ADHD Medications - Part III - Atomoxetine (Strattera)

The past 10-15 years have witnessed a number of major developments in the medications and delivery systems available for the management of ADHD. Dr. Barkley here discusses the types of medications now available to ADHD management and the various delivery systems developed to extend the effectiveness of the medications across the day. For each medication, he will present the major beneficial effects and side effects. He will also discuss various issues clinicians should consider in selecting particular medications to use with a patient with ADHD, such as those issues related to the social context, the patient’s characteristics, and any comorbid conditions that may exist.

Part III focuses on the non stimulant medication, atomoxetine (Strattera)

[sayrewilkin-dalby]

I would recommend anyone with ADHD (sp. inattentive-type) and a family history of Alzheimers Dementia look into this. I was prescribed Atomoxetine for my ADHD and eventually noticed a marked improvement in my cognitive functioning which had been declining at an unsettling rate for my age, particularly given a strong family history of AZD.

I started being able to follow conversations again, hold information in my working memory, and retain and retrieve information with an ease that felt "normal". It was subtle and took time to build up, but it was noticeable to myself and others.

Something in my gut told me this could help against dementia and I found out it was already being tested for that with positive indicators (though not reversal).

[jcash]

No medication works for everyone but after being diagnosed with ASD and ADHD it's been a total game changer for me.

[BanksHoliday]

I've just been told I'll be starting titration this month after a long 3 year journey of diagnosis and awaiting treatment (diagnosed at 34). I believe my prescriber has placed me on Atomoxetine due to addiction issues in the past. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. But just so happy to be proceeding with treatment!!! 🎉

[thisisnottaco]

I’ve been taking atomoxetine, and I’ve noticed my mood has improved dramatically. Even my co workers and family noticed it. Some days but rarely I take two capsules. But it’s rare

[BhargavAchary]

Dr. Barkley, I truly admire your work and appreciate experts like you who educate the world about ADHD.

I was on Methyphenidate 10mg, but the wear off and short effectiveness led me to request atomoxetine as an alternative.
Despite your praise for Methylphenidate, my doctor has concerns about potential abuse.

[RambleStorm]

What helped me with the slight numbness/ sedation like effect, is taking a cdp choline supplement it also seems to improve it's effect a tiny bit(male, age 37 ; 76ish-kgs ; 80mg dose)

[transfettisolat]

How long does this increase in improvemnt of the symptomes happen? Also for years? And can you maybe do a more deep dive into Atomoxetine and the latest research on it in future? Thanks for the information!

[thermalrain_yt]

Just started today. First hour was rough for my stomach. After that passed i felt amazing for about 3 hours and then after lunch i could barely stay awake for about 4 hours. Very rough. Im about out of my daze and about to go home from work. It feels like its completely worn off now.
40 mgs. Plus i took my regular caffeine and the 2 together worked great for just the first day. I heard it takes up to 8 weeks to fully get going. If i could feel like i did around 3 hours after i took it and be that way all day itll be a life changer.
This all may be placebo im not sure but i could definitely feel the effects. I wanted to go up and talk to my coworkers which i never do. Ever. Also i found myself making eye contact with people which i dont do unless we are talking for an extended period of time.
Im 38 and just found out what adhd was. Few years ago i saw stuff about autism and im about 90% sure im on the spectrum too.

[stace]

Strattera is working very well for me!

[PepeVallsCliment]

In the instructions for the atomoxetine medication, it says that effects begin to appear between 6 and 8 weeks, other sites say that after 2 or 3 weeks, what is your opinion about it? Another question, the effects are gradual as what are the weeks going by? I would appreciate your answer, thank you very much

[davidgarciacooke]

Dr., in your opinion, would Atomoxetine be a better drug than to take than stimulants in case of comorbid anxiety and depression for adults?

[martinrainfire]

Is mixing atomoxetine and amphetamines helpful ? Currently taking sertraline…

[DrippyWaffler]

Damn I kinda wish I'd started on this instead. My girlfriend says that my emotions are less bubbly when I'm on methylphenidate.

[joelwilliams]

What do you think of combination treatment with atomoxetine? I have read good things and my psychiatrist is allowing me to try it by adding 40mg atomoxetine to my 25mg of dexamphetamine per day

[themysticalwanderer]

I hope it's not like Zoloft. I was taking it for a while, until it started zapping my creativity and gave me severe brain fog, along with other weird symptoms.

[lindyellinger]

Adderall worked great for me but my doctor took me off it and wanted me to take Strattera but the thing with Strattera is you can't cold turkey it without getting physical withdrawals whereas with Adderall I can cold turkey it with no physical withdrawals I'm just tired for a couple days, I'm not willing to do those kinds of meds anymore been through withdrawals more than once because a doctor decides to take it away or want to change the med to something else or I lost my insurance and couldn't afford the medicine and now they are having a medication shortage so what happens when a person can't get their medicine??? There is going to be ALOT of people going through withdrawals and they can be brutal, I'm not going through that NO

[WarriorOfTruth]

Does atomexitine worsen or cause panic attacks?

[canidcourier]

I strongly suspect I have the CYP2D6 poor metaboliser, I find I experience medication side effects and therapeutic effects really strongly at lower doses than average. When I first tried atomoxetine I was titrated up to 60mg and the doctor I was seeing at the time refused to lower me to 40mg when I said it helped a lot without nearly as many side effects as 60mg. They said it 'wasn't possible' to be helped on 40mg and I either had to stay at 60mg or come off it entirely. Thankfully when I moved cities I found a new doc who was happy to trial 40mg and I've been on it for 4 years! Stimulants gave me too many side effects and exacerbated my anxiety, whereas atomoxetine really helps my anxiety.

[transfettisolat]

Is it useful to combine Atomoxetine with a alpha 2 drug for not increasing bloodpressure and heartrate? (Longterm use, cant take stimmulants due to strong sideeffects)

[heythisisgordon]

I was diagnosed with ADHD-PI as an adult, but my symptoms match more closely with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo. Strattera is substantially more effective for me than amphetamines. I was on Strattera for a year or two but ultimately couldn't deal with the side effects. Is there research on the effectiveness of non-stimulants vs. stimulants in treating SCT?