The food and drug administration first approved Strattera last November. It's different from most ADHD drugs, because it does not contain any stimulants.

Experts estimate that ADHD affects 3- to 7-percent of school-age children, and more than eight million American adults. While it is unclear exactly how Strattera works, scientists believe it blocks or slows the re-absorption of nor-epinephrine, a brain chemical considered important in regulating attention, impulse control and organization.

"It appears to be effective on nor-epinephrine and that neuro-transmitter system. And through that mechanism is effective in ADHD," says Gary Gaffney, M.D., a UI Behavioral Health specialist.

Gaffney was one of two University of Iowa Health Care researchers who participated in the initial clinical trials of Strattera. For parents of ADHD children, the results have been dramatic.

"Gone were the hours of sitting endlessly with him at night. He was actually able to do all of his homework on his own. That was a wonderful thing to see. It made Ian happy to know that he didn't have to have help and that he could do it on his own. It was just wonderful to see his smile back," says Cathie Olsen, parent of an ADHD child.

Strattera is a non-controlled substance so patients can get prescriptions refilled, and physicians can offer samples to their patients.

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