Clinical Efficacy of Atomoxetine for Methamphetamine Dependence

Inclusion Criteria. * 18-65 years old * Seeking treatment for METH use * METH dependence, as assessed by the substance abuse section of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. * At least weekly self-reported METH use during a preceding three month period * Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test, agree to adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy during the study, agree to monthly pregnancy testing, and not be nursing * Men must agree to use effective means of contraception during the study. Exclusion Criteria. * Suicide attempts within the past 12 months or either suicidal ideations or psychotic symptoms in the past 6 months as determined by a study physician. * Current opioid, alcohol or sedative physical dependence or cocaine dependence * Major cardiovascular disorder that contraindicates study participation (e.g., history of myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension \[i.e., \> 160 SBP or \> 100 DBP\] or an unstable medical condition (e.g., untreated bacterial infection) as determined by the study physician. * Schizophrenia or bipolar disorder of any type * Present or recent use (within 2 weeks) of over-the-counter or prescription drug that would be expected to have major interaction with atomoxetine (e.g., an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), paroxetine, fluoxetine, quinidine, dopamine, albuterol, or other β2-agonists) * Medical contraindication to receiving atomoxetine (e.g., severe hepatic impairment, glaucoma, heart disease, hypertension, seizure disorders, documented hypersensitivity to atomoxetine); or other bronchospastic condition, (2nd or 3rd degree AV block, sick sinus rhythm, severe hepatic impairment, documented hypersensitivity to atomoxetine) * Liver function tests (i.e., liver enzymes) greater than two times normal levels * Systolic blood pressure of \< 90 or \> 160 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure of \< 60 or \> 100 mmHg, or sitting heart rate of \< 55 or \> 100 beats/min or blood pressure readings \> 140 systolic or \> 90 diastolic on three separate, consecutive occasions. * History of pheochromocytoma * Pregnant or nursing female