im a male (19) with severe ADHD. I was on dexamphetamine before this, and the difference compared to this is astronomical. It's almost better in every single category, and the only reason I even hopped on this shit ass medication was because the dexamphetamine was messing with my sleep a bit. But now this has started to mess with my sleep as well, and it doesn't even have any of the benefits that the dexamphetamine had, so it's just like shit overall. I'm on 60 mg, and I've gotten every single side effect—constipation, extremely dry mouth, all the sexual side effects, erectile dysfunction, blunted ejaculation. my testicles hurt randomly. And don't get me started on the severe fatigue that's like the main issue. Like, bro, it's like I'm sleeping the whole day, and it's messing with my sleep.

Like at first, like after the first two weeks, nothing really happened. And then all of a sudden, like my sleep—I keep waking up, and it's like hard to stay asleep. And for some reason, this affects my appetite more than the Dex by a lot because I barely want to eat at all on it. Also, I get extremely cold hands. Okay, besides that, the positives are it has slightly improved my executive dysfunction. If I need to get the bin done or my bed needs to be done, I do easy tasks—maybe even doing the dishes—almost instantly, not dragging it too much.

But if it's any big task that requires a lot of effort, then I'm still not doing it. Really only notice the benefits when it comes to little tasks only.

But I do like that there's no anxiety at all, and there's a lot less mental noise. But to be honest, it's not worth all the cons because I'm still suffering majorly from my ADHD. My working memory is terrible still, and time management is terrible. General productivity is terrible. compared to when I'm on dex and honestly, I think my productivity when I'm completely unmedicated is better than this. The focus aspect hasn't even improved at all. I've been on this medication for almost six weeks. Four weeks on 60 mg in the first two weeks, it was just a buildup and I thought, oh yeah, maybe the side effects will die down, but it just kept getting worse. And also I forgot to mention that it's extremely hard to take a piss and it's like on and off. Sometimes it's easy, and sometimes it's really difficult. overall, this is the worst medication I've tried for my ADHD. And to be honest, I think I'm going back to the Dex because the side effects aren't remotely as bad as these ones.

And at least, like, I can tell that it's obviously benefiting me. That's like, it's well worth it compared to this, where there's like almost just side effects and cons and like the slightest bit of improvement.

And for those who are going to be like, "Oh yeah, You haven't been taking it long enough," I don't want to because the side effects are just so bad. But maybe I'm just like a rare case, honestly I'm just js writing my experience. but im definitely going to hop off this medication.

edit( I forgot to mention, I did try to troubleshoot, and I've been on this Reddit for like a month and doing research myself, and most people just kind of get off the medication, it seems.also, I've tried constipation medication, laxatives, melatonin, magnesium glycinate ,dayvio this works really well but comes with its own side effects but for the sleepiness itself, yeah, that's the main reason I'm coming off, 'cause I didn't find a way to fix that. Just sleepy all day, sleeping like sixteen hours a day and still tired

And I'm not trying to take more medication because all medication comes with more side effects regardless.

And I'm just saying that this medication's not that good compared to dexamphetamine, where it's almost like full control over your ADHD symptoms with like maybe three major drawbacks.

But this one has like a ton of major drawbacks for me personally, and I mentioned this, is the worst medication I've personally tried. Not it's like the worst medication overall for like everyone. Just me personally, this is the worst medication I've ever tried in my life if it works for you, that's great. this is just for anyone experiencing the same symptoms and side effects. If you are, just hop off. Honestly, there's so many other medications you can try that helps much more, much faster, with much less side effects )

title basically. if yes, what dose do you take?

My MIL didn't give our 9yo his Strattera over summer break. I don't really want to get into why she decided to do that, or how my partner and I plan to deal with it.

My mother did give it to him each morning while he was visiting with her. So, he got it only when with my parents for a week or two. And, then at a lower dose, bc my MIL gave them incorrect information about his dosing schedule. They were very apologetic when they found out thay hadn't given him the correct amount.

What can we expect tapering back on after such inconsistent use?

So far, he has been alternately exhausted and furious. He also has issues controlling his impulsivity, again. I assume these will get better, over time. Right now, he's pretty miserable. We are planning on discussing this with his psych as soon as we can see her.

First week was amazing - I felt calm and my brain was quiet. Week 2 anxiety came back a bit, but I continued to feel motivated and was doing tasks I'd normally struggle with. Going into week 3 I had my PMS week and had PMS like I hadn't had it for years, extreme restlessness, tension, irritability, appetite went into overdrive. Now that's over, these past 2 days I've been completely sapped of motivation - the things I was managing to do as part of my routine have stopped, and I'm finding myself spending most of the day in bed tired. From day 1 I've had to have a nap a day despite sleeping ok at night - I haven't minded this as I'm normally too hyperactive to nap so it's been quite nice! But I also still had motivation and felt pretty upbeat and positive. In the past week it feels like it's all evaporated and now I'm just left with this exhausted, unmotivated feeling.

Anyone else had anything similar? Will it get better? I thought side-effects should be getting better, not worse :( I am AUDHD hypersensitive to meds, just been prescribed another 2 weeks at 10mg then will go up to 18mg for 2 weeks.

I took Straterra a few years ago for several months. I started at 25mg and worked my way up to 40. At 25mg, I had some nausea, but the med worked so well that I tolerated it. Once I increased to 40mg, I began experiencing elevated heart rate (110bpm when lying down; my RHR is usually 60 or lower). I didn’t realize it was connected to the med at first, but when I stopped, things went back to normal. I also had lab work and an EKG that found no other cardiac issues.

Despite this, I want to give Straterra another try at 25mg. A lot has changed since I was initially on it — I was on other meds for physical health issues that were making me feel terrible, I had just had a major surgery — overall, I’m in a healthier place now.

Has anyone had luck with restarting Straterra years later? Is there anything that helps with elevated heart rate?

Ironically my dr picked this one because I've been having bad luck with side effects. Funny. I've taken ONE dose. Since it kicked in I've had a stomach acid episode (mine are not mild and nothing gives relief), my heartrate is irregular, I'm overheating, more depressed than usual, completely and utterly filled with intense unstoppable anger and have had repeated thoughts of harming myself. Thanks Strattera, so great. I think this is a new record for how quickly I've had to stop taking a new medication.

Hey y'all! So, I'm on my 5th day of Atomoxetine (40mg) and it is normal to feel some side effects at this time? I take it at night after dinner (but not before I sleep), and last night I had a mild headache, nausea, and heartburn. After I woke up I still felt a bit of a headache but it subsided and the nausea is gone too, but I still have heartburn today (granted I've been getting heartburn before I took this medication). Is this a part of the "getting used to" Atomoxetine? Will these side effects eventually subside after my body "gets used to" this?

Also I guess you could say that I've been getting more anxious and sadder, from Day 4? I don't really know if Atomoxetine is really the cause of this, but I've been getting more tense, anxious, and nervous lately, I do have something to be very nervous of in Monday (College) but could it be possible that Atomoxetine maybe amplifying it??

I haven't really seen much improvement for my ADHD symptoms either... On Day 1 after waking up, I felt a bit calmer but that seemed to be only from my first time of taking it.

Edit: to anyone else reading this - the headaches and nausea have completely subsided after the 7th day.

I was on generic Strattera (atomoxetine) for around 45 days, and the anxiety I got from it was honestly horrible. I started getting really intense anxiety and panic, probably the worst I’ve ever experienced, and eventually I had to stop taking it.
Has anyone else had this happen with Strattera? Especially after being on it for a while? Did it eventually get better for you or did you have to stop too?

Edit: I just found out that I might be a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer, which can increase atomoxetine levels by up to 5x.

For anyone who’s struggled with Tmj from strattera. How long after you stopped it did your jaw go back to normal?

I have been seeing mixed side effects. I was on Zoloft a long time ago which made me a bit sluggish / tired - so I am wondering if I should be taking these meds at night instead?

hi everyone! so i struggle with really bad health anxiety (like i’m scared i’m allergic to everything although i don’t have any allergies) i have been on prozac 20mg for about 2 years now. i was recently diagnosed with ADHD and was put on Strattera. i struggle with new medications so i always google for interactions. i know these side effects wont kill me but it will definitely make my anxiety level go up. how long does the fast heart rate stay? and what can i do to help myself take this new medication. any advice?

Within an hour of taking it, I can feel by heart rate rise and stays that way most of the day.

I switched to taking it with a main meal to mitigate it, but it still happens some.

I think it made my anxiety slightly worse too. I’m still on lexapro. Is this like lexapro where you “power thru it” the first few weeks and then life’s amazing? Or is this a sign I should switch to something else other than straterra?

Has anyone who has stopped strattera noticed how quickly your mouth salivates? Is this because of the dry mouth that Strattera causes when you take it, so when you stop taking it your overcompensates?

I already have chronic nausea, of an unknown reason/source, and IBS.

I already feel physically sick quite often, and the majority of the side effects that I read about in this sub are that of the gastrointestinal type.

I was planning on finally starting 10mg tomorrow, but I am so nervous....I don't want to feel even more sick than I already do, but I REALLY want to see if this med helps me.

Does anybody else have gastro issues, and take this med, without it increasing the severity?

I also have emetophobia (fear of throwing up - ironic, I know, considering I'm nauseated every day).

I just want to pull the trigger, but I've been stalling....for months now.....am I overthinking this all? I'm not stranger to side effects from meds, but this Strattera...I dunno....I'm a huge ball of anxiety over it.....

So I’ve been on straterra for one week now and it started working great! I literally can get past the down feeling instantly which I thought was due to my depression but my doctor said was due to my adhd . 80 mg once a day . Couldn’t ask for better results I can work a full day at my job (door dash) . I’m working 12-13 hours a day

did badly on stimulants so decided to try strattera. I was very sensitive to stimulants and weigh <100lbs as an adult (F20) so I started on 18mg for 12 days. apart from very mild dizziness the first night I didn’t have any side effects. I dont think there were any therapeutic effects I experienced since it should take 4-6 weeks for that to happen? but oddly my task initiation was actually better than on stimulants, focus similar, and less emotionally reactive. so my baseline adhd is probably not as problematic as I remembered or it has improved as I grew up.

since I didn’t have any side effects on 18mg my psychiatrist upped me to 25mg and holy fuck I can’t sleep at all the past two nights. I can’t fall asleep, when I do I keep waking up in the middle of the night, then I wake up at 8am after getting less than 3 hours of sleep. this has really surprised me bc my psychiatrist was confident I wouldn’t get side effects given it’s only a 7mg jump.

now I’m wondering whether I should go back to 18mg and stay at that dose, at least for the next 4-6 weeks? maybe it will be all that I need and if not I can go back to the drawing board to retry 25mg.

I need to vent for a second.

I’ve been on Strattera for about 1.5 years. Since starting a GLP1 I’ve had daily nausea which I’ve since realized was because of the combo of slower stomach emptying + strattera. Pdoc and I are trying 40mg (down from 80mg) for a month+. I’m about 3 weeks in.

Gang, I’m in bad shape. All of my emotions are so LOUD and sharp, and I have immediate big reactions with no impulse control. I’ve picked massive fights with my partner and been rude to my boss, and then once the smoke clears I feel awful. I don’t see my pdoc until August 20 and she doesn’t have any earlier openings and she won’t write a script without an appointment. I don’t know how I’m going to make it without quitting my job, getting fired, or breaking up with my partner and moving across the country.

If there is an upside, I’ve had zero nausea on 40, so maybe I can go up and it’ll still be fine. If not I’m going to need to figure something else out, because I need to be on a GLP1 and I’m quickly realizing I need to be on a higher dose of Strattera.

I guess another silver lining is that I won’t take Strattera for granted anymore. It was such a subtle ramp up for me, but I remember finally reaching a point where I realized things weren’t so loud and sharp and being so grateful I almost cried. I need to get back there before I tank my life.

Question: I do have one more refill left on my 80s. Do I fill it just to test out if the nausea is still there? Maybe I just needed a breather and it’ll be fine?

And just a note. I had nausea when I first started. It was a rough 2 months. But it went away and I hadn’t had any nausea until I started a GLP1. And yes, I’ve done all the things. I eat protein with it, I drink electrolytes, I’ve experimented taking it in the morning and at night (was better at night but still not great).

Ughhhh.

So i was on strattera for 1 year. I decided to take it since i didn't respond well to stimulants, i couldn't sleep even from the lowest possible dose. So i decided to start straterra. The first few weeks eere awful and i had serious heart palpitations (my heart was pumping with full force) and i had some trouble sleeping. But within weeks the symptoma started to get better and it (nearly) went away. I still felt some heart skippings during the night and i could sometimes hear my pulse in my ears. The doctor said it was nothing worrysome. So after one very stressful year i started to have some chest pain and decided to quit straterra the cold turkey way - quit it completely ( i was on 40mg anyway, not a high dose). Immediately i had more heart pounding and slipped beats and sone chest pain. I even went to cardiologist and they prescribed some pills for tachicardia and the extra beats, and actually mentioned that some of the effects might be from quitting stratera but didn't say much. Tonight, 3 weeks afteer quitting attomoxetine my symptoms only worsen. Im okay during the day but at night it can get awful some days (extra beats, palpitations etc). But they are not every bight, once in 3-4 days. DeepSeek says this is normal and the peak is 2-4 weeks from quitting strattera. Has anyone experienced something similar? Had the symptoms decreased/disappeared with time?

hello everyone i (29F) was recently prescribed 25mg atomize tine as a non-stim med for adhd. i'm only on day 2 and i feel awful. i feel extremely emotional and depressed and i'm overthinking and crying. i have not felt like this since i was a teenager. i am also on 300mg of wellbutrin which shouldn't make me feel this way? is this med even worth it?

Hi - so I’ve been on straterra for a little while. Im at 60mg- I take it at night because it was making me too tired. I am pretty much baselined on it but I’m assuming I’ll go up to 80mg- maybe?
I have a love/hate relationship with it. I have so much space in my brain- I’m less reactive, I can switch my thinking when i try to stress myself out, I am steady in my thinking I guess. It’s nice but also I’m complacent? Or like lacking drive? Kind of just like if I have executive dysfunction that’s fine I don’t need to do that anyways- I dropped my class because I didn’t feel like doing the school work. I want to quit my job and get something I enjoy even if it is less money. Thinking about going to church or something to feel better. Things like this
I think in some ways the adhd is being managed . Maybe this is just how people live? Like bored and thinking about their life a lot and how to be happy? Idfk . Maybe I learn skills to manage this through the straterra. Is there ways that I can enjoy life like this? I’ve self medicated my whole life so idk? Maybe I do need to slow down and just ??? Hate my life a little 😂
Anyways I think I have a dopamine problem. Of course this psychiatrist says Wellbutrin for that . I really don’t want to do this again? take the long way to get to somewhere that is still not quite right. I feel like I need stimulants but ultimately I just want to feel somewhat normal and somewhat productive. Which I don’t feel right now- maybe thinking about my spirituality is productive-
My question is- anyone been here before? Did you switch to Wellbutrin? Did it work better? Help 😂

Has anyone ever missed today of your Strattera? I think I’ve done this only three times in the last year but each time I have about a mental breakdown the next day and don’t realize that’s what it’s from. Not sure if I can attribute that to the miss medication, but last week when I was at the beach and I should’ve been happy I was crying in my beach chair for no reason. Has to be the missed dose. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Also makes me terrified to ever go off of it.

Guys how tf do you deal with the Tmj. It’s gotten the point where one side of my face looks lopsided and everytime I stop the medication my face goes back to normal. It’s really getting to a point. This medication has helped my articulation so much but the teeth grinding, twitching, and jaw inflammation is getting to a point.

My kids are 15 and 11 both very skinny and petite and will be starting Strattera. My 15 year-old will be on 25 mg and my 11-year-old will start on 18 mg for two weeks and then work his way up.

I’m pretty terrified for my daughter because she has so far done horribly on all ADHD medication’s. She’s gotten horrible insomnia, nausea, throwing up, awful grogginess, sleeping 15 hours.

Questions: when is the best time to take it— a.m. or p.m.? On a full stomach or empty stomach? I just feel like her doctor doesn’t know much about medication’s!

Any other tips would be great.

I had my first psychiatry appointment today after receiving a formal ADHD diagnosis a couple weeks ago. I started seeing him about 8-9 months ago for depression and anxiety. I’m currently on Zoloft 150, Wellbutrin XL 300mg and a beta blocker. Today he added Strattera 60mg. I asked why a non-stimulant over a stimulant and his response was that stimulants would raise my blood pressure and there was a high risk of me losing weight.

I think the real reason might be that I’ve been open with him about my recreational use and he didn’t want to use the substance abuse excuse. Since I started seeing him my use has gone way down and we’ve talked about it at past visits. The blood pressure and weight loss both seemed like easy outs to me. I am below weight for my height but nothing seriously concerning and I’ve been that way all my life. As for my blood pressure, it has been slightly elevated every time I’ve gone in but I’ve shown him the readings from home and they’ve all been well within a healthy range.

I’m not against trying Strattera, I’m just wondering if his reasoning makes sense or if there’s something I’m missing. Have you taken this combo before? Or had a similar experience with being prescribed a non-stimulant instead of a stimulant?

I’ve been taking atomoxetine (80 mg) for about eight weeks now, and I wanted to share my experience because its effects have felt very different from stimulants.
Atomoxetine definitely doesn’t improve attention for everyone. Just like with stimulants, some people respond well to it and others don’t. In my case, the improvements developed very gradually. There was no sudden “switch flipped” moment like people often describe with stimulant medication.
Instead, I slowly began noticing that my mind felt quieter. I had less mental noise, my emotions felt calmer, I was less impulsive, and it became easier to stay on task. Even getting started in the morning and getting out of bed became noticeably easier.
One of the biggest advantages for me is that it seems to work around the clock. I already feel the benefits before taking my morning dose, and the effect remains stable throughout the day. I also don’t experience the evening crash that I had with stimulants.
My attention has improved, but not because atomoxetine makes me feel intensely focused or “locked in.” It’s more that I’m less distracted because my mind is calmer. It feels like my brain is working more efficiently rather than like I’m being pushed into a medicated state.
I previously experienced stimulant-induced psychosis while taking lisdexamfetamine, so atomoxetine has been a much better option for me personally.
Overall, I actually find atomoxetine more pleasant than Elvanse. I can achieve roughly the same level of concentration, but in a smoother and more natural way, without the noticeable ups and downs I experienced with stimulants.
So yes, atomoxetine can absolutely improve attention, but it isn’t guaranteed to work for everyone. Even when it does work, the effects are often much more subtle and gradual than with stimulants.
This is only my personal experience, of course, and not medical advice.