# Atomoxetine (Strattera)

8 Hacker News commenters recommended Atomoxetine (Strattera) and 3 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 4 of 13 months.

**Verdict:** Recommended for improving working memory and task focus in ADHD, as a non-stimulant option. Common caveat: it doesn't work for everyone, and some report irritability.

## Why people recommend it

- Strong personal results (3 comments): "The game changer for me was atomoxetine." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46612618)) "Atomoxetine has been a god send for me." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49472891)) "Atomoxetine works for me." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46614485))
- Improves working memory and task performance (2 comments): "By day 3 I could see a huge improvement in my working memory and ability to perform tasks." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46812570)) "while it has not brought me back to that zen head space it brings me close enough" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46812890))

## What people warn about

- Ineffective for some people (3 comments): "It didn't do shit for my ADHD or depression." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49476166)) "but it's not very effective" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47473316)) "while it has not brought me back to that zen head space it brings me close enough" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46812890))

## Alternatives hackers recommend

- [Adderall](https://hackerapproved.com/p/adderall.md): 38 recommend
- [Ritalin](https://hackerapproved.com/p/ritalin.md): 18 recommend
- [Vyvanse](https://hackerapproved.com/p/vyvanse.md): 13 recommend
- [Methylphenidate](https://hackerapproved.com/p/methylphenidate.md): 10 recommend
- [Concerta](https://hackerapproved.com/p/concerta.md): 9 recommend

## Cite as

Hacker Approved, "Atomoxetine (Strattera)", https://hackerapproved.com/p/atomoxetine/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).