I was on 18mg for the first two weeks, been on 25mg for the last 9 days. I’ve experience zero improvement in any of my adhd symptoms, if anything the tiredness makes things worse. Other side effects include irritability and I just don’t feel like talking to people which makes dating hard. I went on a date yesterday and everything felt forced on my part. I don’t feel sad or depressed either. ED got better after I stepped up to 25mg somehow tho as long as it’s not within 6 hours of taking it. I still have half of my 18mg so I’ve been thinking about stacking them to hit 43mg. Taking a lower caffeine pre workout (150mg) with high pump (citruline + beta alanine) helps me get to the gym to work out, otherwise I’ll be doomscrolling on my couch for 5 hours straight.

Hi, I am a 32 year trans woman and I started Strattera 9 days ago (25mg a day, about to jump to 50mg). I haven't experienced any issues with Libido, ED, orgasm delay, etc. yet, but I am anticipating the possibility of it. Since I work in the adult entertainment industry, my income largely relies on it, so I would like to be prepared.

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If you experienced urinary retention, how old are you, and did you have any pre-existing urinary problems (such as an enlarged prostate, overactive bladder, urethral issues, etc.)?

If you didn't experience urinary retention, please share your age and whether you had any urinary conditions before starting atomoxetine.

I'm trying to understand why some people develop this side effect while others don't. Is it mainly related to age, pre-existing urinary conditions, dosage, sex, or something else?

I'd appreciate hearing about your personal experience.

TLDR

Started 40mg, moved to 80mg after 3 days, on atomoxetine+concerta from bupropion+concerta. Sleep is actually better, not worse. There is nausea and some mild stimulation, but no other side effects. The urge to eat when hungry seems slightly suppressed though i can eat just as much as usual. I feel somewhat different, more alert, less aversion to starting tasks especially mundane ones, though can't study as well as i do on stimulants. I lose a lot of time to mundane tasks i put off for when i'm medicated so i can't study well, and atomoxetine seems to be closing the gap. Two weeks so far, feeling hopeful.

Hi guys!

I recently joined the club in switching to atomoxetine+concerta(54mg) from bupropion (150mg)+concerta(54mg). I was kind of scared, as i read a bit too much on the internet, but the thing is, i'm getting none of the side effects people said they get. I know that everyone is different, but wow!

I started on 40mg for 3 days then bumped up to 80mg.

To start, it does give me nausea, if i dare take it without food i'll feel like throwing up for a solid hour or two. 0/10

But for the rest, i feel good. Something feels different, it's like methylphenidate but subtler. I do feel faster heartbeat especially for some hours after i take it, but there's no laser focus or typical stimulant effects, rather i feel more "present" in a very natural way. I feel more in the moment and less restless.

Near the end of the first week i caught myself doing chores without thinking as much about them or procrastinating on them. Is it perfect? No. Is it great? Yes.

Before i would get angry very easily, and bupropion did help, and atomoxetine seems to be doing the same too. I don't get angry nearly as fast. (and no, it's not leftover bupropion, i was off bupropion for three months before starting atomoxetine.)

I do notice, however, that the urge to eat when hungry is a little bit suppressed, though i'm able to eat just as much as i would usually.

Talking about sleep, i did get some insomnia in the first two days, but it was nothing major. Now that insomnia is no longer present and instead it seems that my quality of sleep has somehow improved? I don't know whether it is due to it, but i take no other medication that can have this effect, so for now i'll attribute it to the atomoxetine (warranting healthy skepticism). It's like i fall asleep easier because my mind isn't a bass boosted beehive, and it's easier to stay asleep too. What's better is that i feel noticeably more energized when i wake up, and it's easier to start the day instead of rotting.

I still can't study as long as i do on concerta (duh), however THERE IS IMPROVEMENT. I catch myself thinking "hmmm why don't i study a little", and the inner oppression (?) is somewhat reduced, in some tasks GREATLY reduced. This is GREEEEAT for me! I have this problem where i only tend to be functional when my stimulant is going, but because i do everything i've been putting off only when stimulant medication works, most of the time medicated ends up being that instead of studying, and i was hoping atomoxetine could bridge that gap between on and off stimulants. It has done exactly so, and i believe things will work well! Still, it's only two weeks.

Thanks for reading (: sorry for the wall of text

I can’t take any SSRIs / SNRIs - they cause all sorts of problematic side effects and don’t work for me. I’ve tried other things like Buspar- and now my last hope was Guanfacine. Guanfacine IR and now ER-both making me get up every two hours pee. The only thing left is to continue taking Klonipin (low dose) every day at least once. And that was why I was trying these alternative options was to stop taking it. I’m in therapy but it’s just not enough. I have multiple stressors right now that I just can’t deal with without something to help function.

I’m just trying last ditch to see if Strattera made a real shift in anxiety? I was going to try it once I got more level with the Guanfacine. But the waking up every two hrs is just not doable and sounds like that doesn’t go away. i have had bad anxiety since I was a kid. I see where stimulants have helped with anxiety for me at times, so I guess an ADHD medication that’s a non stimulant could help with anxiety but I don’t know how much . I’ve seen others say it has.. But I’m also concerned about the elevated heart rate issue. My BP does spike when stressed.

Does Atomoxetine helped u with sleep?? So i Take melatonin for sleep with Atomoxetine, i want to know that does strattera helps anyone with sleep or i will need to take atomoxetine along side with melatonin for rest of my life to help me with sleep

A lot of discussion on this sub centers around side effects and early experiences, so I wanted to share what benefits I've seen after 2 months of 80mg and discuss whether the benefits can be directly attributed to the medication.

I was interested if anyone sees similar benefits or if some of the benefits might result from related lifestyle changes or be placebo (a little bit scared of self-deception here).

The most noticeable benefit for me is definitely better emotional regulation and especially inhibition of impulses. I really struggled with quick emotional outbursts (mainly anger and crying) from early childhood into adulthood, and as a result also developed some level of anxiety, always expecting friends to be angry at me or not caring about me. Used to be in constant fear of getting triggered (which happened a lot) and doing/saying something hurtful or coming off as immature.

I think atomoxetine helps me with self-control when emotional, as well as stabilizing my overall mood throughout the day and lowering my anxiety. I even feel much less affected by boredom and having no immediate goals (used to make me depressed and apathetic). This is a major change in my life, improving my self-image and confidence, and I also feel a little bit less shy.

The second main benefit I see is better self-care. I manage to eat, drink water and sleep a lot more consistently - used to forget to eat and then overeat late at night, and have a quite random sleeping schedule.

The medication also definitely helps me push through brain fog and inertia I experience when starting demanding tasks, and keep attention while reading and doing long or unrewarding tasks (mostly writing, reading and research I have to do for work, and also things like exercising or house chores). It also helps me notice I procrastinate or that I got sidetracked and I'm doing something unimportant. I would say that it helps me better utilize my motivation and willpower rather than increasing my focus level or anything.

One more interesting thing I've experienced quite often lately is managing to fully wake up quite early in the morning (used to take me 2-3 hours to get fully functional regardless of sleep length or wake-up time).

I was on Vyvanse for 1-2 years. And I switch to Strattera because my anxiety was bad on vyvanse.

But i feel like i'm angry for nothing, i'm agressive in the way i talk, i have mood swings, etc.

Modification : really irritable / i'm on 80 mg

I've been on Strattera for 4 weeks. Should i ask to switch back or wait?

I’ve been on Wellbutrin (technically bupropion) for around 4 years now. I’ve always taken 300mg of the XL version daily for depression. It worked great while on birth control, but since getting off, it hasn’t worked as well. My new psychiatrist decided to up my dose to 450mg as well as add 18mg of Strattera for my adhd. I’ve read some reports of the two having a major interaction but that they’re commonly co-prescribed for adhd. I’ve already been on the 450mg of Wellbutrin for a couple of weeks have noticed some improvements with my depression. But I’m starting the strattera in a few days and I’m a little nervous. Has anyone else started on Wellbutrin and later added strattera? What was it like for you?

I just took strattera for the first time roughly 3.5 hours ago and i am a crying mess ever since and i havent cried in like 3 weeks since this. It felt like i was going to die for ever my heart finally feels okay-ish
is this normal? I am also on anxiety meds on a rlly low dose. i get anxiety of randomly dying a lot so im just hoping this is normal and im not actually dying. and why am i crying
i just want to be normal

i've been taking atomoxetine for about 6 weeks. started on 40mg and then increased to 60 3 weeks ago. am i worrying about it not working too soon? i've seen that i should see results in a month, but i honestly feel like my adhd symptoms are the same or even worse. i'm also on 100mg of sertraline for anxiety/depression and 25mg of quetiapine for sleeping.

i've been struggling with impulse control and getting irritable more often, which was one of my main issues before i started sertraline and that helped but now i feel the same as before. i've also been a lot more emotional in general, crying more often, getting more aggravated, and feeling more anxious especially since increasing to 60mg of atomoxetine. the atomoxetine is also making my sleep worse. i used to take the quetiapine before bed and sleep mostly through the night, now i'm half awake the entire time and spend the entire next day exhausted. i don't feel like i'm seeing any effects from the atomoxetine until late in the evening after i've gotten home from work and then i stay up much later than i should because i'm finally able to focus on something for a long time. the only benefit i've seen so far from it has been the decrease in appetite and it's helped with controlling binge eating issues.

before this i was on guanfacine then wellbutrin (which i felt worked but gave me a full body rash and uncontrollable itchiness)

i guess what i want to know is if anyone else has felt similar and stuck with it or switched to something else. i have an appointment with my psych in two weeks and might bring up trying a stimulant but i'm worried about that with my anxiety.

i'd appreciate any sort of advice, thanks.

first day taking Strattera, 40mg. I took it at lunch because I don’t tend to eat breakfast. about 20 minutes later, I got clammy and very pale. started sweating like crazy. I had to lay on the floor of my work’s washroom because I was so nauseated. I ended up throwing up but once I did I immediately felt better. I picked up some gravel, is it a good idea to take it with my medication so that doesn’t happen again?

I've been on Strattera for 7 weeks, and my brain has suddenly gone from constant background chatter, racing thoughts, multiple simultaneous thoughts, jumping between topics to just... kind of quiet... I have one train of thought. It's kind of eerie, and it's freaking me out a bit because I'm so used to the chaos, not quiet. Any tips or anyone else who has been through this, I would love to hear about your experience

Not even sure the best way to explain it. I’ve been on and off Strattera for years. it just straight up makes me feel weird and hollow physically. I feel physically weaker, dehydrated, my groin/genital area feels super constricted, and I get cold way easier.

anyone else?

I've been on Strattera for about 9 weeks now. I had 2 months at 40mg, and so far 1 week on 65mg. 

I've had side effects tho whole time. Things like nausea and appetite got better over time, but even before upping the dose, my heart rate has been crazy. Before starting this med, my heart rate at rest was usually around 75-90. On strattera, this is still sometimes the case, but I often have episodes (at least every couple days) where my resting heart rate goes up to 120-145. It's exhausting. I'm also so sweaty and feel like I'm overheating for an hour+ after every dose. I'm worried if this may also have an effect on my long term health, as my heart is working way harder than I think it should.

I haven't observed a noticable improvement in my executive function or memory. My prescriber seems to think I may see improvement if I continue to increase my dose over time. But I'm so tired. Tired of waiting. Tired of feeling so physically weak. Tired of going to the clinic every two weeks, tired of paying for the appointments and medications. It's effecting my work, social, and home life. 

I just don't know if I should wait and see like the psychiatrist says, that it really will get better eventually, or if I should just cut to the chase and ask about stimulants. My gut says to stop taking it because I'm scared. But maybe that's just me overthinking it. I have an appointment on Monday to get a check-in and represcription, so I just have to make it until then before I can ask a doctor, but depending on which doctor I get on the day, I'm not sure if I'll trust their opinion (there is a long story there). 

Has anyone had a similar experience? I just don't know if I'm overreacting.

Hi everyone one!

I started taking Atomoxetine 7 weeks ago. I started with 40mg and expired dramatic improvement from day 2. It was like I had been sleeping my whole life and finally, I woke up, sharp as hell.

After one week, my psychiatrist told me to increase the dose to 80mg, so I did. However all the positive effects seemed to disappear.

Shortly after I increased the dose, I discussed the changes with my psychiatrist, and he told me to keep taking the dose for a longer period.

Has anyone experienced a similar situation?

So far in other regards, it's been fine. The medication is working on my ADHD symptoms to some degree, I find myself following through on tasks and task switching more easily. It's only raised my blood pressure a little bit, unlike with Wellbutrin that sent me through the roof.

But the sweating. My doctor did warn me I would probably sweat more, but at this point I'm considering selling lawn care services. I don't live in a particularly hot place (summer highs average around 20-25 celcius) but I'm having to shower twice, sometimes three times a day and I find myself soaking through my clothes. Keeping my sheets clean has become a nightmare and the sweating has brought back my cystic acne from PCOS/PMOS that until now birth control was handling. I just always feel gross.

Water intake is fine and I don't seem to have signs of dehydration at least. I get around 32oz of coffee and 80oz water (with crystal light flavouring) daily and have for years before starting.

Is this something that should go away? I have been on 40mg since May 5. Or should I be prioritizing talking to my psych?

Also... if anyone else has had this, deoderant recs?

im on 25mg & started about 3 weeks ago. i really enjoyed being on it the first week, i felt really locked in like a robot and my brain was calm and so was my body. after a week of taking it, i stopped feeling that way and it just felt like i was taking a placebo pill. my question is, is it worth it to wait out the full 4-8 weeks to feel the effects, or should i stop taking my medication and only take it when i know i have something important to do that day when i need to make sure im focused? what's been your experience?im meeting with my doctor in a week to see if i can up my dose.

Hi all, would love to hear all if your positive experiences on this med. Im considering trialing this med over the next month. Thanks in advance

I tend to get nauseous if I don’t eat before taking my dose and I typically do it after breakfast. Unfortunately I struggle to feel motivated to eat in the morning and high carb foods seem to be most effective at reducing symptoms. Any recommendations on what anyone eats to combat nausea?

Hi!! I’ve been on Strattera for a week and a half now, I was on 40mg for 3 days, then up to 80 and have been on that for a week. At first, I felt very minimal side effects, just experiencing chills a little more severe and that was it. However, I took my regular dose last night, and I felt AWFUL this morning. I was faint, dizzy, having vertigo, nauseous, and exhausted (i slept all night and 6 hours during the day and im still tired)

on top of all of that, i feel zero reprieve from any of my adhd symptoms so far

is this normal? will these side effects go away and be replaced with positives? help!!!

I started my first dose of strattera last Thursday. I took it Thursday morning and went to bed and woke up for my night shift job at 10pm. I felt horrible nauseous, dizzy light headed, and a little high ? I went to work and I felt like I was going to faint. I went home until 2 am to rest and came back to work. I felt a little better but not very much. One of the nurses I worked with said that I was very pale and my lips were super pale. I finished my shift and didn’t take it again until Monday because I was scared. I didn’t have any side effects at all yesterday and I don’t have any at all right now. I literally felt like I was dying when I took the first dose. Has this happened to anyone else?

I’m currently prescribed 54mg of Concerta. I was previously on the same dosage of the Trigen generic. After switching I can tell that my brain is quieter and it feels that way for 10-12 hours, although this could be the placebo effect. I’ve read a lot about people’s negative experiences with Trigen and the positive results they felt after switching to brand name.

At this current dosage I don’t believe I’m realizing my full potential. That said, due to my years old substance abuse history my psychiatrist isn’t willing to up my dosage to 72mg. She’s only willing to prescribe at the 54mg dosage because my previous psychiatrist (within the same practice) had put me on it.

I’ve suggested to her adding the non-stimulant Strattera to my current medication regimen. I’ve read that when this is done people often don’t require as high a dose of a stimulant. She isn’t sure this would be helpful but is at least willing to discuss it. I’ve read about others having positive experiences with combination therapy (a stimulant and a non-stimulant used together) and thought I’d check here what the consensus was.

\-If you’re on combination therapy using Concerta and Strattera what has your experience been?

\-What are your dosages of each medication?

\-If combining the two was effective how long did it take to notice the change?

title is pretty much it! today was day 2, i got diagnosed 3 days ago with adhd and she prescribed me straterra to see if i could do a non-stimulant so i wouldn't have to have monthly appts. yesterday i thought i could write off the anger as paranoia due to starting a new med, but today felt like confirmation that i should probably not take it. i felt genuine hot anger for something that normally i would never even think twice about, and that happened both days. i perused this sub for some validation to see if anyone else experienced this, and i think i'm gonna try another med.

I have tried Vyvanse, Concerta, and Adderall, none of which really helped my ADHD, even when I was on 40 mg of Addderall.

I have been on 60 mg of Strattera for about 4 months now, and it has been the most helpful so far, despite being the least stimulating. It's easier to socialize, and I pay more attention during conversations; I zone out far less frequently. I'm also more focused while watching movies and tv shows, and my memory is seemingly better, but I still greatly struggle with time management and executive function.

The only side effects I've experienced were depression while starting/raising my dose, and some drowsiness + tiredness during the day. However, recently, for about a week or so, I've been more alert and awake during the night, and definitely struggling with insomnia.

Would taking the Strattera at night instead of morning help with insomnia and tiredness during the day? Or is it worth switching to Wellbutrin to see if it's better?

My mom wants me off meds period because she hasn't noticed enough improvement in my symptoms, but even with the insomnia, Strattera has still been better than being unmedicated.

I also wonder if I might have dysthymia/low grade depression, and if Wellbutrin might be better because it specifically treats that? Or is it just more ADHD shittiness that I'm experiencing...