Atomoxetine and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Adu...
• June 6, 2019

For ADHD "I started with 40 mg of Strattera and worked my way up to 80 mg. 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 fewer 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, it's not some miracle drug. Manage your expectations if you’re considering asking your doctor about it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2022

For ADHD "Strattera almost ruined my life. First of all, it didn't help my severe ADHD at all. It caused me to have severe nausea every day, dizziness, insomnia every night, and it caused severe aggression and mood changes on just 40 mg for two months. The first day my doctor moved me up to 80 mg, it sent me into an induced psychosis state where I wound up fracturing my foot and dislocating my finger so bad that I may have to have surgery. I've been in a splint for almost two months now since that horrible night, and the scariest part of all is I don't even remember how it happened. It literally caused me to go insane. This drug was the worst drug I've ever taken, and it even warns you on the bottle, 'Warning: May cause mood changes'-boy, what an understatement. This medication made me so angry all the time. What they don't tell you about this medication is it can cause induced psychosis and violent behavior. It states that on the FDA website. I was only on Strattera for two months! Very dangerous drug!"

• bit...
• March 30, 2019

For ADHD "I took Strattera for 3 months for ADHD. I started on 30 mg 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 40 mg. I was now experiencing insomnia, an extreme heart rate, and would often nearly faint when I stood up for too long or too quickly. I also started to experience depression and suicidal thoughts. I had my dosage decreased to 10 mg, but the side effects persisted, only to a lesser extent. Whenever I came off the drug, I immediately felt better. To anyone reading; I spent 3 months well aware of the side effects and common negative reactions because I desperately wanted it to work and to be one of the few that seemed 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."

• bee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2022

For ADHD "I’ve (20F) been on Strattera for about 3-4 months. I started on 40 mg, had mild side effects but nothing awful, but I wasn’t seeing any improvement in my inattentive ADHD, so the doc and I decided to go up to 80 mg. Been on 80 mg for about 2 months now and it’s taking everything not to quit cold turkey before my next appointment with my doctor. My heart is constantly pounding and I’m overheating all the time. I am depressed and angry all the time. I need at least 12 hours of sleep to function, but I still feel tired and fatigued all the time. I also have been having awful and scary suicidal thoughts out of absolutely nowhere. I can eat, but I feel like I’m going to throw up all the time. I can do chores and work now, but at what cost??? Would not recommend."

• nic...
• September 7, 2019

For ADHD "I was put on 40 mg of Strattera right after being diagnosed with ADHD. The first couple of days, I had a lot of nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue, but I knew to expect this and tried to power through. After a week, however, I started feeling super irritable, which is not normal for me. I'm typically an even-keeled, patient person most of the time. Then, last night, I started uncontrollably crying and thinking terrible, awful things about myself that I have never thought before. My partner said, 'That's the worst I've ever seen you.' I didn't take it today (I refuse to take that ever again), and after a week on it, I feel lifeless. Like a zombie. Like my personality, my thought life, my ability to function is just not there. I assume this will get better after a bit more time, but it's scary to think that all that can change in one week."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 20, 2022

For ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADHD at 52 years old. Took 40 mg of Strattera 2x a day for 18 months. It was somewhat effective-not amazing. I did lose some weight. Out of nowhere, the morning dose starts making me nauseous and tired! The afternoon dose never had any problems. I couldn’t stand it anymore, so I discontinued taking it. Tried Adderall, but it’s such a pain to acquire with supply chain issues and frequent urinalysis screens, plus, I didn’t care for its side effects either. So, at about 7 months without treating my ADHD, I’m 20 lbs heavier. I still have almost 100 Strattera pills. What the heck? I give it a shot. Had the nausea for the morning dose for maybe the first week. It’s been almost a month now-I’ve dropped 6 lbs. My thoughts are clear, able to communicate better, not as forgetful. Not sure why it’s working so much better this time around? I had COVID a month before I started having the bad symptoms, maybe that was long-haul symptoms I was experiencing. I’ll probably never know."

• 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."

• 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."

• Que...
• April 17, 2021

For ADHD "I've been taking 50 mg of Strattera for 6 months, but recently bumped up to 75 mg as it has become less effective, most likely due to the lower than general dosage. This drug has worked really well for me so far, with minimal side effects. I have to take it in the middle of breakfast, otherwise, I'll be either nauseous or get a headache. The only issue is it's super expensive and hard to get insurance to pay for it. I'm only giving this a 9 instead of 10 because of how expensive it is."

• Gon...
• July 17, 2013

For ADHD "I used Strattera for adult ADHD after I auto-diagnosed and then was corroborated by my doctor. It helped me stay focused on any tasks I started to completion. I took it for more than a year but had to stop because it was too expensive for me, even with insurance. I had some side effects that I mentioned to the company Lilly. These side effects were slight dizziness, nausea if taken without food, hair on the back of my neck would raise sensation, and some stomach discomfort, but the worst was the size of my penis would decrease incredibly while flaccid (normally 3 inches, but after medication, about 1 inch or less) and would take a lot of stimulation to get an erection."

• Tee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2012

For ADHD "I definitely noticed a difference while taking Strattera. The symptoms of my ADHD have improved indefinitely. I feel less withdrawn from reality, increased self-esteem, and better focus. The 25 mg gave me insomnia. With the 40 mg, I stopped noticing the benefits of Strattera and noticed more of the side effects (dizziness, hot flashes, etc.). 60 mg seemed to be the most effective for me. But after a week of taking the 60 mg, I didn't go a day without nausea. The nausea was so bad that it practically canceled out the benefits of Strattera. This is just what happened in my case. I would recommend this medication in hopes that the side effects aren't as bad for others."

• Kti...
• June 6, 2013

For ADHD "I am a 25-year-old female with ADHD and bipolar disorder. My doctor started me on Strattera a little over a month ago, and it works great. I was having a hard time concentrating in class (I'm a college student), and it really helps me focus. The only downside is the occasional nausea, but I found if I take it on an empty stomach, the nausea isn't so bad. I would suggest this medicine."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2025

For ADHD "I have been taking the generic form - atomoxetine for 2 weeks now. I am diagnosed with ADHD, possibly a crossover with autism. My most problematic symptoms were challenges with executive function, overthinking, constantly running on anxiety, and poor sleep. I am averse to taking meds as my anxiety kicks in imagining all the worst-case scenarios that I read online. Nonetheless, I tried Ritalin first, but it just made me even more anxious. When I took atomoxetine 25 mg, the first couple of days I was really tired, took naps in the afternoon, which is unheard of for me. I also could feel a bit of a BP rise and a little more insomnia. After that, no real negative side effects. I have it with breakfast and take a banana after the tablet, no nausea. I also found drinking lots of water throughout the day helps with any side effects. I know atomoxetine is supposed to be slow-acting, but I already have some more calmness, less brain fog, and a lift in mood - it is very gradual. I go up to 40 mg on Monday."

• Gra...
• June 14, 2019

For ADHD "I have been on Strattera for four months for ADHD. I also have anxiety. Strattera took a few weeks to see the effects, but my focus has increased and my hyperactivity has gone down. It can make your ears ring, raise your blood pressure, and your heart rate for a while, but I have found this is less apparent with a meal. In the beginning, it made me very nauseous, and there was vomiting, but not if you eat with a meal. I take it in the morning. I feel that if you wait, you will eventually become accustomed to the dosage and see results similar to Vyvanse. I take 40 mg a day."

• ADD...
• November 4, 2008

For ADHD "For me, this drug caused headaches every day, nausea and gagging, and dry mouth all the time. I noticed a change in personality - easily agitated, I was 'distant' and lost my 'affectionate side.' My doctor made me come off it slowly before I started Concerta. Coming off it is just as bad."

• Lis...
• June 26, 2019

For ADHD "I tried it for a second time out of desperation because they don’t want to give me Adderall. This medication mellows me out so much I just want to stay in bed all the time. So not worth the nausea. I can read again, which is a plus, but just not worth it. It gives an icky feeling that doesn’t go away. Feels like pregnancy morning sickness. I had to buy a pregnancy test just to be sure. Just say no to this drug."

• jac...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 11, 2023

For ADHD "When I first started taking this medication, it made my head feel like a balloon that was about to pop. It helped my focus and endurance, and my overall drive to do chores/work/exercise. However, as I increased my dose from the doctor's recommendation, I started realizing that you cannot take this on an empty - or even a not completely full stomach. I had to be extremely careful to eat a big breakfast before I took it, and then by maybe 3 hours later, I would have to eat a good meal again or I would feel extremely nauseous and awful. I think it caused me to gain weight because I had to eat so much to avoid that terrible feeling. I've now been off the drug for a few weeks because I don't like how it makes me feel, even if it does help some with motivation and productivity. I've been feeling the symptoms I mentioned about when I first started taking the drug, like weird headaches and trouble sleeping. I personally wouldn't recommend a dose higher than 20-40mg."

• Jil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2024

For ADHD "I have been experiencing periods of nausea, heartburn, lightheadness, and general weakness. Sometimes it feels like my legs are going to collapse. It does not seem to remediate the symptoms of ADHD but I am able to cope with them."

• bug...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2019

For ADHD "Diagnosed with ADHD after researching. After a diagnosis, it's been a roller coaster for me. We went to Ritalin first, it didn't make any changes. Then the doctor put me on Concerta, same as Ritalin, no real positive response, so he has just started me on Strattera 60 mg for the first week, then up to 120 mg. I haven't experienced any negative effects apart from slight nausea, but it usually settles down quickly. I know it's different for everyone, but I can honestly say that even after a week, I have noticed a difference. I have now been on 120 mg for 3 days, and things are going great - less distracting thoughts, able to get work done, and invoices sent out. Looking forward to what the next few weeks bring."

• MFa...
• July 14, 2019

For ADHD "After no luck with stimulants, my psych prescribed Strattera. Started at 40 mg for a week, then moved up to 80 mg. I didn't have any side effects at 40 mg, but 80 mg was awful. First was the unbearable nausea. I started feeling sick an hour or so after my dose and vomited about 1/3 of the time. I was finally able to combat the nausea with high-protein, high-carb, low-sugar breakfasts. About a month in, I realized that I had literally no desire to leave the house. At about 7-8 weeks, it finally kicked in full force, coinciding with my husband being out of town for work. I found myself irritable, sad, and lethargic. He was having a good time on his trip, and it just made me more and more upset. I struggled to not lash out. I felt like a moody teenager again. I did have moments where I felt more 'together' - I feel like I was able to do a better job making myself stay on task when I started to get distracted. But that tiny improvement wasn't worth the emotional and physical side effects."

• Pum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2019

For ADHD "I have felt horrible for weeks, feeling like I'm in the early stages of a disease or disorder. Headaches, joint pain, nausea, constipation, stomach cramps, insomnia, dry mouth, feeling irritated, tired. I've even had eye twitching problems, which I've never had in my life. I get flushed or sweaty. I've woken up with horrible leg cramps, and my toes even feel weird. Never want to take this again."

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

For ADHD "I made the switch from Vyvanse to Strattera about 3 months ago, for no particular reason other than wanting to give a non-stimulant a go. A few hours after my first dose (40 mg), I was hugging the toilet, vomiting. My doctor said nausea is normal and to push through it. 3 months later, I am up to 60 mg. The first hour after I take the pill is still awful. Pounding/racing heart, nausea, and stomach discomfort, scattered thoughts, etc. Some days are better than others, and overall, my mood has improved a little, but nothing noteworthy has happened in regard to my ADHD. I gave this drug an honest go, and it's just not working out. Even after the side effects wear off, I'm still feeling exhausted and unmotivated, and unable to get my thoughts in order. I see what people mean when they say a drug makes them feel like a 'zombie.' I'll be switching back to Vyvanse ASAP."

• Ziz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 29, 2016

For ADHD "Strattera has proved to be quite beneficial for my cognitive performance. It has increased my memory, attention, and organization of thinking. The side effects I've had have been nausea and trouble sleeping, but as I keep taking it, I'm sure it will subside more. I currently take 40 mg and am working up to 80 mg."