Began Strattera 2 days ago and I want to share my experience and receive your input. I just copied and pasted my notes. Did anyone have a similar experience, and how are you now, if you can relate?
Began taking on 5/14/26. Ordered 25 mg daily for one week, followed by 50 mg daily. Took the first dose around 11:00 a.m. I felt effects approximately 30 minutes after intake. I felt calmer, and the world looked reminiscent of the past when I was more joyful. My anxiety decreased.
After approximately three hours, I felt my calmness slowly diminish in waves. It felt similar to an Adderall crash, but much less intense. I felt this way for the remainder of the evening. When I went to sleep, I woke up several times, each time questioning whether I had actually been asleep yet. I’m fairly certain that I layed there thinking I was never going to fall asleep based on how I was feeling, but I likely fell asleep fairly quickly. It was difficult to tell.
I caught a call at 0330 and woke up feeling horribly anxious with a skin-crawling sensation. I took another dose and again felt effects approximately 30 minutes later, with increased calmness and a reduction in the previously noted feeling. I felt decent for the rest of the day, though still somewhat anxious, with waves of feeling like, “This medication might be the one,” followed by, “Oh no, it won’t work either.”
Around 1600, I took another dose and felt better, though at times the feeling was intense and came with nervous energy. I think this was because I needed to entertain myself or stay occupied with a task, but I decided to rest in preparation for my 24-hour shift the next day (5/17). I’m hopeful that, over time, this medication will work well for me.
I am having side effects including headaches, (more tension-like, like typically felt in the neck and shoulders but in my head), mild nausea, upset stomach with mild turning/cramping sensations, and odd bowel movements. I suddenly feel the need to defecate, though stool consistency is normal, which is unusual for me since I am typically constipated. I also have a decreased appetite due to nausea and stomach issues.
Additionally, my urinary stream is weak. It is difficult to initiate urination, and when I do urinate, it feels as though I am not urinating even when I am. Once finished, it does not feel like my bladder is empty, though I cannot void any further. I am also having intermittent moments of euphoria.