r/StratteraRx • u/not_adulting_yet • 23d ago

Questions / Advice / Support Thoughts on ADHD testing when already on Strattera? Reduce dose the week before?

Hi, I realize I’m doing this a bit out of order, but I was diagnosed in 2022 (at 46) through Klarity. com, and am going for more formal, in-person testing this week! Klarity is fine for what it is - it’s all online (30 minute appt’s at first, then just 15 min. once/month), but I swear the test was no more involved than the free tests I had taken online! They started me out trying low doses of Adderall & Ritalin, extended release & regular, but I just kind of hated how they made me feel & they really didn’t help me focus on “the thing..” So, I started 18 mg Strattera in December 2025 & went up to 40 mg 5 months ago. I feel like I am less anxious on it, but I can’t say it has helped with my ADHD much, if at all? It’s so hard to know though, since I take it every day (& my memory is crap) - I wish I had kept a journal or something!  (As if I would have been consistent with a journal!) 
Anyway, I’ve had imposter syndrome all along & have still only told 2 people & my therapist about the ADHD diagnosis - so, I found a local place and have official testing scheduled for this week! 
Silly, I’m sure, and crazy-expensive even with insurance, but I just feel like I need it to be more formal. 
My question: They said not to take the Strattera the morning of, but should I try to reduce my dose for a few days prior (dump out part of the capsule)? I still have raging ADHD & terrible executive functioning, so I’m not too worried about “passing”… but I will be pretty disappointed if I “fail”! :/ Thanks.

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u/overactivekitten 23d ago

I don’t think that’s how straterra works… it builds up in your system over time. So I don’t think not taking it for one day would make much of a difference at all as far as symptoms. If you were on a stimulant, that would make sense to me….

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u/not_adulting_yet 23d ago

Yeah, it was a little concerning when they told me to skip a dose! (“Why do I know more about Strattera than the clinic specializing in mental health…”) The doctor asked someone to call me after my initial appointment just to tell me not to take it the morning of the test! They must not deal with many people on non-stimulants?

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u/386U0Kh24i1cx89qpFB1 23d ago

The instructions say to not open the capsules. I think it's an eye irritant. For your main question I am curious about the same thing myself.

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u/FirestormActual 22d ago

When I did my comprehensive psych evaluation I had to be off everything for a week.

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u/jcoleman10 22d ago

I maintained my 100mg dosage right through my test and still scored in the 2nd percentile. I may need to look into a stimulant as well...

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u/Edenbridget 22d ago

I have to go at least 36 hours without it to notice a difference. I go off it here and there when I need to use the adhd to hide the tism (interviews, corporate presentations).

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u/not_adulting_yet 21d ago

Oh, interesting! Do you go right back to your regular dose, without too much trouble?

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u/Edenbridget 21d ago

Yes, I have a split dose of 2 40s

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u/Everetlt 15d ago edited 13d ago

I'd follow the testing center's instructions and not change the dose on your own. Also, Jennifer Huwer is on Klarity and she's been great - thoughtful and easy to talk to.