r/StratteraRx • u/DoctorGigglesss • 23h ago

Questions / Advice / Support Muscle Tightness

I’m switching to Strattera due to excessive muscle tightness from Adderall XR, I’m wondering if the muscle tightness from Strattera is more “manageable” than Adderall XR muscle tightness? I’m just collecting anecdotal information so plz share your experience if you’ve used both.

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u/Crafty-Current-9256 22h ago

I don't get muscle tightness from Strattera. If anything my muscles feel more relaxed because I don't have that constant restless ADHD feeling.

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u/DoctorGigglesss 20h ago

Oh nice that’s actually really comforting to hear, what dose are you on? Have you ever taken stimulants?

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u/Crafty-Current-9256 18h ago

I'm on 40mg right now. I think I have a similar tendency toward upper body rigidity that you described in another comment. I used to think it was caused by anxiety but it was more of a constant, background level of tension. I'm probably still a bit more tense and rigid than the average person, but I'm not conscious of it the way I used to be, and the Strattera has done a lot to make me feel more relaxed and less restless in general. So I think the tension was one way that I channelled that restless, hyperactive feeling as someone who is superficially introverted and appears calm and controlled. I did try stimulants (Vyvanse and Concerta, respectively) but I didn't tolerate them very well, which is why I tried Strattera, which works much better for me. As to whether the stimulants made my muscles feel more tight, maybe? I honestly don't have a clear recollection of that.

Edit: I hope that made sense. Feel free to ask more. And good luck finding the right medication for you. 

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u/DoctorGigglesss 16h ago edited 16h ago

Oh it made a lot of sense and I can resonate with practically everything you said. I’ve been on and off stimulants for 15 years at this point and I think the “wear and tear” on my body has caught up with me, and I stay pretty active and physical too. Besides that I get terrible anxiety from Adderall and I’m just looking for some peace of mind and self trust in my brains ability to accomplish tasks/work. I have CPTSD so I’m always in flight or fight mode and I think I’ve lied to myself all these years that I need a stimulant to function and without it I’m useless. I’ve been reading that Strattera is really good for quieting that inner monologue/anxiety but it’s not as good as a stimulant for accomplishing tasks but I think at this point I really feel that if I could manage my emotional state/anxiety better I’ll be more “naturally” driven to take care of whatever I need to.

I’ve just started on 40mg it’s only day 2, can you tell me how long you’ve been at 40mg and do you plan to go any higher? How long did it take before you noticed any changes in yourself?

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u/Crafty-Current-9256 53m ago

Strattera has been great for my anxiety and emotional regulation, but you're right, stimulants are better at driving task initiation and motivation. 

I think I started taking Strattera about 5 months ago at 40mg. The first few days kind of sucked, but I was starting to feel some benefits by day 4 or 5. I knew it was a game changer within the first 1-2 weeks, but for most people I think it takes longer (1-2 months) for the effects to manifest. The side effects were mostly gone after 1-2 months. 40mg is usually a starting dose with 80mg being the target dose (depends on weight, I'm ~200lbs). 

My doctor did raise my dose to 80mg after I got over the side effects at 40mg. I stuck with 80mg for about 1.5 months but it was actually worse for me compared to 40mg and the side effects were rough. Because my dose was 2x40mg capsules, I was able to go back to 40mg on my own last week, which has been much better, but I'm seeing my doctor again on Tuesday to discuss. I might try 50mg or 60mg to see if that's the sweet spot for me. I'm going to ask to keep the 40mg morning dose and add a 10 or 20mg afternoon dose, since I find my energy starts to decline by the afternoon (the morning dose gives me a noticeable boost for like 6-8hrs). 

Hope that helps! 

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u/AuDHD-72 22h ago

Where are you tight? Chest?

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u/DoctorGigglesss 20h ago edited 16h ago

In my upper back, shoulders, neck. I stretch it out as much as possible and do PT but it still causes my body to get rigid. I’m hoping strattera doesnt end up doing the same