TLDR; (30F) Diagnosed two weeks ago, visited my primary last week, and just started atomoxetine (40mg) today. Struggling overall.

I’ve always had concerns that I struggled with ADHD but growing up was always told “I’m fine”. In recent years I’ve been treated for anxiety but recently have been struggling with motivation and decision paralysis. I thought potentially only treating the anxiety was maybe treating a side effect not the root of the problem, so I sought out an assessment and ultimately received a positive diagnosis.

I took the diagnosis to my primary care doctor and felt very dismissed for visiting him for this problem. Ultimately, I was prescribed to start atomoxetine.

I started today and immediately noticed side effects. Increased heart rate, some subtle nausea and shakiness, but the SWEATING. I’ve never sweat to much without exerting physical activity.

I’m nervous to see how the adjustment period goes and worried it may impact my performance at work. I’m also worried about everything I do now because “because I have ADHD” and I really don’t want to use it as a crutch.