Non-stimulant ADHD medication (selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor)

Strattera (atomoxetine) Withdrawal

Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant, non-controlled ADHD medication. It does not produce the dependence or "crash" associated with stimulants, and abrupt discontinuation is generally well tolerated. The main thing patients notice is the return of ADHD symptoms; some report transient fatigue or mood changes.

By Dr. Ben Soffer, DO — board-certified physician, at-home ketamine therapy in Florida and New Jersey.

Half-life

~5 hours in normal metabolizers, up to ~24 hours in poor CYP2D6 metabolizers.

Withdrawal timeline

Onset— Days 1-3

Because atomoxetine takes weeks to reach full effect, stopping it produces a gradual return of ADHD symptoms rather than an acute syndrome.

Peak— Week 1-2

Return of inattention and, for some, mild fatigue or irritability.

Resolution— 1-2 weeks

Any transient symptoms usually settle within a couple of weeks; ADHD symptoms persist as the baseline condition.

Common symptoms

  • Return of ADHD symptoms (inattention, restlessness)
  • Mild fatigue
  • Irritability

Less common

  • Sleep changes
  • Low mood
  • Headache

Tapering guidance

  • Atomoxetine can often be stopped without a strict taper, but a brief step-down is reasonable after long-term use and lets you watch for symptom return.
  • Coordinate with the prescribing physician, especially if it was prescribed for comorbid anxiety.

Where ketamine therapy fits

Ketamine therapy does not treat atomoxetine discontinuation, which is mild. Where it can be relevant is the depression or anxiety that frequently coexists with ADHD. See our [ketamine for ADHD](/blog/ketamine-for-adhd) post for the fuller picture. Coordinate with the prescribing physician.

Check ketamine therapy eligibilityMedication safety with ketamine

Frequently asked questions

Does Strattera cause withdrawal?

Not in the way controlled stimulants do. Atomoxetine is non-controlled and not habit-forming. Stopping it mainly brings back ADHD symptoms, sometimes with brief fatigue or irritability.

Can I stop Strattera suddenly?

It is generally tolerated, but a short step-down after long-term use is reasonable and lets you and your prescriber watch for symptom return.

Is Strattera compatible with ketamine therapy?

Generally yes, with coordination. They work through different systems and there is no required washout.

Important: This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation to start, stop, or change any medication. Tapering psychiatric medications should always be coordinated with the prescribing physician. Compounded ketamine for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain is not FDA approved.

Browse all medication withdrawal guides.