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Nervousness, Sweating More Than Usual And Cannot Sit Still. Taking Axepta For Stress. Any Hints?

Posted on Mon, 24 Sep 2012

Question: Hello,

My Girlfriend (29 yrs) is taking Axepta-10 because she said that this would make her smarter and stress resistant. She's taking this now since 5 days as far as I know and she confirms the above described. Actually her behavoir is changing as well. She's permanently nervous, sweating more than usual and she cannot sit still. I am really concerned about these pills. Can anyone give me some hints?

Thanks a lot!

Answered by Dr. Susanta Padhy (7 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for the question.

The concern you describe is genuine.

Usually with the starting of Axepta or with increasing the dose of Axepta, the symptoms of restlessness, anxious, nervousness are common.

But they disappear gradually as body gets adjusted to it and this period is usually for 1-2 weeks.

This occurs because of stimulating effect of the drug which in turn is because of effect on brain norepinephrine.

If the problem is severe and intolerable, one can decrease the dose (to 5 mg in your case) further and then, take it for few days, and, then, increase to 10 mg.

I assume she is taking this medicine under the supervision of her treating physician. Make sure she does that. Self-medication is XXXXXXX

However, this symptom will not be permanent.

Hope this gives some light to your issues. I am available for further discussion.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Susanta Padhy (29 hours later)

Thanks for the answer. This helps already a lot.

Actually her best frind is a pharmacist and thats where she got the pills from. I am not really sure if this is legal or not. My main concern is the reason why she's taking the pills. As I mentioned above, she's doing this because she thinks her brain is working better!! Her brain capability is already far over and above average without any pills. It's because of her new job I guess...however. You used the word "Drug" above and this means to me that her way is not a good way and I will try to stop her from doing this.

I would be happy to hear from you if you have something to add to the above.

Again, thanks a lot for your response.

Regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Susanta Padhy (6 hours later)

Thanks XXXXXXX for coming back

I meant "drug" as medicine, not for illicit drugs like cocaine, cannabis, etc.

Axepta contains atomoxetine which usually helpful for inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity; as in a case of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

The "dependence" or "addiction" potential of this medicine is very negligible compared to other medicines, like methylphenidate that are used in similar conditions.

If you think that she is going through some stress, you can make her sit and talk to her.

If you suspect that she is perhaps taking other "illicit substances" as mentioned before, then the management line will be different.

Hope this will add to further clarification

I will be happy to discuss further. Please close this discussion if you have no further. Any reviews will be appreciated.

Good luck to her!!

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad