At what time should you take Strattera? (3+ tips)

In this article, we will answer the question, “At what time should you take Strattera?”. We will discuss various tips to help you adjust the timing of your medication and what to do if you wish to change the timing at which you take Strattera.

At what time should you take Strattera?

Strattera can be taken either in the morning or at night. You can take it at any time during the day. This medication is usually prescribed as once daily or twice-daily dosing.

Sometimes the side effects of Strattera can be managed if you change the time of the medication. Some common side effects of Strattera like insomnia, sexual side effects, loss of appetite and fatigue can be managed if the timing of Strattera intake is changed.

Strattera (also known as atomoxetine), is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor approved by the FDA for the management and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (1).

It is important to adjust the timing of Strattera and have a schedule for taking your medications. You should try to take Strattera at the same time each day for maximum benefit and to avoid side effects. If you have been prescribed a twice-daily dosing of Strattera, you should take one dose in the early morning and the other dose in the evening.

How to adjust the timing of Strattera?

Keep in mind that you can adjust the timings of Strattera to the routine that best suits you and has the least number of side effects. You can also change the timing if a side effect is causing discomfort.

Some side effects that can be managed effectively by adjusting the timing of your medication are as follows:

Side effects Time to take the medicine
Insomnia Take Strattera in the morning
Fatigue Take Strattera at night
Sexual disturbances Take  Strattera in the morning
Loss of appetite Take Strattera at night

Keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to different medications and not all individuals will see an improvement in the side effects experienced. However, if your symptoms are not tolerable or cause excessive discomfort, you should immediately seek medical attention.

What tips can help in adjusting the time of Strattera?

The following tips can help you adjust the timings of your medication according to your needs:

Consider personal factors and your daily routine

The first and foremost thing you should consider is personal factors and your daily routine. Sometimes dietary and lifestyle factors can influence the timings of your medications. For example, if a medication has to be taken with food, its intake should be aligned with your meal times.

Discuss with your doctor

Another thing to consider is how will the time change affect the condition for which it has been prescribed. For this reason, communication with your healthcare provider is essential. Your doctor will evaluate your situation and tell you what time can best help your condition.

Sometimes you might be prescribed more than one medication, such as Celexa, Zoloft, Luvox or Effexor, to help with the symptoms accompanying ADHD, and these medications may be required to be taken at a specific time. In this case, Strattera and other medications may need spacing between doses and proper time adjustment.

Pay attention to potential side effects

Potential side effects can also cause you to change the timings of your medication. Sometimes some side effects may be more prominent at a specific time of the day. These side effects can be managed by changing the timing of Strattera.

How can you modify the time of taking Strattera?

If you feel that the time at which you currently take Strattera does not suit your routine or causes extra side effects you should talk to your healthcare provider. The most common way of adjusting your timing is to skip a dose and take it at your desired time.

For example, if you want to take Strattera in the morning, you can skip the nighttime dose and take it in the morning instead, after which you can continue the morning routine of your medication. The same steps can be taken if you want to switch from morning to nighttime.

However, it is advised to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance because for all individuals receiving Strattera, the changing of timings of the dose may not be that simple.

Finding the right timing for taking Strattera

In my experience and according to the guidelines available, you can take Strattera at any time of the day but it is necessary to stick to the same routine. You should be taking the medication at the same time each day.

Also, you should never change the timings of your medication intake without consulting your healthcare provider. Your doctor will assess your situation and recommend the best timing schedule for your medication.

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References

1.-

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. STRATTERA® (atomoxetine hydrochloride) CAPSULES for Oral Use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021411s035lbl.pdf 

2.-

Fedder D, Patel H, Saadabadi A. Atomoxetine. [Updated 2023 Mar 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493234/

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