ADHD?

[mhepler531]

Has anyone been on Atomoxetine or any other ADHD meds? Are there any interactions with MS meds?

[kdali]

I think there could be, depending on which MS medication you're on; such as temporary gut issues, or potential increased risk of cardiac issues. Thankfully, many MS meds don't have these risks. I would check with my pharmacist! Hopefully someone taking it will respond soon.

[mhepler531 in reply to kdali]

Yeah I don't need any more gut issues! 🙂 I've been sort of like a ping pong ball bouncing around with my thoughts and in conversations and am just at the point where I'm seeing that this is really my issue. I have two family members on different meds not. Probably time for me to give in and bite the bullet.

[kdali in reply to mhepler531]

You're on Kesimpta? If so, I wouldn't worry about medication issues. I have a suspicion that MS tends to worsen ADHD symptoms. There's a chance that Atomoxetine can cause constipation when getting started on it, so I would ask about taking magnesium in the evening just in case.

[mhepler531 in reply to kdali]

Good to know. I am on Kesimpta right now, but I think I'm going to ask to go back to Tecfidera to do some troubleshooting. Some of my symptoms seem to be worse on Kesimpta than they were on Tecfidera. I'm gonna call the neuro this week and see what she says.

[kdali in reply to mhepler531]

Aww, I'm sorry to hear this. I had a difficult time with Kesimpta, but gave it 6mo to see if things would improve. Keeping a list of issues and when they were the worst was helpful.

[BettysMom]

Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, similar to the antidepressant, Effexor. It is unlikely to have any adverse interactions with MS treatment medications. It is not a stimulant like Ritalin or Adderall. It may, however, cause adverse effects in some people.

[mhepler531 in reply to BettysMom]

Oh this is good info to know! It makes sense then that it's not a stimulant. My two family members on meds definitely don't need more energy! 😁

[Corran731]

I take Ritalin with no problem. That being said I took a different SNRI for a while which is the same class of drug as Atomoxetine and it greatly increased my spasticity and I stopped using it. That seems to be a very rare side effect but I guess I’m just lucky that way 😒 Hopefully you will find something that works for you.

[mhepler531 in reply to Corran731]

Oh wow! Sorry to hear about that. I, too, seem to be one of those if it can happen, it happens to me folks. I'll definitely keep an eye out for the spasticity!

[CatsandCars]

I took Adderall and had no problem as far as my MS meds. It did turn me into an angry, raging nut case, though. so I stopped taking it. It must be me, though, because now I can't even drink coffee without that happening.

[mhepler531]

Oh sorry to hear about that! I already have times of angry rage and being a nut case, so I'll definitely keep an eye on that!! 🤭 I've never been a fan of coffee. I know...that puts me in the vast minority. I don't seem to be super affected by caffeine. Never figured that one out.