How Does Strattera Help With Anxiety?

Strattera contains the active ingredient atomoxetine and belongs to the class of drugs, selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs). 

Strattera works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine plays a role in attention, stress response, and emotion regulation. By enhancing norepinephrine availability, Strattera helps brain chemicals (norepinephrine, serotonin) be available for a long period on the brain cells, which helps improve sleep cycle, reduce stress, and anxiety. 

What Symptoms Does Strattera Help With?

Although Strattera does not directly treat disorders like anxiety, it can control symptoms that contribute to anxiety induction, because many people who experience ADHD may also struggle with emotional dysregulation, chronic stress, and deficits in executive functioning. 

Strattera helps with symptoms such as:

1. Impulsivity
2. Trouble following instructions
3. Inner restlessness
4. Feeling mentally on edge
5. Emotional overreactions.

5 Benefits of Strattera for Anxiety

1. Strattera is not a controlled substance
2. Strattera does not cause dependence
3. May help reduce ADHD-related anxiety
4. Some people may not tolerate stimulant medications, and their anxiety symptoms may worsen. Non-stimulant medications such as Strattera may help reduce anxiety symptoms effectively
5. Strattera has the active ingredient atomoxetine hydrochloride, which helps to reduce anxiety symptoms with ADHD.

When Strattera May Not Help With Anxiety

Strattera may not be useful and worsen anxiety symptoms if:

1. Anxiety is the primary concern
2. Acute or severe anxiety that needs fast anxiety relief
3. When anxiety is without an ADHD condition

In these cases, licensed healthcare providers may recommend therapy, lifestyle changes, and anti-anxiety medication treatment.

9 Common Side Effects of Strattera When Used for Anxiety

Strattera is used to help with ADHD with co-existing anxiety symptoms. Side effects of Strattera when used for anxiety may include:

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Nervousness or jitteriness 
4. Irritability
5. Racing thoughts
6. Dry mouth
7. Insomnia or trouble sleeping
8. Constipation
9. Sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction 

Serious side effects of Strattera

Serious and adverse effects of Strattera may include:

1. Increased risk of suicidal ideation
2. Liver toxicity
3. Cardiac issues
4. Severe allergic reactions
5. Urinary retention
6. Mania or hypomania (especially people with bipolar disorder)
7. Priapism (painful, prolonged erection) is rare but serious

Patients should be monitored closely. If side effects persist or worsen, you can report them at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

Who Might Be a Good Candidate for Strattera

1. Have ADHD and co-existing anxiety
2. Can not tolerate stimulant medications and prefer non-stimulant medication
3. Have ADHD and a history of substance use disorder

It is essential to consult your doctor first before starting Stattera.

Is Strattera the Right Option for Anxiety?

There is no guarantee that Strattera helps with anxiety, but research suggests it is safe for people with ADHD and anxiety.

For mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, antidepressants (SSRI or SNRI) are considered first-line treatment. For ADHD with co-existing anxiety, your healthcare provider may prescribe Strattera. What works for one person may not be suitable for others. 

It is essential to consult a psychiatrist who can evaluate symptoms, make an accurate diagnosis (ADHD, anxiety, or both), and determine if Strattera is appropriate based on your individual needs.