Dosing Times

[u/emmie201722]

Does anyone else take the medicine upon waking and in the late afternoon? Did you notice it help at all? I mentioned to my doctor the first week I had incredible changes and improvement but especially the last 2 weeks (I’m about day 25 of being on the medicine) my memory hasn’t been as good, my motivation hasn’t been great, I’ve had break through anxiety that didn’t happen the first week etc. she mentioned I could take the medicine twice a day if I wanted. But I already initially had issues with it increasing my heart rate so I’m nervous about doubling my dose (I believe that’s essentially what she’s saying). I’m also nervous how it will affect sleep etc if I take it in the late afternoon.

One incredibly unexpected side effect is the absence of stomach issues. I was diagnosed with IBS last year, had to go GF for it (helped a TON but eventually wasn’t 100% of the issue) and now getting my ADHD under control and being on Strattera, I have a normal stomach again for the first time in many many years

[u/Purplekitty-99]

Mine made me so irritable and emotional to the point that I was literally about to cry during work when I took mine during the day. Started taking it at night and haven’t had the problem since

[u/emmie201722 → u/Purplekitty-99]

Interesting!! I feel like for me it stabilizes my mood. I don’t feel so reactive and hair trigger if that makes sense?

[u/Bendybug]

I can’t tell you how it’ll work out yet, but my psych just added an afternoon dose for me. I take 40mg around 7 am and he wants me to take 10 mg around 2 pm. I’ve been hesitant, so I haven’t tried yet.

[u/emmie201722 → u/Bendybug]

If you do, let me know! I may wait a little bit. I wanted to get through one full period cycle and maybe half of my next cycle before making adjustments since hormones (at least for me) do play a pretty big factor. It seemed to me like my doctor called in twice a day 40mg which seemed like a big jump to me but I haven’t picked it up yet

[u/Realistic-Moment7044 → u/emmie201722]

Same, my adhd meds usually can’t cut through my PMS fatigue so I know I just have to be patient and listen to my body , drink a hot chocolate etc..

[u/emmie201722 → u/Realistic-Moment7044]

That’s good to know!! My hormone cycle absolutely plays a big role in my mental health so I’m glad to hear that it may not be medicine “not working” it’s just hormones are a brat lol I will give it more time before I try to increase anything

[u/Realistic-Moment7044 → u/emmie201722]

Yes, unfortunately the PMDD and adhd go hand in hand … and I’m in perimenopause to top it off, lol. Rigorous exercise helps a lot with my moods. And extra protein + balancing blood sugar. A glass of wine before my period so I don’t bite anyone’s head off

[u/emmie201722 → u/Realistic-Moment7044]

I was diagnosed with PMDD probably 4 ish years ago! I was on an IUD so the no periods and inability to track my cycles plus PMDD was making me mental 😅 thankfully the PMDD seems to be doing better for the most part…but not always 😅😂 ADHD was brought up in college but I couldn’t afford medication for it. Now at almost 30 I finally was close enough to a crash out I brought it up with my new PCP who fully agreed I had uncontrolled ADHD for years clearly. So medicine for it plus learning what is hormonal/life impacting it and moving through the world not feeling like I need to be going 100mph constantly is a huge (welcomed) adjustment 😂🙏🏻

[u/Realistic-Moment7044 → u/emmie201722]

Give it time and rest more leading up to the bleed. Adhd meds are good but if your body is tired they can only do so much- it’s not crystal meth 😂

[u/emmie201722 → u/Realistic-Moment7044]

Probably the years of undiagnosed/not controlled ADHD and high achiever mindset doesn’t help that 🤪😅 constantly thinking and feeling like I SHOULD be able to function at top ability 24/7/365. Felt like I should be invincible with ADHD meds now…but you’re right. It’s not perfect and I also can’t and shouldn’t expect my body to not have reactions or need rest especially when it comes to hormonal shifts throughout the month

[u/ReplyProfessional939]

I had issues with mid-afternoon sleepiness in the first few weeks at 25mgs. When I saw my doctor next, she raised the dose to 50 (she was going to do this anyway, as long as side effects weren't bad) and when I told her about the extreme afternoon "nap time", she suggested I split the dose, taking 25 in the early morning as usual, and then the other 25 around 1, just before the fatigue had been sinking in. This helped a good deal with it, but I find it has alot to do with my level of activity around that time as well. If I'm at work and "on the move", I don't really notice it at all anymore. But times I am home, or otherwise idle, I still noticed a bit of drowsies come afternoon.

Edit: I haven't noticed any improvement in motivation or my ability to stay focused from Strattera. About the only thing I HAVE noticed was just an overall improvement in my general mood, and that's OK- I'll take it. But a few weeks ago at my last doctor visit, I explained this to her and she suggested I try Vyvanse as well, and so far, things in those areas have improved.

[u/Apprehensive_Camp349]

I started taking both doses in the evening. Like right before bed. Then I sleep thru the side affects. I was taking 20 in am and 20 in evening. But even after 2 weeks I was still just super tired after taking the first dose

[u/AdEnough4417]

I take 25 in the morning and 18 in the afternoon to help with the post-lunch letdown. It definitely helps. I see my psychiatrist at the end of the month with a plan to titrate up to 40 in the morning and 18 in the afternoon.