Atomoxetine advice

[SierraHomesick]

Hello

I've been on Stratera for almost two weeks and it seems like I have even less motivation, focus, clarity, etc., then before I started on it. I'm taking 40 mg. Should I talk to my doctor about taking more or less or switching meds?

Thank you

[STEM_Dad]

My best advice is to call your doctor. You might need to increase dosage, or you might need to switch to a different type of medication.

Strattera dosages for adults range from 40mg to 120mg. I believe I've read that most patients on Strattera end up at 80mg or 100mg daily.

Keep in mind that it can take up to several weeks to feel the full effects of an ADHD medication.

~~~~~

Some things to consider about Strattera:

What time of day are you taking it?

I find that taking Strattera in the morning works best for me, but other people take it at night to function best during the day.

Strattera acts on norepinephrine, rather than dopamine like stimulant medications do. The two neurotransmitters are related, but not the same.

~~~~~

I've been on generic Strattera (atomoxetine) for over two years now, after Adderall wasn't working well enough for me. Atomoxetine works particularly well for me, even at the lowest adult dosage of 40mg. I felt the full effects after just 5 days.

From chatting with others on this forum and elsewhere, I've discovered that my own experience is not typical. I seem to be much more sensitive to this medication than most people are.

[STEM_Dad in reply to STEM_Dad]

I have much better control of my attention, can actually focus (unless I'm sleep deprived or extremely stressed), my memory is much improved, I can resist distraction (or at least consciously return my attention shortly after getting distracted).

I still have problems with motivation. Atomoxetine seems to only help me a little with that.

[SierraHomesick in reply to STEM_Dad]

Hello,

thank you for the advice. I’ll make an appointment. I'll also try to sit a few more weeks and ask about a higher dosage. I like the idea of a nonstimulant.

When I first took it, I took it at night. Since last Thursday I've been taking it in the morning. I didn't see much difference between the two times.

[STEM_Dad in reply to SierraHomesick]

I understand the hesitation to try stimulants. They carry warnings of a potential to become addictive, and they can have potentially harmful side effects. (When I was prescribed 60mg Adderall XR, I developed tachycardia, or elevated heart rate.)

Statistically, more people with ADHD can be helped by a stimulant medication (either methylphenidate or amphetamine type) than those who can be helped by atomoxetine. I don't remember the exact statistics, but I believe it was over 90% can be helped by stimulants, vs 70% who can be helped by atomoxetine.

There are now more non-stimulant medications approved to treat ADHD (and some prescribed off label to treat ADHD).

[Knitting20projects]

If you have no medical reason why you can’t try a stimulant, I would work hard to come to terms with trying one. I wouldn’t try one if you’re really against it, because you’re more likely to be bracing for side effects and “prove” to yourself you should never have tried one. However, looking at all the medical evidence we have about ADHD, if you’re diagnosed correctly and have no medical reason for not trying one, most people have a 70-80% chance of improving on one. You do have to go into it with an open mind or else your bias against it, as with any medication, can make the medication seem less effective. I wish you luck and improved health 💕

[SierraHomesick]

Thank you. My therapist suggested Concerta. If I don't see a difference with the atomoxetine, I'll probably ask my doctor about that. ✨

[ConfusedOrient]

Strattera for two months - a journey from 20 mg to 60 mg - made me a zombie. My temper was out of control - a first in my life. My libido was affected in very strange ways, ejaculations before orgasm.....My whole social life and professional life was affected. I put the foot down and moved over to stimulants. Yet to find one the works without causing too many side effects. But at least all of them work without making me a zombie. My advice- if two weeks trial doesn’t help you with strattera and affects your life negatively - it’s time to move on.

[SierraHomesick in reply to ConfusedOrient]

My therapist said the same thing: higher dose or longer period of time won’t change anything probably. Thanks for the advice.

[Dell12345]

Hi SierraHonesick, I hope you are doing ok. With the medication keep in mind that atomoxetine is a different type of medication to the stimulants. It takes 4-6 weeks of continuous use, sometimes longer, to feel the full effect. You also need to make sure you take it everyday, and if you stop then taper slowly over a few weeks. It's very similar to an SSRI.

Hope this helps,

X

[SierraHomesick in reply to Dell12345]

Thank you… I live in a rural place where health care isn’t great. My doctor hasn’t mentioned having to taper off. My therapist said her other ADHD clients just stopped their Straterra when it wasn’t working… I’ll confirm with my doctor but I should taper off? I’m taking 40 mg now and only have a couple weeks left worth of pills. Thanks for the advice

[hyperloop]

I'd give it a few weeks. I was diagnosed with ADHD about five years ago, in my late fifties, and tried to get along with ritalin for years, but never liked it. It had some benefits, but they were far outweighed by the downsides.

About six months ago I started taking generic 20mg atomoxetine in the morning, and it seems to have helped me a lot with focus. I still struggle with motivation sometimes, but I'm not sure if that's associated with ADHD or mood.

[STEM_Dad in reply to hyperloop]

Motivation is more directly tied to dopamine activity in the brain. Atomoxetine acts on norepinephrine receptors, but not on dopamine receptors.

It's the same for me. It helps my focus, but not my motivation. So, I have motivation struggles every day. But when I was first on Adderall, it only helped my focus somewhat and only helped my motivation a little bit.

[Silkgardener]

Tried Atomoxetine and ended up having suicidal thoughts. Couldn't take stimulants because I couldn't sleep. Currently taking Guanfacine. Helping my me sleep better - no more night mares and helping me focus better. Probably not quite as good as stimulants but it is working for me with the improved sleep.

[STEM_Dad in reply to Silkgardener]

It's really good that Guanfacine was discovered to help with ADHD, so there is another option.

I remember learning when I started on atomoxetine that there is a possibility of suicidal thoughts. That's a very concerning side effect. (SSRIs carry the same warning.)

[Funnypapers]

just me, but I tried it and found I was just in a bad mood all the time. Now I titrate Vyvanse in water to 1/4 of the 70 mg tablet, Any other stimulant, any higher dose, or not meditating or drawing in the morning makes me grouchy but not like Strattera. Important to look at what youre trying to do. We really need to go with our joy and not try to be what we are not, just sayin

[SierraHomesick in reply to Funnypapers]

Right, I’m just grumpy. No focus. No motivation.

[SierraHomesick]

thank you all for the replies. I have an appointment to change medications.