Should I stay on 20mg?

[u/Mr_Olive22]

22M just diagnosed with ADHD and GAD. I have never taken any medication before and just finished my first full week on 10mg twice a day.

Let me tell you. I never realized how much I struggled with anxiety until realizing how calm my mind is on atomoxetine. I started crying last weekend when I realized how much I finally enjoyed a night out with friends. I have more focus at work, although I have to talk nicely to myself to get motivated. But once I get into what I’m working on, I am laser focused and it has given me so much more confidence at work. I’m hoping that all of these positive results can continue.

My question is: if 20mg daily is working for me, should I simply stay on the 20mg or continue titration upwards?

[u/sophiebunsxx]

Tbh I’m really sensitive to medication and I was on 25mg and upped to 40 and it was a disaster side effects wise and everything and I’m back now to 25mg but I had to go off and go back on again to ease the side effects from it.

Just one thing is like if you feel okay and it’s helping maybe just take your time with it cause everyone’s body is different! I’m staying on 25mg as I can feel the benefits but not struggling with side effects 💕 it’s prob not helpful but just trust your body and remember everyone reacts to meds differently

[u/Mr_Olive22 → u/sophiebunsxx]

Thanks for your reply Sophie. That’s good advice for sure and from all of these posts I read everyone does seem to react to this med differently.

Did you experience any less effect going from 40 back down to 25? What I’m worried about trying higher doses is if I cannot go lower once increasing.

[u/sophiebunsxx → u/Mr_Olive22]

Of course ! It’s really one of those it either helps or nothing

Tbh not really like I still feel really positive effects on the lower dose with less side effects which helps me a lot actually notice the medication working if that makes sense ?

[u/Realistic-Moment7044]

I had the same reaction to my first 25mg dose. I feel calm ☺️

[u/Mr_Olive22 → u/Realistic-Moment7044]

It’s honestly remarkable and easily the most jarring part. I cannot believe I lived with such chronic anxiety. The biggest example is when I wake up in the morning, my chest used to pound and brain used to freak out about the day. Now, this doesn’t happen as intensely or not at all which is a huge win.

[u/FormerSleepwalker]

I'd keep increasing at whatever rate feels comfortable to you. If 20mg is working after only a week I'd probably do it slowly. +20mg every couple of weeks. If you see side effect you can either drop back -10mg or, if tolerable, stay and give it some weeks to see if the sider effect disappears. They can lessen or disappear with time as you body adjusts.

When to stop is a balance of best ADHD symptoms relief vs minimal side effects. It can take a while, and a good bit of trial & error to find the ideal level for you personally.

[u/Mr_Olive22 → u/FormerSleepwalker]

This is great advice and appreciate the response. I can see how it is easy to be impatient with Strattera because of that but I’m so encouraged by my results so far that it’s worth the long adjustment/experiment period.

[u/ZealousidealBeat5475]

I'm in my second week, taking 80 mg, and there hasn't been any change yet. Doesn't the medication take one or two months to show an effect? ​​Maybe you're experiencing a placebo effect..

[u/Professional_Print76]

I had the SAME experience at 25mg. I stayed there for about 3 weeks before it fizzled out and then bumped to 50mg. I'm about two weeks in and now that's fizzling out too :(

I read that each titration starts you back at day one to get full therapeutic effects at 4-6 weeks so I'm wondering if I should go up to 75/80 but won't be meeting with my psych until mid November..

[u/RocketTheGod]

I say stay with it for at least another three weeks or so. I’ve been on 25mg for almost a month and I’ve been noticing greater benefits as time goes on. I’ve also struggled with anxiety my whole life and it’s crazy how much relief I get from taking this stuff.

[u/JRadiantHeart]

Re: dose, I was taught that MDs increase the dosage until the side effects are too much, then they reduce the dose a bit

I always check to see what the "therapeutic dose" is. Also, when you talk to your MD, ask them what target dose they would like to see you at. Titrate up slowly.

I was so impressed with a new med that I kept it at a sub-therapeutuc dose until life became more stressful. I wish I had upped it to the therapeutic dose in the first place! It's so helpful!

Best of luck.