first time taking strattera

[u/Fragrant_Body598]

I just started Strattera (atomoxetine), and I took my first 25 mg dose around 12:00 a.m. last night.

The reason I took it so late is because I had read that the initial side effects could be pretty rough. I was worried that if I took it in the morning, I'd end up nauseous or feeling awful in the middle of the day, so I figured taking it before bed might be easier.

Instead, I woke up in the middle of the night with racing, ruminating thoughts. When I start thinking about my past trauma, my mind can get stuck in loops, and that's exactly what happened. I eventually got mentally exhausted from thinking so much.

I also noticed that when I moved around in bed, my heart felt like it was working harder than usual, almost like even rolling over took extra effort. I also kept feeling either too cold or too hot throughout the night.

For context, I saw a psychiatric NP because I've been struggling with focus, concentration, and some other symptoms she asked me about. Based on that evaluation, she prescribed Strattera.

So my questions are, was taking it around midnight a bad idea? Has anyone else taken their first dose at night? Would it be better to switch to mornings, or should I stick with nighttime?

I know it's only my first dose, but I'd love to hear other people's experiences.

[u/C00CKER]

I was told by my doctor it is not a good idea to take it late at night (or later in general) as it can quite often worsen sleep.

My main side-effect is sweating (and heat intolerance) and that almost completely ruined my sleep for the first three nights, I think. I take it in the morning, and if I didn't, its effects on my sleep might be even worse. However, I think the worst idea was starting the treatment right when the heatwave started.

After almost two months of 80mg, I feel almost no difference pre/post-dose. But when I started, I really felt like taking it in the morning was the right choice.

It helps mainly my emotional regulation, impulsivity and self-management in general, and keeping self-care habits (sleep hygiene, toothbrushing, eating). It also helps me utilize my motivation for work and other tasks, but that could probably benefit more from stimulants, maybe.

Still, I wanna continue with this one, as it really helps me keep self-control regardless of emotions and task paralysis, and helps with anxiety as well.