From the Research
Discontinuing atomoxetine (Strattera) for 3 days is unlikely to have a significant negative effect, as studies have shown that atomoxetine discontinuation is well tolerated and does not result in symptom rebound or discontinuation-emergent adverse effects. Atomoxetine has a half-life of approximately 5-24 hours, meaning that after 3 days, the medication will have largely cleared from your system, which may lead to a return of ADHD symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, and hyperactivity 1. However, the incidence of discontinuation-emergent adverse events is low, and there are no statistically significant differences between patients abruptly discontinuing from atomoxetine and those continuing on placebo 1. Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, mood swings, fatigue, or headaches, but these are generally mild and transient. If you need to restart atomoxetine after a brief interruption, you can typically resume your previous dose rather than titrating up again, but it's best to consult your healthcare provider first 1. The medication works by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain, and when stopped suddenly, your brain chemistry needs time to readjust. Key points to consider include:
- Atomoxetine discontinuation is well tolerated and does not result in symptom rebound or discontinuation-emergent adverse effects 1
- The incidence of discontinuation-emergent adverse events is low 1
- Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, mood swings, fatigue, or headaches 1
- If you need to restart atomoxetine after a brief interruption, you can typically resume your previous dose rather than titrating up again, but consult your healthcare provider first 1
- Atomoxetine is effective and generally well tolerated for the acute and long-term treatment of ADHD in children and adults 2, 3, 4, 5