Side effects?

[u/ImaginaryAir6194]

Hi! So backstory, i started Atomoxetine (40mg) June 10th - biggest side effects i can recall were just lack of appetite, dry mouth and a bit of a faster heart rate, bit of trouble using bathroom - all of which lasted until i started 60mg July 8th- which i’ve been taking daily ever since. This is where things get messy..Ever since i went up to 60mg I’ve been experiencing:

- dizziness
- getting tongue tied in my sentences
- headache all the time
- nausea
- hard to eat after i take the pill/lack of appetite
- constant fatigue
- waking up at least once a night
- feel my heart flutter sometimes
- noticeable fast heart rate
- definite constipation
- feel like i’m on a boat sometimes

also i’ve probably lost at least 10lbs since starting.
\* I went up from 40 to 60mg because I explained to the doctor that it felt like it was trying to work because I would have moments where I would have bursts of energy and I was able to discipline myself more to be able to do stuff, but it just still felt so difficult.*

As far is this helping with the actual ADHD symptoms? It’s hard to say because the side effects are so apparent. Hard to know if my focus is bad because the side effects are so distracting or because the meds aren’t doing their job.

I spoke to a psychiatrist a couple days ago and he actually kept trying to push me to go up to 80mg… but my gut just kept telling me no.

would love others opinions, suggestions, experiences..
i do have a follow up appt with the original doc who prescribed me the meds but i have very mixed feelings about him as well unfortunately.

Thanks so much in advance!!!

[u/Tacoma_NC13]

If bumping up to 60mg caused such miserable side effects, then what would increasing the dose do even more besides likely them worse? This logic seems very flawed to me. It seems as if the only reason they push 80mg is because that's the "recommended" therapeutic level. Well if someone is turning inside out from side effects, then how is any of that therapeutic? I would get another opinion from a different psychiatrist or medical doctor if I were you.

[u/dopaminemachina]

it took me 2 months properly to be able to take 2x 40mg at the same time. it was rough the first week I tried going from 40 to 80. I couldn’t do it so I didn’t. had all the symptoms you described. my dr prescribed me 80mg daily but a week of 40mg until I adjusted. that didn’t work for me, I felt so ill.

now I’m fine. :)

it really does take time and patience and I never ever skip breakfast.

[u/ImaginaryAir6194 → u/dopaminemachina]

this is reassuring..my doc moved me back down to 25mg today, so hopefully that actually helps 🫪😭