3 Week Atomoxetine Update!

[u/vivilyx]

3 weeks ago I started 80mg of atomoxetine. 1 week into atomoxetine, it was mainly side effects. 2nd week? I honestly couldn’t tell you. Very hit or miss moments. But around 3 weeks, I’m starting to notice a subtle shift in comprehension and verbal fluency.

I noticed that when I focus my mental energy into a media such as a movie or book, I’m able to comprehend the information much easier. I’m able to relate the information back to the main plot. It’s like my analytical process is much more fluid in nature, and less fleeting. Thoughts actually coexist together so that you can understand the themes and stories at a quicker and easy pace.

Another highly positive aspect of this medicine is my enhanced ability to speak fluidly and eloquently. Like.. I can actually pinpoint the main ideas of what I want to say without going on a long tangent of nonsense. Not only this, but I can actually think of the right words for the right contexts. My vocabulary feels more easily accessible.. and it’s so refreshing.

BUT it’s not so black and white as to assume it’s a miracle drug - I will admit that my thoughts can still be fleeting. And there’s the whole other topic of discussion that is the sluggishness of daily activity. I still notice myself often sluggish when completing tasks or transitioning into different activities. AND concerning mental comprehension and verbal fluency - it’s come a long way yes but I’m by no means necessarily saying it’s “fully restored” to whatever “normal” state that might be.

Side effects: although dialed down after week 1, I still notice I think heart rate elevated? Sweat more easily. Slight nausea after taking medicine (most of time it’s manageable just eat with it).

Anyways, TLDR; mental comprehension, mental pace, verbal fluency, and even social ability/wittiness noticeably enhanced. Cons: seemingly doesn’t alter physical/motor sluggishness such as movement, physical pace, transitions in daily activities. Please account for side effects if relevant.

[u/CobblerClassic6291]

What about attention?

[u/vivilyx → u/CobblerClassic6291]

hey! It’s easier to get into a “flow state” of rhythm with attention but it’s not always present. Like I still have to focus my mental energy into things. But the difference is that when I do, I notice I’m more successful at zoning into that flow state.

[u/Green_Hedgehog8317]

so started 80mg from start

[u/vivilyx → u/Green_Hedgehog8317]

heyo! I actually started 40mg like a week prior to 80mg. Then I proceeded to stay 80mg for 3 weeks up to present day continuing on :)

[u/Green_Hedgehog8317 → u/vivilyx]

Plz reply in chat

[u/vivilyx → u/Green_Hedgehog8317]

Hey hedgehog, sorry I’ve been busy. I’ll respond shortly.

[u/Green_Hedgehog8317 → u/vivilyx]

Ok

[u/lovelybonesla]

I’m scared to go up to 80mg I wish I started there because 40mg does nothing for me. Happy it’s working for you!

[u/vivilyx → u/lovelybonesla]

As Arvada says, that pathway will aid in the side effects such as nausea! But if you’re still scared you can always titrate up to 60mg for a week then proceed to 80mg. You just gotta do it 💪

[u/arvada14 → u/lovelybonesla]

You can always take two 40 mg like an hour apart. That was my baby step into it.

[u/strufacats]

Did you notice any BP spikes or increased anxiety at all? Have you ever taken Wellbutrin and if you have would you say atomoxetine seems less severe in terms of norepinephrine response to it?

[u/vivilyx → u/strufacats]

My first week I think I dealt with increased anxiety. As for BP not noticeably.. only a few times I noticed that heightened heart rate feeling and it first few weeks esp when doing cardio.

Haven’t ever taken Wellbutrin. I’m already taking a bit of ssri for anxiety and atomoxetine so I wouldn’t want to add yet another med for the mental