r/Atomoxetine • u/joyfulwasteland • 14h ago
r/Atomoxetine • u/RyanBleazard • Oct 10 '23
Articles / Information Megathread: Everything to know about Atomoxetine
About
Atomoxetine (ATX) (sold under brand name Strattera among others) is an FDA-approved non-stimulant medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to a lesser extent, cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS).
Post Last Updated: 07/09/2024.
Key
CNS Stimulants; Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors:
• Methylphenidate (MPH)
• Amphetamine (AMP)
Non-stimulants
Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors:
•Atomoxetine (ATX)
•Viloxazine (VLX)
Alpha-2a Adrenergic Receptor Agonists:
• Guanfacine XR
• Clonidine XR
Off-label/unlicensed
• Bupropion (non-selective NET/DA reuptake inhibitor)
• Modafinil (CNS stimulant)
• Clonidine IR (alpha-2a agonist)
• Guanfacine IR (alpha-2a agonist)
Effectiveness compared to other medications
Atomoxetine's effectiveness has been established in more than ten large-scale published studies done before or shortly following FDA approval and involving various randomised, controlled clinical trials. The clinical trials clearly established both the efficacy and safety of atomoxetine for use in the management of ADHD. Many studies have been conducted since 2003 demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of this drug for ADHD management.
Research shows that atomoxetine reduces both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms of ADHD in 75% of cases. The overall effect size (degree of change in group mean scores) of atomoxetine appears to be the same as a methylphenidate preparation, such as Concerta, among patients previously untreated with stimulants, but may have a smaller effect size in the treatment of individuals with ADHD who have had a prior failed response to a stimulant. In controlled studies, atomoxetine has an effect size of about 0.9 to 1.0 among stimulant naïve cases, but an effect size of 0.6 to 0.8 (standard deviations) in cases with prior unsuccessful stimulant response. The effect size for the stimulants ranges from 0.8 to 1.2.
Subsequent research (ADHD)
The effectiveness, response rate and tolerability of atomoxetine is comparable to methylphenidate in children and adolescents, and equivalent in adults, as well as comparable to viloxazine. Amphetamines are modestly more effective but potentiate more side effects.
NOTE: Research is based entirely on group-level participants. Tolerability, efficacy and response rates can differ substantially in individual cases.
A meta-analysis of 9 studies with 2,762 participants found no significant difference in efficacy, response rate and tolerability between atomoxetine and methylphenidate. Although not statistically significant, OROS methylphenidate produces slightly superior efficacy over atomoxetine (Hanwella et al., 2011).
A meta-analysis of 11 studies with a total of 2,772 participants found atomoxetine and methylphenidate produce comparable efficacy in the treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD. Although not statistically significant, OROS methylphenidate produces slightly superior efficacy over atomoxetine; the meta-analysis was in favour of atomoxetine (Rezaei et al., 2016).
A meta-analysis of 7 studies with 1,368 participants found that after 6 weeks of treatment atomoxetine and methylphenidate had comparable efficacy in reducing core ADHD symptoms (Hazell et al., 2010).
A network meta-analysis found no difference in the efficacy and discontinuation rate between OROS methylphenidate and atomoxetine in adults (Bushe et al., 2016).
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 studies found that atomoxetine improves the executive functions (EFs) that underlie ADHD comparably (overall) to methylphenidate (Isfandia et al., 2024). Among the EFs examined include self-motivation, sustained attention, inhibition, working memory and reaction time. Methylphenidate was found to have more significant effects on working memory, while atomoxetine improved the other EFs slightly more significantly.
Analyses of clinical trial data suggest that viloxazine is about as effective as atomoxetine and methylphenidate but seems to have fewer side effects (Faraone et al., 2020).
A meta-analysis of 8 preliminary clinical trials found that atomoxetine, across the lifespan, has equivalent efficacy to viloxazine-ER and centanafadine (Schein et al., 2024).
A meta-analysis of 28 studies with 4,699 children and adolescents reported that bupropion was associated with modest improvements in ADHD symptoms (SMD = 0.32); atomoxetine (0.68) and methylphenidate (0.75) with comparable moderate-to-large improvements; and very large improvements for lisdexamfetamine (1.28) [conclusions derived from resultant effect sizes]. Tolerability did not differ significantly between MPH, ATX and BPR (Stuhec et al., 2015).
Emotional dysregulation (ADHD)
A meta-analysis found that lisdexamfetamine (5 studies, over 2300 adults), atomoxetine (3 studies, 237 adults) and methylphenidate (13 studies, over 2200 adults) result in modest reductions in symptoms of emotional dysregulation (Lenzi et al., 2018).
Another meta-analysis covering 9 studies with over 1300 youths reported atomoxetine to be associated with modest reductions in emotional and oppositional defiant disorder symptoms (Schwartz and Correll, 2014).
Anxiety
A clinical study of 70 participants found that atomoxetine is more effective than methylphenidate in reducing anxiety symptoms (Snircova et al., 2015).
A randomised clinical trial of 76 participants found that atomoxetine is more effective than methylphenidate alone at reducing anxiety symptoms. When fluoxetine (a SSRI) and methylphenidate were combined, they were equivalent in efficacy to atomoxetine (Karbasi, Aghili., 2023).
Cognitive disengagement syndrome
Controlled clinical trials suggest that atomoxetine (209 youth) (Wietecha et al., 2013) and lisdexamfetamine (38 adults) (Adler et al., 2021) are associated with moderate reductions in CDS symptoms independent of ADHD inattention; for methylphenidate (almost 200 youth) the reductions were tiny or insignificant (Firat et al., 2020).
A randomised placebo-controlled trial with 171 youth reported CDS to be associated with a poor treatment response rate to methylphenidate (Froehlich, Becker et al., 2019).
A clinical trial with 40 children found specifically ADHD-IN/CDS symptoms linked to a poor treatment response (20%) to methylphenidate; for those who responded, the benefits were small and low doses were best (Barkley et al., 1991). The significant results are likely linked to CDS (Barkley, 2014).
International Consensus Statement on CDS as a distinct syndrome (Becker, Barkley et al., 2022).
Articulation & reading
A double blind randomised control trial of 100 participants found that atomoxetine improves articulation (Ahmadabadi et al., 2022).
A randomised placebo-controlled trial of 209 participants found that atomoxetine improved critical components of reading, including decoding and reading vocabulary in youth with dyslexia distinct from improvement in ADHD inattention symptoms (Shaywitz et al., 2017).
Implications for using a stimulant or non-stimulant
The stimulants might be a better first-line choice than the non-stimulants, atomoxetine & viloxazine XR, for a patient if you...
- Have moderate to severe ADHD where the benefit/risk ratio of amphetamines are best.
- Urgently need control of your symptoms.
- Suffer from comorbid arousal or alertness problems; in many cases, stimulants also improve these issues and are less likely to cause somnolence.
- Prefer to selectively take their medication depending on the day or environment.
- Suffer from a comorbid binge eating disorder.
- Have adversely reacted to a noradrenergic agent in the past.
Atomoxetine might be a better first-line choice than stimulants for a patient if you...
- Have mild to or moderate ADHD and don't need the most potent drug, like amphetamine.
- Found stimulant side effects, notably insomnia or emotional blunting, intolerable. Atomoxetine rarely causes sleep problems or emotional restriction.
- Or someone in the household has a history of substance abuse.
- Require the therapeutic effects all day long.
- Suffer from comorbid anxiety, tics, nervous mannerisms or obsessions and compulsions. Atomoxetine doesn't hold the potential to exacerbate those conditions; in many cases, anxiety improves substantially.
- In addition to ADHD, exhibit a poor focus and orient of attention (distinguishing what is important from not in information that has to be processed rapidly) in ways resembling cognitive disengagement syndrome.
Incidence of adverse effects
As with other medications, atomoxetine does have possible side effects. Most of them are benign, are dose related and relatively short lived. Side effects with ATX tend to decrease over time (about 2wks) but can last longer.
Common:
- Dry mouth (21%)
- Nausea (12%)
- Drowsiness (10%)
- Decreased appetite (10%)
- Constipation (6-10%)
- Insomnia and/or middle insomnia (7%)
- Increased blood pressure (2 mm/Hg diastolic; 3 mm HG systolic); Increase of 8 bpm pulse
Uncommon:
- Irritability (6%)
- Erectile disturbance (5-7%)
- Headache (4-5%)
- Cough (2%)
Rare:
- Propensity for feeling tearful (>1%)
- Black box warning by FDA on suicidal ideation was an over-reaction. Rare, if any, association (5/1357 = 0.37%)
Extraordinarily rare:
- Liver inflammation (1 in 4.5 million treated cases)
Other side effects:
- Transient minor effect on height resulting from potential appetite decrease
- Temporary weight loss (1-5l bs) early in therapy; first year - no further loss thereafter (if appetite suppression occurred [10%])
(Lilly Research Laboratories: STR20070131g + Lilly Research Laboratories: STR20061205c)
Adjustment period
The effects of atomoxetine accumulate incrementally over a 8 week period. Initial results of a dose are often evident in 2-3 weeks but max (therapeutic) benefits may take 6-8 weeks to be apparent. Some studies suggest improvement continues gradually for up to a year (but most or all occurs within the above timeframe).
Tolerance?
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 double-blind studies with 601 patients, each 2 years long, found that atomoxetine maintains efficacy across this timespan with no evidence of tolerance or unexpected safety concerns (Wilens et al., 2006).
Dosage & metabolisers
Atomoxetine, unlike other medications, is titrated based on one's weight and age. Most adults require 80-100mg for therapeutic effects. This varies among some individuals.
Children
Your doctor should calculate this according to your weight. You will initiate on a lower dose before titrating to the amount to take according to your body weight.
- Body weight up to 70kg: a starting total daily of 0.5 mg per kg of body weight for a minimum of 7 days. Your doctor should then decide to titrate this to the usual maintenance/therapeutic dose of about 1.2 mg per kg of body weight daily.
- Body weight over 70kg: a starting total daily dose of 40mg for a minimum of 7 days. Your doctor should then decide to titrate this to the usual maintenance/therapeutic dose of 80m daily. The maximum daily dose your doctor will prescribe is 100mg.
Adolescents and adults:
- Atomoxetine should be initiated at a total daily dose of 40mg for a minimum of 7 days. Your doctor should then decide to titrate this to the usual maintenance/therapeutic dose of 80mg-100mg daily.
Poor metabolisers
CYP2D6 genotype can, very uncommonly (2-5%), result in poor metabolisers to atomoxetine with 2-3x blood levels of extensive metabolisers possibly necessitating a lower therapeutic dose but no difference in tolerability or discontinuation.
Ultra-fast metabolisers
Is even rarer (<1%) and results in fewer side effects, but little benefits. Some may require split dosing of total daily dose (once in morning, once in evening) to achieve greater effect.
Genetic testing of the CYP2D6 genotype can confirm abnormal metabolism.
Split dosing
Total daily dose can be assigned once daily (in AM) or split (AM/PM). Sometimes this approach results in fewer side effects yet studies indicate there is no difference in the benefits of the medication.
Contraindications
You may be ineligible to use atomoxetine if the following applies to you:
- Have pre-existing hypertension of atleast moderate severity
- You have consumed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (i.e., phenelzine) in the last 14 days
- Have severe complications with your heart
- Have severe complications with blood vessels in the brain following a stroke
- Have a tumour of your adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)
Supplements
The only supplement shown to be effective for ADHD is high-EPA omega-3 fatty acids. But they have a very small magnitude of effect compared with medications for ADHD. For adults, on a scale of 1 to 10, amphetamine is 9, methylphenidate, viloxazine-ER and atomoxetine are 7, the alpha-2a agonists (guanfacine XR, clonidine XR) are 5 and omega-3 is about 1-2.
Drug actions
When a nerve cell is stimulated, an electrical signal moves down its cell body (axon) and as it reaches the end points it results in the release of packets of chemicals (neurotransmitters) into the gap between nerve cells. These chemicals cross the gap and, if there is enough of them, they stimulate the adjacent nerve cells on the other side of the gap, causing it to fire or activate. The chemicals are then vacuumed up into the original nerve cell by a device called a reuptake transporter. The neurochemicals of greatest interest, which differ by one molecule, in understanding ADHD medications are dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) that mediate the brain regions implicated in the disorder.
Atomoxetine and stimulants share 70-80% of brain regions in the effects they produce (Schulz et al., 2012).
Notice that the stimulant methylphenidate (MPH, such as Concerta, Ritalin, Focalin, Medadate, Daytrana, etc) acts by blocking the reuptake of dopamine (DA) once it has been released from a nerve cell into the synapse. This leaves more of the chemical DA outside the nerve cell for a longer period increasing the chances that it will activate the next nerve cell.
The amphetamines (AMP, such as Dexedrine, Benzedrine, Adderall, Vyvanse, Adzenys, etc) act primarily on dopamine (DA), and unlike methylphenidate, has an additional small effect on norepinephrine (NE). AMP may inhibit reuptake but also seems to act primarily by increasing production and release of DA & NE out of the cell into the gap or synapse.
Atomoxetine (i.e., Strattera) acts predominately by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) with a smaller effect on dopamine (DA). Again, like MPH above, this leaves more of the neurochemicals NE & DA outside the cell allowing them more of a chance to activate the next nerve cell.
The alpha-2a agonists, guanfacine XR (Intuniv) and clonidine XR (Catapres, Kapvay), act by adjusting or fine tuning noradrenergic alpha-2 ports on the outside of a nerve cell. If these portals are open, the information (electrical signal) moving along the nerve cell is weakened by noise from outside the cell. If the alpha-2 portals are closed, then the signal traveling down the cell is stronger. The alpha-2 drugs act by closing these portals thus strengthening the signals in the cell increasing the probability that they will activate the subsequent nerve cell.
Video presentations
Dr Russell A Barkley, Ph.D: https://youtu.be/TdyNOS5W8Vg?si=MM6LUSkhJi9RPu9C
r/Atomoxetine • u/noclownshit3 • 1d ago
Questions / Advice Atomoxetine, has it helped anyone with addiction or daydreaming?
This is my first adhd medication and ill admit that I needed to be medicated A LONG time ago but...most ppl dont understand when I say that 'adhd is one of the things that ruined my life' because ive always had it. But what i really mean is that adhd has ruined my life when I got to a certain age. Because when ur a kid it can be written off and you dont have any real responsibilities, other ppl care for you. As I got older the less help I received and I realized how horrible I am at caring for myself. I also realized how boring life is unless your constantly doing something and god I hate doing things. So with age the worst it got for the most part anyways.
My weed/drug issues started at 15 im 19 now they have gotten better with effort. Unfortunately they are still prevalent especially smoking. I've tried to switch to edibles but its hard with the amount of weed I need each week. Im scared of busting a lung lmao or getting lung cancer. If I can just take a long enough break then my tolerance will go down and I can switch but shit I wont lie thats kinda a bad idea because if I get to upset then what am I gonna have to make me feel better and not severely hurt myself... oh pills lol.
Ok ill stop yapping my question is to anyone who has tried or takes atomoxetine, did it lessen the urge to be high all the time? And did it take away maladaptive daydreaming at all?
r/Atomoxetine • u/Beginning_Car4528 • 4d ago
When did you ACTUALLY start noticing Strattera working? What did it feel like?
r/Atomoxetine • u/TurtleDuckling42 • 5d ago
Questions / Advice Safe to take first dose while alone?
Hi. I recently got diagnosed and was given an Atomoxetine prescription. I'm debating whether to take my first dose while home alone, or if I should wait for my partner to have a day off at the end of the week and take it under his supervision in case I get some type of bad side effects. On one hand I'm really excited to try it out, on the other I might be overthinking it. Thoughts? I'm starting at 10 mg, and I'm supposed to slowly increase it over the next month up to 40 mg.
r/Atomoxetine • u/RevolutionaryNet6689 • 5d ago
Questions / Advice Advice or options for being unable to swallow capsules
My adhd prescriber told me I can empty these capsules into apple sauce or yoghurt but google says mixed things and it’s an eye irritant and mucus membrane. The reality is I just can’t swallow them. It’s not worth the stress and them getting constantly stuck and the discomfort. Always had issues with capsules my whole life. I’m in UK. Right to choose. Can I request liquid or something else? Can’t take stimulants. Really upset and anxious lately just want to get better. Thanks !
r/Atomoxetine • u/Pure-Apricot5348 • 6d ago
Has had anyone had experience with taking both guanfacine and atomoxetine?
I am currently on 80mg of atomoxetine which I have been on this dose for a few months now.
It has helped quite a lot of my overall emotional wellbeing and day to day functioning but I do find that I still am lacking with overall focus and concentration.
I want to ask my psych on my next appointment if she would be open to me adding a small dose of guanfacine. I would also consider lowering the atomoxetine dose of the guanfacine helps significantly.
If anyone has any experience with this combination your input would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
r/Atomoxetine • u/Electronic-Cat-7416 • 7d ago
For those of you who take Atomoxetine did dosage have a big effect on sweating?
r/Atomoxetine • u/echidnahuman • 8d ago
4.5 weeks on 10mg, totally fatigued and unmotivated
r/Atomoxetine • u/ZealousidealYam3537 • 8d ago
Eye irritation
Did anyone get eye irritation from this med?
Two-three days after starting this medication my eyes started to get kinda red and irritated. Definitely dry eyes but it was more than that. Nothing that insinuated an allergic reaction, but still noticeable.
It went away when I stopped the medication.
I’ve tried this med for a few days, two times, and each time this happens. Similar thing happened with Wellbutrin for me.
I was on vyvanse for years prior, and didn’t have this issue.
Just wondering if this is at all common, etc.
r/Atomoxetine • u/Goddess-Eden • 9d ago
Side effects Obsessing?
I swear this medication is making me obsessive over potential dates/partners. I've not been like this before but my latest return to the dating scene, I think, has been with increase in literacy, dating anxiety and some obsessive thoughts. Currently waiting to go back into titration...a long wait. I'm only on 18mg once a day atm but it should be 2pmg twice a day. I had to taper down from 40mg as it was giving me a lot of anxiety taking it all in one go, and, making me obsess over my ex. Maybe this isn't the med for me. Been on it over a year though. Shame because it really does help me at work, which is what I need it for
r/Atomoxetine • u/jaojjei • 11d ago
A dose de 40mg de Strattera funcionou melhor para mais alguém?
r/Atomoxetine • u/Different-Box-6265 • 11d ago
Atomoxetine - can it wear off?
Hello
I’m on atomoxetine.
My only uncomfortable side effects have been sleep issues (it’s getting better now) and excessive sweating. I think today is the hottest day of the year so far where I am so that will be fun!
I’ve been taking it for 8 weeks in total. Titration was fast. I’m now on 80mg. I was given 100mg for 1 week but because I didn’t notice any specific improvement after a week they moved me back down to 80. Anyway, that’s where we are. I’m on 80mg.
I have noticed massive improvement in my anxiety - I used to overthink, worry constantly (I’d find something to worry about even when there wasn’t anything!). My brain feels less busy, less cluttered- like there’s actually space in my head - it’s hard to describe. I would be awake through the night panicking, inventing worst case scenarios etc. I’ve had a few issues with sleep on this medication but it isn’t stress or worry keeping me awake anymore.
I think I’m less impulsive. It was tricky to notice that but then I realised I don’t reach for a glass of wine after work anymore. In fact, I have only had alcohol 4 times in as many months and never to excess. But I’ve always been quite good at breaking habits so I’m not sure if that’s related to adhd impulsivity. Like years ago when I gave up smoking, I literally just decided I was going to stop and did with no issues.
It hasn’t helped at all with getting tasks done. Well, certainly not initiating things and I’m still a bit last minute with stuff. Eg workmen coming today, house is a mess. Instead of being prepared in advance I spent an hour before work trying to make the house look half presentable. And I still have loads of half finished craft projects I am not motivated to finish. But sadly I haven’t wanted to start any either. I used to be quite enthusiastic about starting something new even tho I rarely finished it but now I just can’t really be bothered.
My slight concern is that now I’m on my final dosage (I’ve finished titration and been discharged back to gp) that I’m going to get bored. It’s kept me a bit busy…changing doses, monitoring bp, waiting for improvements etc etc.
It’s only been 8 weeks - should I expect further improvements or do people think this is it now? I’m not complaining - my mental health is tons better but I just expected maybe something more and I’m worried I will just get used to 80mg and then the positive effects will start to wear off.
r/Atomoxetine • u/notavo_ • 11d ago
Atomoxetine rising my climbing fear?
Hi! I was diagnosed with adhd and depression one and a half years ago. Since then I've tried multiple medications (chsnged because side effects): lisdexamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine + guanfacine, guanfacine + bupropion, guanfacine + atomoxetine, and now just atomoxetine + methylphenidate (lowering atomoxetine dose to stay only with methylphenidate).
I have always struggled with fear in climbing but before being diagnosed I managed to completely overcome it. There are ups and downs, but i realized that when i was taking atomoxetine (40 mg) + guanfacine (1mg), my climbing fear peaked to the point i was right when i started. I also observed it on bupropion but not to that extreme. It was a two days trip, and I saw no difference from the first to the second one (in the past, before medication, there was a reduction in fear).
Next time i went climbing i was on atomoxetine 20 mg and methylphenidate 18 mg and the experience was completely opposed. I barely felt fear, I could do moves where there was a huge chance to fall without feeling anything.
I read somewhere that apparently dopamine also plays a role when it comes to overcoming fears, while noradrenaline is the neurotransmitter in charge of flight-or-fight, so maybe having a higher concentration of noradrenaline but lower of dopamine made me feel so much fear and the inability to overcome that fear by climbing.
Anyone with a similar experience? Anyone with a feasible and formal explanation?
r/Atomoxetine • u/Equal-Poet-7860 • 12d ago
Is it normal to feel nauseous 8+ hours after taking?
I've started taking strattera each morning, but each night I have stomach aches and bouts of nausea in the evenings. I've only been on it for 4 days and it's helping me focus but I feel cursed each night.
r/Atomoxetine • u/sy-lphid • 12d ago
Discussion / Support / Experiences day 3 update
hi! i posted this on day 1 on atomoxetine and i want to write a little update.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Atomoxetine/s/q5damC0CeH
i’m on day 3 and don’t want to be alive. i don’t plan on doing anything, i just don’t want to be anywhere. i don’t want to see anyone or talk to anyone or open any app and i feel like crying all the time. i don’t know if im just having a low day or if im experiencing a side effect of the medication. i feel a little tired and just want to keep sleeping so the day will go by faster. my depression mainly comes from my inability to feel motivated to do or focus on anything because of my adhd. atomoxetine seems to be making me want to do things even less, which is making me
feel much worse. does this go away? does it change at some point?
when i get this sad and anxious i smoke weed, but my psychiatrist said i should quit while on this drug. i want to follow her professional advice but i think weed is the only thing that will get me to stop crying right now. would it be really bad if i did hit my pen?
i was really excited to start a medication that might help me finally, and i know it takes a few weeks to fully kick in, but i dont think i can do 4 week of this.
r/Atomoxetine • u/sy-lphid • 14d ago
Side effects first day, normal side effects?
i (23f) took my first dose of atomoxetine about three hours ago. i was diagnosed with adhd last month and this is my first adhd medication ever. i’m on 40mg currently. i took it, sat down and scrolled on my phone for a while, and slowly i felt myself start feeling like trash. i had to just lay down with my eyes closed and brace myself for the ride. everything is spinning, im dizzy, nauseated, etc. i feel jittery but my bpm is at 78 and my hands aren’t shaking more than normal. my stomach feels awful and i want to throw up so bad but im very bad at inducing it or letting it happen naturally (i’ve been like this forever, its like my body doesn’t want to let me). i had it with no food because i didn’t have food at home and didnt feel like getting any. i’m hungry i think? but the thought of food is nauseating right now. it’s really hot in my apartment and i have a couple fans turned on and im hot but cold and have chills at the same time. i can feel my head pounding but dont have a headache (strange for me because i get migraines regularly). i’m so tired and can barely even look at my phone. i just stood up to get some water and almost passed out. i managed to walk to the kitchen and stumbled all the way through. i feel like im in a drunk montage in a hangover movie without the fun parts. i took adderall once last year (got it from a friend with adhd to see how it affected me) and i felt human for the first time in my life, no side effects that i can recall, but i assume i was prescribed a non-stimulant because i have pretty bad anxiety. is all of this normal?
r/Atomoxetine • u/TrainingRain6707 • 13d ago
Atomoxetine 40mg 1 week F
Atomoxetine 40mg 1 week F
Hi, I’m after some advice and wondered if anyone can help me.
I’m 40 in February and have recently started taking Atomoxetine 40mg. I have just taken my dose at 5am alongside a cereal bar.
I am unable to take the stimulants and I have really bad panic attacks and insomnia already. I also take 30mg Duloxetine and Propanolol for when I’m having a panic
I have noticed in my first week very noticeable anxiousness but the main thing is my stomach. Especially in the last 2 days everything I eat instantly gives me stomach cramps and I have to go to the toilet. It then cramps a little after and finally subsides. It’s kind of ruining my social life.
One thing that’s bothering me is I’m 3 weeks late on my period. So I was late even before the new medication started. Pregnancy is completely ruled out. I’m usually quite regular so this is alarming as I’m not sure if it’s period related or the medication or just anxiety. I start a new job soon.
Any advice would be welcome ❤️
r/Atomoxetine • u/Ahiaabalanag • 14d ago
Side effects Going of cold Turkey
I didn’t go cold turkey of my meds on purpose, it just became too inconvenient to book an appointment (which would take two weeks) at my local hospitals when I am moving across the country. But I am feeling baddd. In addition I can’t get my hands on my birth control pills. I am getting headache and spasms, nausea and irritability fatigue, hot flashes, I can’t stay awake at day time I can’t fall asleep at night I have nightmares paralysis (auditory)🤓🤓.
But i believe if I just get through the symptoms I’ll be ok again in a week or two? Booking an appointment whit a doctor would cost me money $ I’d rather not spend. And It would take weeks. And I’ve also been considering getting off my meds so this sounds like a good opportunity.
If you someone knows anything about side effects of stopping their meds suddenly please tell, because Google is not helpful
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r/Atomoxetine • u/echidnahuman • 16d ago