Atomoxetine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Wal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2019

Atomoxetine for ADHD "I was on clonidine (non-stimulant) at night for ADHD. I could not take stimulants anymore because I have a very overactive brain. Clonidine worked fine, but I wanted to try out Strattera. I am not sure why they say Strattera is a non-stimulant because it caused me to have such bad anxiety! It really has a stimulant effect to it. I felt like it was worse than actual stimulants!"

• ton...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2016

Atomoxetine for ADHD "Strattera was my first treatment after I was diagnosed with ADHD PI for six months. First week on 40 mg, then 80 mg, and the last three months on 100 mg. I didn't improve any symptom, but it worsened everything. I got negative effects from the sexual side (no erections just after taking Strattera). My mood was really unstable, with peaks of depressive episodes and rage outbursts in the last weeks. Now I'm quitting it, and I got some discontinuing effects, such as tension in my head and anxiety. Next week, I'll start with methylphenidate and I hope for the best."

• Anonymous
• November 19, 2009

Atomoxetine for ADHD "My son began taking Strattera about 3 - 4 years ago. He had a bad reaction to Adderall, so the doctor tried Strattera as a non-stimulant. He first started 18 mg once a day, no noticeable change. Then increased over time to 50 mg once a day. He wasn't defiant, but just didn't (doesn't) care to do much of anything. 4-6 weeks ago he started having 'tics.' Not putting the two together, last month his doctor increased to 60 mg a day, and the tics have continued to get worse. He's also been more depressed, having panic attacks, and anxiety. He goes to school, but gets nothing done. Went back to his doctor, and she now has started taking him off this medication. I hope the tics stop. He's scared, and this continues to add to his anxiety."

• anx...
• June 5, 2015

Atomoxetine for ADHD "Hated it!!! I was taking Adderall for a year, and it started making me feel anxious maybe one day a week. I was switched to this, and once I started it, my anxiety got really bad. I've never had a problem with anxiety, and I really feel for the people that suffer from chronic anxiety! I also had a problem with dropping blood pressure (could be from Adderall withdrawal though). I also had HORRIBLE mood swings. As soon as I would take it, I was very negative about everything. I'm so glad to be off it now, and so is my boyfriend!!"

• 18...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2016

Atomoxetine for ADHD "I was on Adderall and that worked amazingly! But I was paranoid and depressed, which affected me so much I had to switch. I switched to Strattera, and it helped! Then it started to not make a difference, so I got upped to 100 mgs. I have to eat right after, or else I become very ill (nauseous)."

• Fir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2023

Atomoxetine for ADHD "My first day of taking Strattera, I feel fuzzy around my body, and it has not impacted my ability to focus whatsoever. Doctor told me I should see immediate effects. I have been anxious, and the tingly fuzzy feeling comes and goes. Not sure if I will continue further."

• Par...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 19, 2019

Atomoxetine for ADHD "This medication did not work at all for any ADHD symptoms. The only benefit of this medication, when it was used in conjunction with a real ADHD stimulant medication, was that it helped control the anxiety and tics that came along with using a stimulant. It only helped mildly, but it helped. No other benefits. She had to be weaned off the medication as it is more of a mild antidepressant/anti-anxiety medication than an ADHD medication."

• Nel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2021

Atomoxetine for ADHD "I'm 58, recently diagnosed with ADHD, recommended Strattera. At 25 mg dose, it was amazing, kicking in within the first week. I realized my pain levels were much lower and I could keep going with tasks. I had lower anxiety, and it gave me 2-second pauses before I blurted stuff out. The downside is I am very up and down with it, and when I titrated up to 40 mg then 60 mg, I felt much more anxious. My BP became dangerously high. So I ended up back on 25 mg, but not so great. I am overweight, and Strattera helps. The reduction in pain is wonderful, but I'm not sure it's helping on the ADHD front. I crashed badly approximately 2 months ago after a month of pushing myself too hard. I became quite paranoid and anxious, depressed, shut down. I struggled to function. Work became tedious. I'm still subpar, depressed, and withdrawn. I will take a couple of days' break and try again, cut out coffee, and eat healthier, but I'm afraid I'll be out of options otherwise."

• Nel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2021

Atomoxetine for ADHD "I'm 58, recently diagnosed with ADHD, recommended Strattera. At 25 mg dose, it was amazing, kicking in within the first week. I realized my pain levels were much lower and I could keep going with tasks. I had lower anxiety, and it gave me 2-second pauses before I blurted stuff out. The downside is I am very up and down with it, and when I titrated up to 40 mg then 60 mg, I felt much more anxious. My BP became dangerously high. So I ended up back on 25 mg, but not so great. I am overweight, and Strattera helps. The reduction in pain is wonderful, but I'm not sure it's helping on the ADHD front. I crashed badly approximately 2 months ago after a month of pushing myself too hard. I became quite paranoid and anxious, depressed, shut down. I struggled to function. Work became tedious. I'm still subpar, depressed, and withdrawn. I will take a couple of days' break and try again, cut out coffee, and eat healthier, but I'm afraid I'll be out of options otherwise."

• Ter...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 3, 2016

Atomoxetine for ADHD "My son, who is 12, has been on this medication now for about 6 months. 40 mg a day. It does absolutely nothing for him. The doctor tried upping his dose to 50 mg, and he started having major mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Ritalin, Concerta, and Vyvanse we have tried those too, but the side effects were too much for him to handle. I'm at a loss for what to do now. No more meds, I guess?"

• 20y...
• April 27, 2015

Atomoxetine for ADHD "Worst treatment I've tried, may even exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Causes depression, fatigue, and anxiety without even working to improve concentration. Don't even feel or act like myself since I started this med. People even know something is wrong when they talk to me. Trying to stop/change treatment, but the doctor only wants to keep me on this med until the college semester is over. Have tried Concerta before, it worked somewhat."

• Ton...
• August 12, 2015

Atomoxetine for ADHD "I was prescribed Strattera for ADD, 40 mg, and I was only on it for 6 days. I was warned about the side effect of having nausea and to eat before taking meds in the morning. I started Strattera on a Saturday morning, and by that night I had diarrhea so bad that I thought I would have to sleep sitting on the toilet. I also had the feelings of being constantly angry, I had really bad headaches, depression, tiredness, it worsened my anxiety, and any time I would eat, I ended up on the toilet for quite a while. I was put on Strattera to help me with my ADD lack of concentration, etc., needless to say, it didn't work whatsoever. My poor butt thanked me when I quit taking it, hahaha."

• Koo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 25, 2015

Atomoxetine for ADHD "I'm a 24-year-old female who was prescribed Strattera and Ciprolex combined. I have been diagnosed with ADHD and mild depression. I was on Ciprolex for a number of years before Strattera and had no side effects, but when I started taking Strattera, within 2 days, I had heart palpitations, dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea. I stayed on the medication because I could not focus on even the most basic of tasks, so I dealt with these side effects. After a year, I started to feel great!! So, I weaned myself off, and within 2 months, I became such an angry, depressed person, filled with anxiety over nothing. Anxiety to the point where I thought I was going to be sick. So now I'm stuck dealing with these pills or being worse than before."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2015

Atomoxetine for ADHD "I have been looking for a medication that will keep me at a stable pace all day, not with the several ups and downs I experience on Motiron and Ritalin. I have tried Adderall, Ritalin, Strattera, and more than 3 other medications. But of all the medications I have tried, Strattera gave me the worst side effects by far. I felt sick to my stomach, irritable, toxic, I had a headache for 3-4 hours a day, and the come down was terrible. I went through extreme periods of depression and anxiety while on this medication for only 2 weeks! I know some people can feel the effects after a few weeks, but for me, it just wasn't worth it to continue. Hope it works for others, but this non-stimulant was all side effects and no help for my ADHD."

• pri...
• July 25, 2015

Atomoxetine for ADHD "I'm 30 and have taken several types of ADD medications since I was young. I stopped taking Adderall/Ritalin when I graduated from college (about 25 years old) because I did not like the side effect, particularly loss of appetite and jitteriness. I have since had to get back on meds because I have a sales job, and I was making mistakes at work. I started on 25 mg a couple of months back, and it worked great at first, but has tapered off some. I wasn't sure if it was still working, but at night when the morning pill wears off, I can't get anything done, and I'm super scatterbrained. That tells me it is working. I should probably take the doctor-recommended evening dose, as well. Only complaint on side effects would be extreme sleep spells."

• Anonymous
• August 14, 2010

Atomoxetine for ADHD "Been on Strattera for 3 months and can't wait to get off it! It had helped my concentration to an okay extent, but I'm having bizarre side effects such as leaking semen followed by testicular pain, paranoia, weird thoughts, anxiety, and slight tics. Not recommended for long-term use!"

• Tom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2021

For ADHD "38-year-old male on 40 mg for about 4-5 weeks now. Very up and down, but certainly feel anxiety from the medication. Also, I need to be very careful with caffeine, it seems to heighten the effect of coffee by ten, and I become extremely anxious. Had a few days where it seems I have some improvement in concentration, but nothing of real consistent value so far. I’m a recovering alcoholic, so I want to stay away from stimulants, so hope this works as I'm struggling to focus for more than a few minutes at a time and very worried about losing my job."

• ros...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 17, 2022

For ADHD "I have ADHD combined type and this medication, atomoxetine, has done wonders for my anxiety. I started on 10 mg and have worked my way up to 40 mg since February. The side effects were brutal for me, and each dose increase brought increased anxiety, yet that quickly went away. It makes my thoughts feel slower, less loud, and less chaotic. That is the only way I can describe it. It doesn't help any other ADHD symptoms, but it's worth it just for the anxiety aspect for me. Besides, a decrease in anxiety can help me get stuff done in general, which I guess helps my executive functioning. I would say to stick with it if you can manage the side effects and give each dose increase time to work (6-8 weeks, I've heard). You also may not feel very much benefit until you reach higher dosages. Each dose did a little something for me, but 40 is really when it started to help."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2021

Atomoxetine for ADHD "I've been on it for 5 weeks. I'm a 25-year-old male who just got diagnosed with ADHD. I've assumed I've had it my entire life, but regardless, my wife begged me to try something. So my doctor recommended trying this first before a stimulant because of my high blood pressure. The only thing I feel has improved is maybe my anxiety and my potential to feel a little low. But I feel like I don't enjoy things as much, and my impulsiveness hasn't improved, nor has my focus. I'm tired all the time now, but I cannot sleep. When I do get to sleep, it's never a deep sleep, I always wake up at 2 a.m. and can never go back to sleep. I'm on 40 mg, I've tried taking it in the morning and at night. When I do sleep, I get extremely vivid dreams and nightmares. So I was really hoping this would work, but I'm back to the doctor next week to see what she says. It seems like it either works really well for you, or it's a complete disaster."

• TCa...
• June 12, 2022

For ADHD "50-year-old male. I've been taking 80 mg atomoxetine for about 3 months and it seemed to work for a while, then all I ended up with was side effects. I couldn't sleep, had zero energy, was terribly moody, had no desire to eat, depression was worse than ever. I would cry for no reason. Felt paranoid all the time and didn't want to leave the house or see anyone. Everyone could see the difference in me, and it wasn't for the good."

• cnl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 20, 2016

For ADHD "I have ADD (not hyperactive though). I was started on 18 mg for a month, then 40 mg for a month, now 60 mg. I have anxiety and am also on Valdoxane. I think the reason some people may become ill on the Strattera is because they are starting on too high a dosage and also not staying on the dosage long enough before upping it (a month seems perfect). I have felt ill for 5 minutes a few days after upping the dose, but nothing too bad. Also, taking it in the morning means you won't stay up at night. I think it shouldn't be taken in the evenings. It helps my memory, concentration, and cognitive abilities. It also lessens my physical anxiety symptoms greatly (after the first few days of raised anxiety when I first started it), and it actually takes away my constant fatigue."

• fre...
• August 16, 2022

For ADHD "Follow-up. Had to have a break from taking atomoxetine 40 mg as my provider blocked my phone number and made me run out of medication. I was calling them too many times as I was running out, so they blocked me. Felt awful for 4 days going cold turkey and had to go to the walk-in center. Ordered more from somewhere else, what a difference. Took 2 days to start feeling the effect. My brain is quiet once again. Was with psychiatrists from London... they made me so much worse from anxiety and took all my money. Private ADHD diagnosis is a scam, in my opinion. Once you have the initial assessment, they don't really want to know as they don't make much money from you after that, and no other doctor will accept their diagnosis. I used ASAP market to get my medication and will never go and see a private professional ever again. I've registered with NHS assessment, but there's a year and a half waiting list. We're all being let down by professionals!"

• Lea...
• July 11, 2015

Atomoxetine for ADHD "I was given a starter pack of a month-long supply of Strattera from my psychiatrist. I'm currently about two weeks in (starts you at 20 mg and ends at 80 mg), and the reason I am giving the drug this rating is due to me being unsure about how it's affected me thus far. When I first started to take it, my anxiety subsided, and I felt normal and back on track again. This lasted for the first week. I was even able to travel alone to be with my fiancé in Mexico. I've never traveled much, let alone by myself. I did this with ease. Now back from my trip and having increased the dosage to I believe 60 or 80 right now, I don't feel the same. Sadly. :-( I'm disheartened because I thought this was my cure-all after a terrible winter."

• Anonymous
• November 13, 2015

Atomoxetine for ADHD "I'm an 18-year-old female, and I started taking 80 mg Strattera for ADD, and honestly didn't see much to any improvement. I couldn't focus any better than I could before. I became so unmotivated I didn't even want to get out of bed anymore. It calmed me down definitely and relieved my anxiety 100%, but it made me so, for lack of a better word, depressed. And when I would forget to take it or couldn't get to the pharmacy to refill the prescription for a couple of days, I would get these massive headaches that hurt so bad I could've cried. Overall, I think it just didn't work for me."

• Inn...
• July 4, 2016

Atomoxetine for ADHD "This drug works mildly, not as well as stimulant medications like Adderall. Unfortunately, while it mildly boosted concentration and motivation, it severely increased my anxiety, heart rate, and tremors. Stimulant medications actually decreased my natural tremors. My pupils were always dilated as well. To me, this drug is a stimulant like super caffeine, not a medicinal stimulant."