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Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Original poster

Atomoxetine/ Strattera

38 replies

Pantoufle23 · 06/02/2022 14:46

Keen to hear from those who’ve tried or use this for adhd? Running out of options 😔. Thanks

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Original poster
Pantoufle23 · 23/02/2022 14:36

Thanks for the info. I hope it subsides. Does you Dd have anxiety? Has it helped ?

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Localher0 · 23/02/2022 10:58

The main side effect from atomoxetine seems to be tiredness. So DD has slept a lot since she started it although that is improving a bit now. Psychiatrist explained that the ADHD also causes chronic sleep deprivation so sometimes people sleep a lot when they first go on it and it helps to make up for the sleep deficit......

Original poster
Pantoufle23 · 23/02/2022 08:05

Hi there and glad to hear your Dd is having some success . We are having a last ditch trial with Concerta as it isn’t likely atomoxetine would help before GCSEs but may still have to give up because of anxiety/heart rate side effects. Or move across to atomoxetine after gcse. Glad to hear no major side effects. Does it affect hear rate at all?

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Localher0 · 22/02/2022 16:13

My daughter was on elvanse but it triggered a massive crash and suicidal thoughts so she had to come off it. Our GP put her on sertraline while we found a new psychiatrist (long story ....). New Psych is wonderful and started her on atomoxetine in Nov last year, increase the dosage over Xmas /NY as she was tolerating it well. About 3 weeks ago DD reported that she feels it has started to work (yay!). So that is 3 months we had to wait but it's much more tolerable than elvanse.

Manchestertimes · 12/02/2022 13:01

Best of luck Pantoufle really hope the atomoxetine helps. Will let you know how we get on x

Original poster
Pantoufle23 · 12/02/2022 11:40

Thanks 😔. Elvanse made Dd depressed/flat but less anxious. Concerta less depressed but more anxious and so far no help with focus. Short acting had a positive effect for about 30mins - 1hr then bad crash. All have had bad effect on heart rate. Intuniv we lasted 2 days as she was totally shut down. Atomoxetine left but of course you have to give it weeks too work, assuming no severe side effects.
I hope the short acting helps your DD. Keep me posted? Or pm if easier x

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Manchestertimes · 12/02/2022 11:27

Concerta had the worst effect on her. Only lasted 3 weeks and then stopped - it was only a low dose as well. She felt really flat and although she could focus felt like it took away her personality and felt like she couldn't speak to anyone - she also became very argumentative. Elvanse had a similar effect but not as bad. Medekinet was probably the best in terms how it made her feel but didn't so that much for her focus.

Original poster
Pantoufle23 · 12/02/2022 11:13

Can I ask how long you lasted on concerta? We have just gone up to 36 but her anxiety is def getting worse🤦‍♀️. She couldn’t cope with short acting either though and it didn’t do anything til we got to the equivalent of 54 concerta. If this carries on it will be our last dose increase.

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Manchestertimes · 12/02/2022 02:03

Dr said to try it if stimulants don't work but didn't say anything else to be honest. Hope things work out for your daughter

Original poster
Pantoufle23 · 11/02/2022 07:14

Hope it helps. What were doctor’s views re amoxetine?

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Manchestertimes · 11/02/2022 01:11

Spoke to doctor today and we are trying a low dose of short acting Methylphenidate so 2 doses a day. She didn't have any medication for the last 2 days and has been so happy in herself but totally unable to focus! If this doesn't work we will have to try Straterra

Original poster
Pantoufle23 · 11/02/2022 00:04

Hi there and so sorry to hear Elvanse not worked out either. It had a similar effect on Dd. We are still on concerta but anxiety and heart rate up. Atomoxetine only option left as we also tried Intuniv. However I gather it can take 2-3 months if it works ! So hard 😔.

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Manchestertimes · 10/02/2022 01:28

Hi, spoke to you on a previous thread. My daughter has been on medikinet, concerts and now elvanse. None have worked. In fact concerta and Elvance has made her feel really down. She feels like she has lost her personality. Have a doctor appointment so was thinking about discussing atomoxetine. How is your daughter getting on?