexamphetamine have become controversial because of cases of dependency, recreational use and side-effects.
Strattera works by increasing the flow of dopamine to the brain's neuro-transmitters, which aids decision-making and learning.
Specialists say the drug could be available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) within two years.
News.com.au