u/Different-Box-6265

Hello
I’m on atomoxetine.
My only uncomfortable side effects have been sleep issues (it’s getting better now) and excessive sweating. I think today is the hottest day of the year so far where I am so that will be fun!

I’ve been taking it for 8 weeks in total. Titration was fast. I’m now on 80mg. I was given 100mg for 1 week but because I didn’t notice any specific improvement after a week they moved me back down to 80. Anyway, that’s where we are. I’m on 80mg.

I have noticed massive improvement in my anxiety - I used to overthink, worry constantly (I’d find something to worry about even when there wasn’t anything!). My brain feels less busy, less cluttered- like there’s actually space in my head - it’s hard to describe. I would be awake through the night panicking, inventing worst case scenarios etc. I’ve had a few issues with sleep on this medication but it isn’t stress or worry keeping me awake anymore.

I think I’m less impulsive. It was tricky to notice that but then I realised I don’t reach for a glass of wine after work anymore. In fact, I have only had alcohol 4 times in as many months and never to excess. But I’ve always been quite good at breaking habits so I’m not sure if that’s related to adhd impulsivity. Like years ago when I gave up smoking, I literally just decided I was going to stop and did with no issues.

It hasn’t helped at all with getting tasks done. Well, certainly not initiating things and I’m still a bit last minute with stuff. Eg workmen coming today, house is a mess. Instead of being prepared in advance I spent an hour before work trying to make the house look half presentable. And I still have loads of half finished craft projects I am not motivated to finish. But sadly I haven’t wanted to start any either. I used to be quite enthusiastic about starting something new even tho I rarely finished it but now I just can’t really be bothered.

My slight concern is that now I’m on my final dosage (I’ve finished titration and been discharged back to gp) that I’m going to get bored. It’s kept me a bit busy…changing doses, monitoring bp, waiting for improvements etc etc.

It’s only been 8 weeks - should I expect further improvements or do people think this is it now? I’m not complaining - my mental health is tons better but I just expected maybe something more and I’m worried I will just get used to 80mg and then the positive effects will start to wear off.

I’m in titration. I have just started week 4. I was upped to 80mg on week 3 and am sweating profusely, from everywhere it would seem. Will this subside? There’s a heatwave and I’m in the South of England. I’m not sure if it’s the meds or the heatwave. If it is the meds does anyone know if this is temporary? I’m supposed to go up to 100mg later this week……. I don’t know if that will make it worse (it feels like it couldn’t get worse!).

No other side effects.

Asking on behalf of a friend who isn’t on here……….if you are lucky enough to keep your job and not be made redundant what will happen to your years of service once the NHSE merger with DH takes place? Eg you get to DH and all is going well but a year or two down the line DH have to make redundancies (not impossible,I guess). Would your past years of service in NHS count towards your redundancy payout or does it get wiped and will be based on DH length of service only? Anyone know?
Thanks :)

No specific queries in this post - just documenting that, as both medikinet xl and elvanse proved unsuitable for me, I have started taking Atomoxetine this morning. Titration dosages will be as follows:-

Week 1 = 40mg
Week 2 = 60mg
Weeks 3 and 4 = 80mg

I believe I shouldn’t expect any positive improvements for at least 6 weeks though may suffer side effects on the journey there. Hoping they will be manageable if I do have any issues!

Anyone got any experiences to share in relation to atomoxetine titration?

It’s a bit hit and miss titrating adhd meds, that’s for sure. Hoping for a hit with this medication :)

So, I don’t think I’ve ever actually ‘liked’ any job I’ve had. I’m in admin but have worked in a variety of organisations, public sector, private sector. The only thing I’ve really liked about jobs have been the people I work with but that’s not in all jobs, that’s for sure. I have adhd so I flit between roles - maybe a couple of years in each role. But sometimes 8 years in an organisation moving between jobs. I’m too old to train for anything so will always be admin based. Hard to get excited about scheduling meetings, writing reports, preparing slides etc etc. I’m in my 40’s so a bit late for a massive career change and I’m reliant on my salary so can’t give up and go back to the drawing board.

I see people saying ‘I love my job’ ‘I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t work’ and these people don’t seem to have amazing careers, often just people doing admin, like me.

Just wondering how many people like their job, what do you do and what is it specifically that you enjoy about it?

I had medikinet for 2 weeks. Had to stop. Then a gap for 3 days. Then elvanse for 8 days (the last 3 on 50mg). Stopped 2 days ago because they just made me feel quite manic. Yesterday and today i feel really really anxious and overthinking massively. The medications weren’t in my system that long so I don’t get why I suddenly feel so bad. My anxiety had actually been quite stable for a few months before I started titration.

I wonder if it is just a coincidence or if the medications have caused this temporarily. Anyone experienced similar? I know we are all different and we aren’t drs but I personally find other people’s experiences quite helpful.

I am in uk and titrating adhd meds. NHS rtc via Psychiatry UK.

1st line was medinkinet XL. Week 1 was 10mg daily. No issues other than the anticipated headaches. Week 2 was 20mg daily. By third day of week 2 I was experiencing really hot red itchy and sore toes, some toes affected more than others. This came on in the evenings and remained overnight. I was starting to enjoy the medication and felt it was going to suit me. PUK advised to stop which I did for 3 days and my toes returned to normal.

They are now prescribing Elvanse and I am awaiting delivery. I’ve done a bit of research and I’m a little concerned that side effects from Elvanse may affect my mood. I’m f 55, post menopause.

Has anyone here switched from a methylphenidate to Elvanse and had success? Also I’m aware I could have same reaction to all stimulants. Anyone else had similar experience?