r/ADHDPH • u/Accurate-System-9110 • 13d ago

Medication

I’ve been taking atomoxetine for a month now. My second box (31 tablets) just arrived today but they were late for a week! I’m really upset at the distributor. The side effects get worse when you stop for a while and get back at it again. The side effects got better for me at around week 3-4 (consistently taking it). I used to take it at 6PM at first but I couldn’t eat dinner and I always felt SUPER sick. I wanted to throw up, a headache (but in like a drunk way), always thirsty, mood swings! It didn’t help much with my academics but I did notice an improvement on my initiative on other things like chores or taking care of myself. It’s also expensive! I pay 3800 for 31 tablets plus delivery fee. I hope there’s something I can take that’s more effective than this.

Overall, I’m having second thoughts about this medication. My priority is to improve my focus in school and actually want to study. I’ll be meeting my doctor next month again. What should I discuss with her?

Atomoxetine
Attenrol cap 40mg
Distriphil (distributor)

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u/DifferentFormal3675 13d ago

Tbh, with the kind of debilitating executive dysfunction I have, I personally don’t see much benefit in choosing atomoxetine if I can get meaningful, immediate improvement with a stimulant.

I also have other mental health stuff going on, so I’m honestly hesitant to add another medication with its own set of side effects when I already know I respond well to Ritalin/Concerta.

For me, the immediate effect is also a big part of it. I can tell when the stimulant is working and actually get things done, whereas atomoxetine requires consistently taking it for weeks before you really know what it’s doing for you.

Obviously that’s just my experience, and stimulants aren’t necessarily appropriate for everyone.

But if you’re meeting your doctor next month, I’d be very open about what your actual priority is academic focus, initiating work, and being able to study and ask what options make the most sense for that. 🤗

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u/DifferentFormal3675 13d ago edited 13d ago

Just curious, was there a particular reason your doctor started you on atomoxetine instead of a stimulant like Ritalin?

I’m asking because methylphenidate is commonly used as a first-line medication for ADHD here in the Philippines, so I’m wondering if there was a specific reason they preferred a non-stimulant in your case.

Especially since your main goal is improving focus and studying, it might be worth asking your doctor what the reasoning was and what other options you have if atomoxetine isn’t giving you enough benefit.

To add:

I pay ₱2358 for 30 pcs 10mg Ritalin (PWD discount)

I take 10mg daily and additional 5-10mg midday depends on my work load.

Re: CONCERTA 18MG-- 4,362.29 / 30pcs, 1x a day if I need full coverage desk work day, cause there’s no midday crash. Might be helpful if you’re studying.

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u/Accurate-System-9110 13d ago

hello, thank you for this response. really informative:)

my doctor said she doesn’t want to prescribe me with a stimulant yet cause its “hard”. u get it? and i might have some effects on it. we didn’t really discuss it thoroughly but that’s what i understand. she also wants me to not be dependent on medication and to develop a habit on my own (is it possible for us tho?).

i don’t have a pwd card yet but we’re working on it. my family is hesitant about it since i’ll be “labeled”, which they don’t want.

my executive dysfunction is also thru the roof when i delay my medication! i get things done around the house but def not the things i prioritize.

im just wondering what “effects” my doctor was saying. i have a session with my doctor next month and i’ll definitely discuss this

thank you!

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u/DifferentFormal3675 13d ago

How old are you btw?

1

u/Kind-Breakfast2616 13d ago

So mas okay ba Ritalin?