Atomoxetine for ADHD User Reviews (Page 4)

• Chuuw...
• May 27, 2021

Strattera (atomoxetine) "So far this medication has done absolutely nothing for my ADHD. I know it takes time to work, but I honestly felt better and had an easier time taking antidepressants. I have come off of Zoloft just to be able to take Strattera and I feel like it completely reversed all the progress I made while on it & other antidepressants. My heart beats too fast, my legs and arms are numb, I RELAPSED into a depression and have had suicidal thoughts. I don’t feel hungry anymore. I’ve been avoiding friends and family members so I don’t ruin any relationships. I either feel too much or nothing at all. What is the point of taking this medication if it is only making my life worse? I know it’s helped some people but I know a lot of people in the ADHD community who absolutely despise this medication. If anyone’s curious, I was immediately put on 40mg and I am supposed to go up to 80mg after the two week mark... Yea... NO THANKS!"

• Tiz
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 30, 2013

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I am 32 and have walked around with ADHD for my entire life until a nurse suggested I get screened. My 'Doc' told me I was Cyclothymic (Bipolar III) and that I was having panic attacks. I agreed but the symptoms never got better with the prescription I was on. I went to have my Echocardiogram and was told I have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Long story short, the benefits of this medicine have shown up in the 7 days that I have taken it. My pulse is lower, I haven't had any 'panic attacks,' and I'm starting to be able to focus a little better. I can't urinate as well unless I consume more water, but I needed more anyway. This medicine has made me feel normal for the first time in many, many years."

• Flip
• October 27, 2016

Strattera (atomoxetine) "First of all, unless Strattera is seriously messing with your brain, you should really be patient and keep taking it to see if it really works. I thought several times about quitting, but since I have been fighting depression and ADHD my whole life, why not give it another month to take effect? I started a month at 25mg, a month at 40mg, and about 2 weeks at 80mg. Wow, have things really taken off for me! I am getting so much done at home and am motivated to get a job again! The one downside is the cost. Seriously? My insurance won't cover it so my 80mg prescription was almost $500! To combat nausea, take with food always! It may interact with vitamins too, so take those at the opposite time of day. Most side effects went away after 2 wks."

• Shewo...
• July 8, 2017

Strattera (atomoxetine) "My parents took me in for testing in 5th grade because of lacking in school, failing at best. A few years later in high school I went to my therapist for extreme anxiety, and my PCP diagnosed me with ADHD. I was put on Strattera at age 16. Worked amazingly almost right away. My only side effects were extreme dry mouth for a few weeks and loss of appetite. I also lost about 20 pounds, which I was pleased with because I've always struggled with being overweight. I was doing better in school, being able to focus on papers and projects, and for the first time, even doing my homework and turning it in on time. My self-confidence grew tremendously. I made better eating choices and wasn't anxious. Now 25 and starting again! No side effects so far."

• Pacer
• October 16, 2018

Strattera (atomoxetine) "This med has been the best thing to happen to me. I do feel nausea for a bit after taking it but I started on 40mg dose literally felt amazing after first week . As for a lot of you saying your having horrible effects, there are misdiagnosis all the time and depending on what other meds your taking will change how each person is affected by the med, and everyones body's are different so might suit different meds "

• Raged...
• January 5, 2020

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I will admit there has been a huge improvement in my ADHD since I started taking this Rx. And since I already take a depression and anxiety med I don't have issues with those. No the problem is that it's killed my sex life. My girlfriend and I used to have a healthy sex life but since I started this med my libido has all but gone, strange things happen during intercourse, and I have painful orgasms. I can't decide if it's worth it yet but I'm leaning towards no"

• TXNch...
• April 18, 2015

Strattera (atomoxetine) "Diagnosed with having ADHD in my early 20s. Dr. wanted me to try out Strattera before a stimulant since I also have anxiety, and he feared a med like Adderall would make it worse. This is my second month on it, and it does seem to be working. I am better able to concentrate, and my head seems more clear. I'm on 80mg. Stomach aches and drowsiness started off horrible when I first began taking this med, but these side effects are almost gone. Still get dry mouth, which ranges from mild to it feels like I've eaten cotton and sand. Unless the side effects are too intense for you, I would at least give this med two months. Think it gets such a bad rep because people don't give it a chance."

• Anonymous
• March 14, 2012

Strattera (atomoxetine) "For the first night in I can't tell you how long, I am processing one thought at a time. I am calm instead of frenzied. My normal 20 thoughts all playing at the same time are gone and I'm not sure what to do with the calm. This may take a few days to adjust, but I am at peace right now that has been sorely lacking."

• techwiz
• September 19, 2016

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I have taken Strattera for almost 5 years now and it's a wonder drug for me personally. Without this drug, my mind really races and I can't help it with exercise and things like that to get the energy out, but I'm not on the same beat as others. When I take Strattera, everything slows down, and I'm on the same beat and wavelength as everyone else. Social conversations go better, and I'm able to stay on task with work and actually get things done. I've found taking it on an empty stomach can be a bit sickening, but other than that, no downsides for me. I take 40 mg 1 or 2 times a day as needed and find it wears off in 6-8 hours for me. I'm extremely ADHD but have no depression at all, a very happy person, always have been."

• Swerve
• April 6, 2017

Strattera (atomoxetine) "Strattera is a wonderful ADHD medication if you know how it works for you. For me, it takes a solid 8 weeks before the full effect of the medication kicks in to full potential. When it does, I have a superb memory through paying attention. My doctor increased it from 40mg when it worked well but not well enough, to 80mg. Then I had to restart the 8 weeks. Like the 40mg, I started noticing a difference in 5 weeks. After the 6th week, it's a perfect mix. Superb focus that seems to get better week after week. I'm glad I gave the Strattera a chance."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2018

Strattera (atomoxetine) "Before I start, I would like to point out that while I have never taken Strattera, my brother has, and it has completely changed who he is as a person. He was diagnosed with ADHD when he was six-- we were so lucky it was caught that early-- and, after a few fluctuations in dosage, ended up on 35mg a day. I can't even explain how much of a difference I noticed in him-- he went from constantly hyper, selfish, and distracted (I understand that those were not his fault, though) to a focused individual with passions. Strattera did stunt his growth-- he's been taking it for seven years now, and at age 13 is 4"6 and 70 pounds-- but I think he would agree with me when I say it is so worth it; he often comments how glad he is to have it. Even after seven years it continues to work well."

• Unorg...
• December 7, 2019

Strattera (atomoxetine) "Diagnosed age 46. Initially placed on med that works for son (methylphenidate - short acting 10mg) made me feel CRAZY - manic -like and my typical resting heart rate is 55 -on that it was 100, whoa uncomfortable. Psychiatrist switched me to Strattera 40mg x 1 mo. Side effects: sometimes morning nausea, intermittent dry mouth, mild constipation, took longer to orgasm, irritability. increased to 60mg x2 weeks then was supposed to go on 80mg. Insurance required a pre-auth so went off entirely for 1 month (gotta love US healthcare system!). Now last few days took 60mg a day for 2 days then 80mg a day for 2 days. Side effects: EXTREME nausea 1 hour after taking but was taking on empty stomach so will change that, dry mouth 1-2 times a day. Resting heart rate mid 60s. Haven’t tried sex yet, we’ll see. I am certain I am more focused. So far am happy w this. Worry a little about possible liver failure but that is very rare. Probably more chance of ending up in an accident from my inattention by NOT taking the pills."

• Us _ ...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 5, 2022

Strattera (atomoxetine) "Hi I’m a 27 y/o man I was under care I have been on treatment with this drug. I will tell you, I took the drug in Italy (I am a double citizen) when I was 7 years old more or less, and I was under treatment until I was 17. Mine is a somewhat particular path I have moved a lot with my family between US and Europe. I speak 3 languages, I managed to go to university to pass admission tests to the HTZ in Zurich (third best university in the world), and I graduated with excellent results (as a construction engineer), I lead my life perfectly. The drug never gave me problems except that it helped me study when I was in middle school, and high school. However my doctor has opted to reduce the dosage of the drug over the years to help me snap from this. I sincerely thank who I am now and what I was able to do thanks to this drug. I think it is an excellent alternative to Adderal and Ritalin (among other things, adderal is illegal in Europe and is classified as a drug like meth)"

• Tessa
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 1, 2023

Strattera (atomoxetine) "Throughout my diagnosis journey, I have experimented with numerous medications, and Strattera (Atomoxetine) has proven to be the most effective for me. Unlike stimulants or SSRIs, which caused mood swings, anxiety, and emotional blunting, Strattera doesn't make me feel 'medicated.' Initially, I started with a 40mg dose, which led to irritability, depression, and anxiety. After discussing these side effects with my doctor, I realized I had exceeded my optimal dosage. I am particularly sensitive to medications, so taking a month-long break from Strattera was necessary. Upon resuming Strattera at a reduced 18mg dose, I no longer experienced the negative side effects and began enjoying the full benefits of the medication. If you are considering Strattera, give it a chance and collaborate with your doctor to find the appropriate dosage for your needs. Too much of a good thing can be harmful, and the same chemical can either positively transform your life or wreak havoc on it."

• jonat...
• September 13, 2016

Strattera (atomoxetine) "People bad talk this stuff but it has helped me immensely with attention span, focus, socializing, depression, and my executive function overall. Helped almost immediately for me. Very few side effects. Good stuff"

• Hannah
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2019

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I’m only giving Strattera 2 stars instead of 1 because it worked for focus, but the side effects were horrible. The first day taking it, I felt great. I had enough energy to get through the day and I felt present and in the moment. Then the next day I started to feel really strange. I couldn’t sleep through the night. I was majorly wired. I started to not feel like myself. My head was completely empty. I felt like a zombie tbh. I didn’t find things funny and I started to lash out at people which I never do. By like day four, I lashed out at my dad and then I broke down. I cried and was becoming really depressed. When I went off of it, my imagination returned. It was kind of a scarring experience."

• bitch...
• March 30, 2019

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I took Strattera for 3 months for ADHD. I started on 30mg, and had severe side effects such as headache, fatigue, nausea, muscle aches and a high heart rate. These side effects were not able to be relieved with painkillers, eating or drinking. Then my dosage was increased to 40mg. I was now experiencing insomnia, an extreme heart rate and would often nearly faint when I stand up for too long or too quickly. I also started to experience depression and suicidal thoughts. I had my dosage decreased to 10mg but the side effects persisted, only to a lesser extent. Whenever I come off the drug, I immediately feel better. To anyone reading; I spent 3 months well aware of the side effects and common negative reaction because I desperately wanted it to work and to be one of the few that seem to get positive effects, but this did not work out and it caused a lot of unnecessary grief in my life in the past few months. Take care and caution."

• Adult...
• June 6, 2019

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I started with 40mg of Strattera and worked my way up to 80mg. The only side effects I've experienced are some mild queasiness and drowsiness, and once my body got used to the medication those side effects went away! I've noticed significant mood improvement with the combination of this drug and diet/ exercise. Planning for the future is noticeably less stressful and I even found it easier to do simple things like grocery shopping and coming into work early. I’m still not perfect, because I have still missed a dentist’s appointment. I’ve also noticed less cognitive distortions, which makes things more comfortable. I will say that it still doesn’t help with the immediate distractions or impulses, like stimulants do. It takes some time for it to work, you have to take it every day, and you still need to live a healthy life. So even if it helps a little its not some miracle drug. Manage your expectations if you’re considering asking your doctor about it."

• couth
• July 9, 2018

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I suffer from drug and alcohol addiction so it is important (for me) to steer clear of stimulants. I have awful ADHD, so my doc started me on strattera a couple months ago and my fidgeting and inability to focus have both lessened dramatically. I started with 80mg for one week, then jumped straight to 100mg. My very first day I experienced mild nausea along with 6 straight hours of goosebumps (weird, but whatever), but no side effects since. It has helped me a lot and I'm glad I'm on it."

• Feronti
• September 24, 2014

Strattera (atomoxetine) "My son, 11, was taking Strattera, and it did not work out well for him. His ADHD is rather mild, and I thought this could help him with a few of his struggles. However, the side effects outweighed the benefits. The most extreme side effect didn't really hit until about a month into taking Strattera. He became very emotional, would lash out disrespectfully, and within 5 minutes would be crying and saying how sorry he was. His brain clarity was actually WORSE. He has always been an honor student and suddenly couldn't remember his multiplication facts. The last side effect was his appetite was suppressed. He has been off the medication for 5 days, and I have my kid back."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2018

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I have taken this meds over 5 month (10 mg a day) now. It definitely improved as far as concentration, cleared cluttered thought in my head. Now I have no anxiety while I drive because I can focus better. This meds takes time to effect on you and it works if you give it a time. Everybody is different but this meds worked for me without side effect. Be patient with this meds and it will work wonder!"

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2009

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I first started 18 mg once a day, no noticeable change. Then increased to 40 mg once a day, at first I seemed to just be calm and zombie-like with no change to my ADD. Then, 2-3 weeks later insomnia, paranoia, depression, rage, panic attacks, and severe anxiety consumed me so badly that I couldn't leave my house. I feared for my safety and the safety of others so I stopped the drug immediately! I was having thoughts of violence toward others and myself. I am a 28-year-old woman and was on no other medications and no other conditions besides ADD. I'd rather just deal with my ADD than all those scary feelings I've never had before."

• anony...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 1, 2023

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I started taking this god-awful drug when I was around 11 years old, just starting middle school. An 11-year-old child should never have to hear voices telling them to harm others or themselves, experience horrifying nightmares, and suffer from the terrible lack of sleep caused by insomnia. It felt like everything was blank, and I felt completely numb. I was like a zombie, devoid of any real emotions. Growing up, I thought I had anger issues as a kid, and to some extent, I did. However, this drug amplified my anger towards everything. I also struggled greatly with depression and had suicidal thoughts at such a young age. I came dangerously close to attempting it on multiple occasions, but fortunately, all my attempts failed. I am grateful for that, but no child or adult should ever be subjected to this medication. It made me feel absolutely awful, and I am still dealing with the trauma caused by the thoughts, voices, and memories I had as a child, even to this day. It took around 4 years to overcome some of the severe side effects from this drug as well. I apologize if my thoughts seem scattered, but I cannot stress enough: never take this medication. And please, ensure no child is subjected to it either."

• Aon
• March 17, 2019

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I've been taking it for 8 days (it's not a long time and it does take a while to actually get into effect) but so far I've noticed that my mood has been slightly lower than normal and I get angry easier. I also have been getting sensory overload but I'm just gonna put that on the fact that I'm no longer on anxiety meds. This medicine takes 4-6 weeks to fully go into effect and I will be waiting till then to see how it goes. Medicine works differently on everyone, so while some people think it's awful, others may think it's the best thing that's ever happened to them. If your doctor prescribes it, I suggest taking it and waiting till the 4-6 week mark unless it makes you physically ill, and even then I would give it a week or two to see if it goes away. This kind of thing is normally hit or miss and you might have to go through a few meds before you find one that is right for you. It has a lot of negative reviews but the review that are good are saying that it's amazing and you could be that person."

• Ty111...
• September 4, 2016

Strattera (atomoxetine) "I see a lot of mixed reviews on this. It's obvious this drug is EXTREMELY helpful on some and on others it's completely ineffective, and can even do harm. My suggestion is to try it out for a month. If you don't feel the effects of it, try it for another month and if you still don't then switch to another drug. If you start feeling agitated by it, get off it immediately. For me, Strattera has worked wonders. I am 18 years of age and have noticed the effects after my 4th week of taking it. My mind feels clearer, and I feel more motivated to focus on things I would usually find boring. The effects are reflected in my ACT score: my score has gone up a whole 6 points since first taking it. I wholeheartedly recommend Strattera to anyone with ADD."