r/ADHD • u/Ill_Seaweed4679 • 1d ago

Medication Combination Therapy -- Any success stories augmenting Concerta/Methylphenidate with Strattera (Atomoxetine) for broader symptom coverage?

Hey. I'm just curious to hear if anyone had positive experience with adding Strattera (Atomoxetine) to Concerta or other Methylphenidate formulations in a Combination Therapy approach to address remaining symptoms that aren't sufficiently addressed by a stimulant alone?

  • I've been titrating for around 5 months from Elvanse (30,40,50 within 3 months) -> to Ritalin -> then Concerta 72 mg -- which turned out to be my most optimal formulation and dose with the most balanced inner state and positive effects.
  • I've been experiencing and noticing quite good benefits and improvements on Concerta 72 mg with basically zero side effects -- except my Emotional Dysregulation and Executive Dysfunction have not been addressed sufficiently, but rather slightly improved (Concerta 36 and 54 mg in fact caused more side effects than 72 mg).
  • My doc agreed to try Combo Therapy and augmenting Concerta with Atomoxetine per my initiative. My introductory Atomoxetine titration schedule is: 3 days 10 mg, 5 days 20 mg, 5 days 30 mg.

I'd really appreciate if you shared your experience or feedback about adding Strattera (Atomoxetine) to Concerta:

  1. Dosing increase intervals and schedule?
  2. Any side effects or what to expect and look out for? Tips to avoid side effects?
  3. How long it took for you to feel the improvement? How have your symptoms and quality of life improved vs stimulant alone?
  4. Did you have to lower your Concerta/Stimulant dose after reaching optimal Atomoxetine dosage? Why and when did you or your doc decide to lower Concerta?
  5. Any insights or learnings from taking Concerta+Atomoxetin that might be helpful for

Thanks!

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

1 comment sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator 1d ago

Your body is unique, as are your needs. Just because someone experienced something from treatment or medication does not guarantee that you will as well. Please do not take this as an opportunity to review any substances. Peer support is welcome.

A moderator has not removed your submission; this is not a punitive action. We intend this comment solely to be informative.

  • If you are posting about the US Medication Shortage, please see this post.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.