Misc Atomoxetine- Pros and Cons

[Thanatos]

So like usual I did a search but I couldnt find much describing te subjecting effects of atomoxetine, better known as strattera. I was scripted because I have anti-psychotic induced tremors and a low siezure threshold, but my adult add is debilitating. I am starting my titration period today, working up to 80mgs once a day.

Can someone help me out with the specifics of this compound beyond the generally bad attitude toward it from anecdotal reports and the simple stuff listed on its wiki. It won't be too stimulating will it? I'm ultrasensative to Nor/Epinepherine, so I don't want to have a siezure or deal with tachycardia.

Thoughts, opinions, and most importantly scientific information are more than welcome.

 

[etasu]

I was just asking about this a few days ago, but didn't see much response:
http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/threads/646110-Interested-in-Strattera-Atomoxetine

I have been working on studying this drug. Here are the notes I took from the documents I found. Since I took these notes for myself, I did not keep track of the sources very well, but some googling should find them. I'm not sure when Google implemented this, but I find it helpful to sort search results by the most advanced reading level.

rat study: taking strattera during adolescence seems to improve ADHD impulsiveness FOREVER (for rats, anyway)

Meta-analysis did not find a significant difference in efficacy between methylphenidate and atomoxetine

Correspondingly, the average steady-state plasma concentrations are approximately 10-fold higher in poor metabolisers compared with extensive metabolisers. Upon multiple dosing there is plasma accumulation of atomoxetine in poor metabolisers, but very little accumulation in extensive metabolisers.

Atomoxetine is especially useful for treating ADHD in people with Tourette syndrome or anxiety disorders. Studies have shown that, unlike most ADHD medications, atomoxetine typically does not make these conditions worse.

Taking atomoxetine with fluoxetine can increase the amount of atomoxetine in your blood, possibly leading to increased side effects. (I took this combo in ~2004-07.)

in 2005 (shortly after I started taking it) FDA reported suicidal idealation in teens, similar to SSRIs

it seems like capsules come in up to 100mg, at least at one time.

potential of worsening psychotic symptoms

dehydration increases risk of hypo-tension by this medicine

My personal experience with this drug is good. For most people, Strattera is a safer drug, even if the subjective effects are more obvious. I seem to have a natural tolerance to amphetamines, so Strattera is much more effective, correspondingly, the side effects are subjectively stronger. I also take Vyvanse, Wellbutrin, Guanfacine, and birth control.

URLs for some tabs I have open right now:
https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2671957/
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/crim/2011/952584/
http://books.google.com/books?id=J5...BMB0#v=onepage&q=4-hydroxyatomoxetine&f=false

 

[Thanatos]

Well so far I'm on day 3 of my titration perioid taking 25mgs a day for a week and then moving up, I will eventually be at 80mgs. I haven't noticed any side effects but I also take opioids and benzos. How long will it take for its full potential to be realized? Since I can't feel it, I'm not sure how the higher dose is going to feel/be effective..

 

[ErgicMergic]

It's more of an NRI antidepressant than any sort of RX stimulant. Does your doctor know of your previous meth abuse? Is that why he doesn't wanna script you adderall or dex?

If you're ultrasensitive to NE, then you don't need any NRI or Adderall (L-amp works on NE). You need something that works on Dopamine selectively, like Dexedrine (1:1 DA:NE ratio, while Adderall is 1:5 DA:NE) or Desoxyn (don't abuse d-meth, it's the same as glass in high doses).

If you can't handle NRI/NE releasers like ephedrine (works on DA, too, just primarily NE), caffeine (indirect NE release), therapeutic-dose DXM, etc., then you have no business taking any sort of NRI.

 

[Thanatos]

I'm actually ultra sensitive to Norepinepherine... She prescribed it to me because I have EPS- tardive dyskenisia like symptoms and stimulants make it much worse. That is why I do not like levo-enantomer stimulants, too much peripheral side effects. She thought it would be best to try a less stimulating medication before going back to amphetamine. I have been prescribed to stimulants for a long time, she just wants to try something new.

And no Im not a meth user. Sure I've gone on my fair share of binges, but never felt like I was addicted. I actually don't really enjoy meth, it makes me feel very stupid and like I'm wearing a retard helmet.. Lol