Strattera and Dry Mouth: What Users Say

• 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 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2013

For ADHD "I am pretty much in love with Strattera. I am a 19-year-old female and was diagnosed with ADD around 8 months ago. The difference between my life on and off Strattera is huge. When I'm on it, I am so motivated and focused. I have a plan for every day of my life, and though I don't always get everything done on my list for the day, I at least try to be productive and I at least care about getting things done. When I'm not on it, I am a complete blob. I care very little about being productive and have issues even getting out of bed. Like, I will literally stay in bed all day. The only persistent side effect that I've experienced is dry mouth. If I miss a dosage and then take it again, I get super drowsy, but that goes away after a day."

• Mag...
• November 4, 2020

For ADHD "I've been on Strattera for about 2-2.5 months. Started at 40mg dose and am now on 100mg. Whenever I start or increase the dose I get side effect symptoms of bad headaches & heartburn. Dry mouth is pretty bad but I was on Wellbutrin for years and had dry mouth then too so I'm sort of used to it. I've been on my 100mg dose for 5 days and I'm feeling really shaky on it. I have also been quite tired throughout. It's almost like being jet-lagged for 2 months straight. I'm very much looking forward to something different. I have felt zero psych effects. No increased focus, memory, nothing. I think my doc simply wants to ensure we've given it our best shot before moving on to something else since I'm tolerating it ok. I'm 38 yr old female recently diagnosed ADHD inattentive."

• 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."

• min...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 25, 2013

For ADHD "My son, 13, has been taking Strattera for almost a year. Starting from 10mg for a month, 20mg for a month, 30mg for 3 months, 40mg for 6 months, and now 50mg. The only side effect is dry mouth. Everything else is good, he can make friends and focus in class. However, I still think Strattera is not a magic pill. Combining both medication and behavior modification works best for our ADHD children. Lots of love and acceptance are the best remedy."

• 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."

• TXN...
• April 18, 2015

For ADHD "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."

• sof...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2025

For ADHD "The doctor didn't want to give me stimulants, so I was given Wellbutrin 150 mg at first. It made my mouth insanely dry and made me feel extremely tired almost immediately, which made my inattentive ADHD and focus way worse. So I then tried Strattera without expectations, but I'm so impressed at how well it works. I'm an adult and still only on 20 mg per day once in the morning with food, and my focus has improved noticeably. I'm able to study for at least half an hour without any distractions, while previously I'd estimate 10 minutes would be my max. The meds kicked in for me quickly, even on the first day, usually around a max of 30 minutes later. I feel more alert on top of my better ability to focus. The first few days, I had pretty bad constipation and insomnia, but it's been a little over a week now, and those have gone away. Definitely do take Strattera with food, as it'll make you feel nauseous without it. Will continue on 20 mg daily dose for now unless I feel the need to increase the dose."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2020

For ADHD "I have been on Strattera for about 2 1/2 months now, my starting dose was 40 mg. The first few days, I had a burst of energy, then, after that, I felt so tired. My doctor upped my dose to 80 mg. I’m not as tired anymore, but my insomnia is horrible. I have to take a sleeping pill every night, and even with that, I still wake up at 2 am every night, agitated and can’t stop moving. Also, the dry mouth is horrible. I will say I don’t have as much anxiety."

• Uno...
• December 7, 2019

For ADHD "Diagnosed at age 46. Initially placed on a med that works for my son (methylphenidate - short acting 10 mg) 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 40 mg x 1 mo. Side effects: sometimes morning nausea, intermittent dry mouth, mild constipation, took longer to orgasm, irritability. Increased to 60 mg x 2 weeks then was supposed to go on 80 mg. Insurance required a pre-auth, so went off entirely for 1 month (gotta love the US healthcare system!). Now, the last few days took 60 mg a day for 2 days, then 80 mg a day for 2 days. Side effects: extreme nausea 1 hour after taking, but was taking on an 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, I am happy with 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."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2023

For ADHD "After two and a half weeks on medication, my doctor had me on a loading dose before transitioning me to 40 mg. I only began experiencing side effects when I was on the full dose. Initially, I experienced dizziness for an hour after taking the medication. I also felt like a zombie for a couple of days, but that eventually passed. Although I still have a dry mouth, it is not as severe when I take antihistamines. One of the most noticeable changes is that my head space is now often silent, which is a strange feeling. I used to rehearse conversations in my head before talking to anyone, but now I can easily have conversations without any practice. However, I did have a moment of panic when I thought I couldn't communicate with anyone. Despite this, my conversations went smoothly, and I was able to talk without rehearsing any topics. I have always been a natural procrastinator, even with medication, but now I find it easier to do the boring aspects of my work. For the first time in a long time, I don't need to eat a lot of snacks to keep me motivated while working."

• 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."

• Ahh...
• October 27, 2014

For ADHD "This is the start of my third day on this medication. I am on 25 mg once a day. So far, I notice it makes me a little sleepy, gives me a dry mouth, and causes a tingling sensation on my head. Although the benefits so far have been that I passed my quiz for college with 100% and was able to finish multiple tasks yesterday! It's only the third day, so we'll see how it progresses with my body. Age: 21, 110 lbs, F."

• 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."

• Jac...
• May 23, 2014

For ADHD "I was 20 when I started taking Strattera. As far as focusing, yes, I was completely focused and motivated all day! If I was sitting still, I would have to pull out my phone and play a game to keep my mind moving. However, the side effects were absolutely terrible! I was constantly sweating, and if I wasn't sweating, I had chills! I began suffering from insomnia. I have constant dry mouth and headaches. The worst side effect by far was what it did to my menstrual cycle. It gave me an EXTREMELY heavy and very crampy cycle. It also made my very regular cycle completely irregular. The side effects made it not worth it at all."

• des...
• August 7, 2011

For ADHD "I'm a 26-year-old female and have been taking Strattera for 2 weeks for ADD, and I love it. Strattera has been a miracle for me. Before, I would start projects and never finish them, but now I finish them. I'm actually happy instead of being down on myself and staying frustrated all the time. My husband says I smile and laugh a lot more. I am experiencing some of the side effects: dry mouth, chills, weight loss, and I don't eat nearly as much, but I needed to lose weight and ate too much before taking the drug. I just hope this medicine continues to work for me because so far it's awesome."

• Wil...
• August 25, 2017

For ADHD "Started Strattera treatment two months ago, and it has been amazing. I can focus like a normal person (25 years old, 82 kg), without the need of glancing at my phone every two minutes. I could even listen to people and not have the need to interrupt them as always. I had some side effects (dry mouth, if I wake up too fast, I get dizzy, difficulties to pee sometimes, sometimes erections are difficult to keep), but I can live with them since they do not always happen. I can have orgasms like normal, and I sleep like a baby since I take it. Everything went better, but honestly, like every drug for ADHD, it's better to make short pauses to evaluate whether you need to change or suspend the treatment. I really recommend it."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2016

For ADHD "Diagnosed with ADD this year, I initially wanted to go without medications. Being a senior in college, I have deadlines, and I noticed my grades suffering significantly. I decided to give medications a try. My doctor prescribed a 6-week starter pack of Strattera (25-80 mg). I noticed a difference in attentiveness, but after week 4, I felt lethargic, unmotivated, sad, impatient, VERY irritable, and depressed. I didn't go to class, didn't turn in homework, and my grades took a deeper dive in that month. My psychiatrist then prescribed Vyvanse (30 mg). I have been on it for a month, and it helps me stay focused without losing sleep and decreasing my appetite. Best of all, my grades are improving! My worst side effect is dry mouth. Hope this helps(:"

• Swa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2018

For ADHD "Worst experience of my life. I couldn't handle the side effects for a second day. About 1 hour after taking it, I was exhausted, slept for about 2 hours, woke up disoriented, with a killer headache, cotton mouth, and goosebumps. I didn't want to get up or do anything. I had to pee every 20-30 minutes. Felt sad, couldn't sleep well the next day. I had forgotten most of what happened the day before. I told my doctor, and they didn't believe me, but told me they could prescribe me an anti-anxiety medication. I went in for my ADHD, I don't understand her reasoning."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2019

For ADHD "I have been taking Strattera (50 mg) for just under three weeks. I have noticed subtle improvements in focusing and organizing thoughts. The overlapping things to remember in my mind have quieted down. I hope to increase to 80 mg at my four-week mark. These are the side effects I'm experiencing: daily sleepiness, dry mouth (nothing major), runny nose/clear sinuses, and insomnia (until I moved my second dosage to 3 p.m. from 7 p.m.). I really hope the fatigue clears up after a month. That is my biggest concern at the moment. I do not have the appetite suppression, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness that some people have. Also, I take it on an empty stomach. Overall, I'm pleased, but still in the early stages. I would recommend trying Strattera. The generic cost me less than $10 for 30 days."

• Nik...
• February 11, 2019

For ADHD "This drug ruined my life. I took it for five months total. I was only on 25 mg, and it was giving me heart palpitations and panic attacks. If I had anything with caffeine, I thought I would die. When I stopped taking this medication, everything spiraled down. I had terrible anxiety, couldn't sleep, couldn't think straight, and had dry mouth for months. This slowly improved over two and a half years until I felt normal again. But now, after being on other medications like Cipro, my symptoms came back, and I have to start over. I'm sensitive to any mood-altering substance and probably will be for the rest of my life! I used to have goals, but now I struggle to survive. I have a friend who came off it fine, but in my opinion, it's not worth it. Other people I've talked to have had similar reactions. I hope I can do good by offering this advice: don't take Strattera to manage ADHD, even though it seems safe. I live with pain and regret every day and would give anything to go back and change my mind about taking Strattera."

• 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."

• Nic...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 23, 2015

For ADHD "It's the only ADD med that actually works for me. The higher the dose, the clearer I think (male 5'11, 185). However, if my dose is over 40 mg (I've taken as much as 100 mg), then I get erectile dysfunction, penis shrinkage, and dry mouth. Once I lowered my dose to 40 mg, I stopped concentrating as well, but the side effects went away too."

• Luv...
• April 30, 2014

For ADHD "The side effects were terrible. The first day my heart was racing so fast, I had a dry mouth, headache, chills, sweating, and woke up every hour after falling asleep at 10 pm. I usually sleep through the night. The second day of taking Strattera, my eyes were dilated and my husband said my eyes looked weird. I thought I would sleep better since I took the medicine in the morning, but I was wrong. Fell asleep at 10 pm, woke up sweating with a fast pulse... really fast. Woke up every 2 hours. Just terrible. The two days I took it, I had energy to do tasks around the house, but the side effects of not sleeping and my eyes dilating were too much. Plus, my heart rate was all over the place."