Acute Urinary Retention Associated with Increased Dose of Atomoxetine in a Child: A Case Report

Abstract

Urinary side effects of atomoxetine are extremely rare, especially in children. We report the presentation of acute urinary retention in an 8-year-old boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a school-aged child experiencing urinary retention due to an increased dose of atomoxetine. We propose that noradrenergic systems in the urinary tract, possibly precipitated by a higher than usual initial dose of atomoxetine, may have been over-activated. Moreover, it may be suggested that urethral smooth muscles become more sensitive to alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulation before puberty.