Strattera and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2020

For ADHD "This Strattera is the best ADHD medication I've had so far. It takes a LONG time to kick in. I was supposed to feel the full effects a month into taking it, but I didn't get them for maybe 2-3 months. However, it was worth it for me. Instead of just giving me energy and turning me into an emotionless robot like stimulants, it reworked my brain. My whole brain functions better now. I don't procrastinate, and I can pay attention and work better. I have branched out into different hobbies because it gives you motivation. This is in effect 24/7 because it doesn't leave your system or wear off like stimulants. Now, the side effects. I still zone out and dissociate. There is a decrease in appetite (not as bad as the stimulant in that area, though). I have vivid dreams/nightmares. I feel tired often, and nap a lot. Also, I feel more depressed in general. None of these side effects are very severe, but they can be difficult at times. However, I really do recommend giving Strattera a good chance."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2023

For ADHD "At 32 years old, I was diagnosed with ADHD, which was a huge relief. I had always known that I felt different, and my behavior throughout childhood was questionable. It's sad to think that ADHD was never a recognized condition for girls back then. If it had been, I believe my childhood would have been very different. Strattera has changed my life. All the noise in my head, impulsiveness, procrastination, and extreme exhaustion have stopped. I no longer dread the days ahead or count down the minutes until bedtime. I am truly enjoying life. This drug is not a miracle, but when combined with positive steps, it has made me realize that I am equal. I no longer feel like an imposter or am terrified of social situations. The initial side effects I experienced were fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. However, for me, these side effects were preferable to continuing down a path of self-destruction and the inability to exercise self-control. If you are starting this drug, stay strong and have faith."

• Mot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2019

For ADHD "Our daughter started taking this medication in October for ADD after failing school. After a month, we noticed a huge change in her ability to focus and obtain excellent grades. She was finishing her work in class and doing extremely well compared to before Strattera. She just made honor roll and never fights or complains about school work anymore. Our only concern is that we’ve noticed our 11-year-old losing weight. She is skin and bones and has dropped a clothing size. She says that food isn’t good anymore and has to basically force-feed herself. I’m afraid we may have to stop the medication if this doesn’t improve, which is unfortunate because it has so many great benefits and has changed our lives."

• JDa...
• November 11, 2019

For ADHD "Background: I was diagnosed with ADHD in my 20s and was started out on Strattera at 40mg. Now I'm at 80mg. Also, take with food or you may feel nauseous. Note: These are my own observations, your experience may vary. Pros: - It gives me an insane amount of energy and direction. Drives me off the bed/couch to more constructive outlets. - It makes me hyperfocused at 80mg and decently focused at 40mg. - There is no crash like amphetamines. Cons: - Some mild sexual side effects that disappear over time. - Weight loss - lack of appetite (Pro if you struggle with your weight? - just make sure you eat!) - Zombie effect - I noticed some kind of dulling of my emotions. i.e., my lows are not as low, but my highs are not as high. - Cottonmouth/dry throat. I'm constantly drinking water. - Possible sleep disruption if you take it late in the day."

• ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2015

For ADHD "I have been on Strattera for 5 weeks now. I'm 48 years old and have been treated for bipolar and anxiety disorders since the age of 19. I have tried dozens of med combinations and have been hospitalized a few times when unable to cope. This last time, a therapist suggested it may be ADHD, and the doctor put me on 40mg. It's a night and day difference. I have never in my life had this kind of clarity and focus, and other than dry mouth and a bit of a lost appetite side effect, which is much better than past combinations."

• KBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2020

For ADHD "I've been on Strattera for two months now for ADHD. It took about 6 weeks for it to kick in and start working. I don't feel that it helps with all my ADHD problems, but it does help with a few. I've had terrible side effects, including loss of appetite (I've lost 10 pounds since starting the drug due to loss of appetite). I also get really bad hot flashes, and anytime I go into a moving vehicle, I feel nauseous. I can't sleep at night, and I can't stay awake in the day. The side effects are not worth the small benefit I get from this drug."

• Tob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2024

For ADHD "I've been on Strattera for only 1 week and already I'm reaping benefits for my inattentive ADHD. I’m currently keeping it a 9/10 because it's still relatively early, but truth be told I’m very excited to see where the next month or so takes me. So far I’m not having any major side effects apart from a decrease in appetite (but I’m not much of a big eater as it is, so I'm not that bothered). My mood has been much improved, I can muscle through the day without having naps throughout the day, which were severely detrimental to my well-being. I actually feel like doing stuff, I'm no longer chasing dopamine through caffeine and alcohol, and I feel more lively. I struggled with anhedonia and ADHD paralysis, but it's slowly but surely starting to subside. Everything is just nowhere near as hazy as it was a week ago, I can think with more clarity, and my concentration has improved a lot. I'm intrigued to see how I go at work because that's yet to be put to the test. Overall, I'm satisfied."

• She...
• July 8, 2017

For ADHD "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."

• Fer...
• September 24, 2014

For ADHD "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."

• Joo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2013

For ADHD "My husband has ADD, and it really took a toll on our relationship. He was originally on Vyvanse, but it suppressed his appetite horribly. It didn't do enough in ratio to the side effects, so he decided to try Strattera. So far, it's been working decently. His main problem, however, is being able to urinate freely. I bought him Urinozinc Prostate Formula, and literally the first pill he took, he was able to urinate much more easily. Conversely, when he forgot a pill the other day, he noticed an immediate difference, and struggled to urinate. The supplement has allowed him to stay on Strattera. I note this stuff, as I have read that this is a common issue for men taking Strattera. Hope this helps others."

• Chu...
• May 27, 2021

For ADHD "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 and 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... Yeah... no thanks!"

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2014

For ADHD "I am 15 years old girl and this was the first medication I ever took for my ADD, and I don't even know if it worked for my ADD symptoms. But I do know the side effects of Strattera were all I had. I was depressed, numb, sleepy, could not eat, and had anxiety. It felt like I wasn't on earth, I was out in space, numb to the world."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2012

For ADHD "37 female with freshly diagnosed ADHD. Doc let me try this for 1 month, Strattera. Saw clear improvement after 2 weeks at 40mg/day. I almost wanted to cry after finishing reading a scientific article in just 1 hour... Mental work is no longer painful. I think, I write, my brain is finally used to its potential. Cons: constipation, dry mouth, nausea, low appetite, strange sensation on scalp, easy to get angry, expensive, distant. But now my life is priceless --- knowing you could try your best."

• abc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 13, 2021

For ADHD "I tried Strattera for roughly 14 months, moving between 20-40-60-80 mg. At 20 mg, I felt a bit better, but it wasn't helping enough. At 40-80 mg, the side effects of bad nausea, feeling very hot all over and then cold soon after, dizziness, loss of appetite, heavy doses of fatigue, problems with my sex life, etc., all hit hard on 8/10 or 9/10 days I took it. I will give a disclaimer: I didn't take it some weekends, but the lack of going to work and the deterrent of the side effects put it off. I didn't experience any increase in insomnia. Also, people would be able to tell if I'd taken my tablet by how pale I'd turn within 10 minutes and how subdued I was. Recently switched to Concerta to try and escape the side effects."

• DDB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2019

For ADHD "I started taking Strattera three weeks ago, and it has been awful. I started taking this because I had too many negative side effects with the stimulants. Strattera gave me mood swings, usually leaving me feeling depressed, anxious, annoyed, angry, etc. It also suppressed my appetite, which kept me from eating. It made me feel lethargic during the day, which kept me in bed and awake at night, which caused severe depression. I noticed no improvement in my ADHD symptoms. I have stopped taking Strattera."

• Jay...
• September 27, 2019

For ADHD "I’m a veteran and just got out of the military this past year, so I’ve been having trouble focusing on school. So my civilian doctor put me on Strattera 40 mg right off the bat, and I have been on it for at least 3 weeks now. The common side effects were nausea, cottonmouth, increased resting/active heart rate, loss of weight, and decreased appetite. However, I do have fewer impulses and can focus more in school. But I sweat a lot after walking a couple of flights of stairs or walking fast, and my heart rate goes from 70 to 122 every time. I recently had my first panic attack, so far I’ve had 3 panic attacks since I’ve been on this. Coming from the military, I was able to do anything, and my first panic attack was me sitting in class just listening to the professor. For no reason, it happened. It’s not pleasant. I also feel my body temperature is a lot hotter now, and my kidney feels like there is a ball there. I’m also on 300 mg of bupropion."

• Hj8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2023

For ADHD "On the first day of taking 40 mg, I was very nauseous, had headaches, and had chills throughout my body. The first day was so bad, I almost packed it in there and then. I decided to carry on to give it a go. On the second day, the nausea went, leaving only the chills. On the third day, I had no side effects. Then from the 4th to the 7th day, I began to experience the chills again, including tingling sensations in my fingers. I was never hungry, my jaw was tight/clenched, I went to a ‘bad place’ mentally, and my skin broke out. I lived with unmedicated ADHD until 30 years old, and I wasn’t about to trade that in for worse mental/physical health. Completely off the tablets now, really bad experience."

• Fay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2023

For ADHD "I started taking Strattera a month ago yesterday, and I really like it. I was put off by the negative reviews, but it works really well for me. My only noticeable side effects are some very mild and transient headaches and a distinct loss of appetite. The loss of appetite is the hardest to cope with because I end up hungry a lot of the time and have to work harder to feed myself. I would caution those with eating disorder histories. Other than that, it's sort of perfect. No stomach issues. No drowsiness. I have a lot more focus, and my anxiety has also lessened a great deal. I'm making a lot fewer mistakes at work and find it easier to read things now. The effects happened within a few days, and I've been told I can stop it whenever without weaning off of it, and that's very reassuring. I'd say it's a good drug for folks who can't or don't want to take stimulants. All around, I would recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 20, 2024

For ADHD "I have had a great experience with Strattera. I'm on 80mg once a day. It helps my focus, less impulsivity, less burnout, overall better everyday functioning. No notable side effects except decreased hunger."

• ghc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 2, 2020

For ADHD "Started off on a dose of 40 mg Strattera, upped to 80 mg after a month. Seemed pretty effective for the first few months, concentration was much improved. It is currently 18 months since I started, and the effects have reduced to pretty much nothing, and concentration levels are as low as they were previously. I also have serious sexual dysfunction as a side effect, including loss of libido, erectile problems, and ejaculatory dysfunction. I wanted to go on Strattera to avoid the loss of appetite side effects of the stimulant medications, but this also has some loss of appetite side effect. I hope to go back onto a stimulant medication soon after review from my psychiatrist."

• Lis...
• March 30, 2015

For ADHD "36-year-old female diagnosed last year. I did not want medication, but fearing I'd lose my job from symptoms, talked to my doctor and gave Strattera a try. Been on it a month. Can see major improvements in concentration, getting things done, not jumping from one thing to another constantly. I'm also a calmer, less anxious version of myself, more patient mother. Things don't seem to bother me as much! My head is quiet. For side effects, the first 2 days were bad - chills, tingling/current sensation on my scalp, upper back and neck, and numb arms, drowsy. My doctor told me not to quit, so glad I did! No constipation or trouble urinating. Still get occasional chills and scalp tingling, low appetite (good 'cause I was overeating!). Hope it lasts!"

• Amb...
• November 26, 2014

For ADHD "I started taking Strattera a few weeks ago for ADD. I have noticed it makes me really calm compared to my usual ways. It helps me focus a little better than I used to, but I am still not really focused during class. I take 80 mg a day, yes, I know that's a lot, but that's what was prescribed for me. I have completely lost my appetite. Some days go by, and I realize I haven't eaten anything. I have lost 10 lbs. Other than that, it just gives me a really dry mouth. I always take over-the-counter sleep aids, so I always sleep fine. I wonder if I should try Adderall? Concerta I have already tried and did not like it."

• jam...
• June 26, 2015

For ADHD "15 and diagnosed this year. I have been on it for 4 months (in conjunction with Cipralex). Made a massive difference to my concentration levels and sustained energy, I had no idea it was possible to be this productive. Nausea was awful the first week (even threw up once), but faded quickly. I still need to eat alongside it to prevent nausea, but since I take it at breakfast time, it's not a problem. The only persistent side effect has been weight loss - about 7 kg in the past 4 months - mostly due to appetite loss. I was on Concerta (Ritalin XR) beforehand, and the side effects, such as heart palpitations and insomnia, were awful, also, it didn't help my ADHD symptoms at all. I'd recommend Strattera to people who've had bad results with stimulant ADHD meds."

• God...
• January 21, 2010

For ADHD "80 mg enables me to concentrate. I take it at bedtime. I have noticed a change in appetite, but that's good for me because I am overweight. I do have dry mouth a lot. The doctor is moving me up to 120 mg. So we will see how that works. I am able to get more done while on this medicine."

• Eli...
• February 20, 2018

For ADHD "I have been taking this medication for about a week now for ADD at 40 mg. I had nausea the first couple of days and slight headaches. I decided to take one day off from it, and I have had a migraine all day. Medicine can sort of help with focus, especially for me since I'm severely scatterbrained and forgetful, and it definitely suppresses appetite."