I started taking atomoxetine (generic Strattera, fun fact Lilly no longer makes brand name Strattera because generics ate their lunch) two weeks ago. I had a good chunk of side effects for the first week or so (nausea, upset stomach, drowsiness, dry mouth, waking up 2-3 hours early, and weird random chills/goosebumps even when I was warm). Most of those have moderated or gone away (I’m way less drowsy, I sleep more fully through the night, and the chills went away). Protein shakes when I take my dose helps the nausea/upset stomach usually as well.

I had a bit of brain fog the first week or so, but the past two days or so has been so much different. I can focus on work way more easily, and notice when I’m getting distracted and it’s way easier to pull myself back into the task at hand. It’s not perfect, and I expect my doctor to up my dose from 40 to 80 mg when I talk to him after Christmas (at which point I expect to get the side effects all over again), but the 30-50% better already is huge.

My doctor wanted me to try atomoxetine before any stimulants because of a minor pre-existing arrhythmia, and truthfully it’s a lot easier for me since my job has random drug testing and even with a script it’s a huge hassle if I’m on anything controlled.