Use of atomoxetine in a patient with fibromyalgia syndrome and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background: We describe a 65-year-old patient with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], poorly controlled by adderall XR, and generalized pain from fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS]. The patient's pain did not respond to amitriyptyline, lidoderm patch, percocet, diazepam, metaxalone, ibuprofen, or gabapentin. Findings: Her pain related to FMS responded dramatically to atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration for ADHD treatment, which was substituted for adderall XR in this patient. The patient reported a 60 percent pain reduction and marked improvement of her functional status, as well as improvement regarding her ADHD. Conclusions: We suggest that atomoxetine might be a useful adjunct in the treatment of FMS, and possibly neuropathic pain conditions.