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Getting high on Strattera is not a common practice. Still, some reports its illegal recreational use and state that its properties are similar to stimulant medication. However, that doesn’t mean that a Strattera high is the same as with stimulant medications, or even possible. Here is what users should know about Strattera recreational use.
Learn About Strattera High:
Can Strattera Get One High?
When it comes to the question of the existence of the atomoxetine high, there are two perspectives to consider: that of researchers, and that of actual users.
According to research, atomoxetine HCL does not produce a high. In fact, it is generally concluded that the drug has little to no abuse potential. As such, there is little concern from the government or healthcare providers about Strattera recreational use.
However, some users contend that among the side effects of Strattera is a type of high. This is typically described as being similar to the sensation that is produced by using marijuana. Users report that this effect is only felt with Strattera dosing greater than recommended one or as a result of abusing the drug.
Many argue that these users are not actually experiencing Strattera euphoria. As to what would explain the sensations they believe they are feeling, it could be contributed to any number of factors:
- The patient might be combining medications that come together to create extreme relaxation.
- It is also possible they do not understand the atomoxetine drug class and think it is like other ADHD medications, which are easily abused. While traditional ADHD medications can flood the brain with dopamine, causing a high, atomoxetine only bloods the brain with norepinephrine, which does not cause a sense of euphoria.
Can One Snort Strattera?
While it is established that getting euphoric effects on atomoxetine is difficult, if not impossible, that does not mean that people will not try. In many cases, this means looking into alternative methods of ingestion in the hope that it will force a high that cannot be felt when taking it by mouth. As such, some people might try snorting Strattera.
Snorting is not a viable method. The medication is not designed for the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses and can cause significant damage. It also raises the risk of overdosing on the medication, which can lead to death. Getting high on any drug is against the law, as well as poses severe health hazards. That’s why users should never opt to snort Strattera.
Can One Inject Strattera?
Another method people often use to get high off prescription medications is injecting them. While this requires manipulating the medication, this does not always stop people from trying. However, a Strattera high will not occur when the medication is injected.
In fact, the only thing a user can expect from taking atomoxetine this way is pain and sickness. It can even lead to death. Chasing atomoxetine high is dangerous under any circumstances, but it is even riskier when injecting the drug.
Why Trying To Get High On Strattera Is Dangerous
Any time someone tries to get euphoric effects on a drug, there is significant danger involved. With atomoxetine, the risks are amplified for a few reasons. First, there is the fact that atomoxetine doesn’t produce a high in general, and certainly not at safe dosages. This means anyone trying to get high on it will end up taking more than they should, risking an overdose and increasing the negative effects of the drug. Even if the medication did produce euphoric effects in some cases, it would not be worth the potential negative effects.
Second, since it does not produce a notable high on its own, users will feel tempted to mix it with other substances. Many drugs and other substances of abuse interact with atomoxetine in hazardous ways. In some cases, they can produce a deadly interaction.
If someone is thinking about Strattera recreational use, they need to understand what the risks are. Ultimately, no potential atomoxetine high is worth the subsequent effects, which include:
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Extreme fatigue
- Sexual dysfunction
- Organ damage
- Coma
- Death
The most frequent cases of mixing atomoxetine with other substances include Strattera interaction with cannabis, mushrooms, Valium, Lexapro, Bupropion, Adderall, and Remeron. Despite the temporary high effects, the after-effects are not pleasant at all. Specifically, users on forums report that Strattera abuse with cannabis results in increased anxiety, uncontrolled body temperature changes, excessive sweating, and unusual nauseousness.
The multi-substance abuse results in much more severe consequences such as mania, bipolar manic episodes, paranoia, and emotional instability.
When Strattera Misuse Goes Worse
Anyone who is attempting to get high on Strattera needs to seek help. In addition to the dangers of abusing the drug, the compulsion to recreationally use any substance is a sign of an underlying condition. Drug rehab facilities offer help to people who need to stay clean. Recovery is not an easy process, but with the right drug addiction treatment, patients will get a long-lasting result.
Page Sources
- Questions & Answers: Is Strattera dangerous? Harvard Health Publishing. 2014. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Questions_andamp_Answers_Is_Strattera_dangerous.
- Upadhyaya HP, Desaiah D, Schuh KJ, et al. A review of the abuse potential assessment of atomoxetine: a nonstimulant medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2013; 226(2): 189–200. doi:10.1007/s00213-013-2986-z. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579642/.
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