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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by oops...trythatbutton on April 11, 2003, at 1:57:30
In reply to Please keep the Strattera updates coming! (nm), posted by Hattree on April 10, 2003, at 13:51:40
First, I hope I didn't stop the Straterra posting traffic. Being my first posting, I was the last posting of the day at 5:30 on this topic. It felt like I said something wrong. I have been reading only, sort of like " outside, looking in" ...actually, re-reading the posting, I realized that I was not making much sense.
My Straterra History:
I started taking 40mg of Straterra in the second week of February for my ADHD. The first 2 days I was a bit out of it....loss of appetite(like nothing), dry mouth, lighthead-ness. The next several days were excellent, I was completing tasks/projects at home and work. I finished things that I started instead of getting sidetrack and off doing something-else. I stopped daydreaming in the middle of normal conversation. I was losing weight...yea!! Then about the 8th/9th day, I noticed that I had stop doing any of my million hobbies, clothes weren't washed ...things were starting to get neglected. I felt...I really didn't feel, I just didn't care and I stopped losing weight. My "something's wrong" control in my head kicked in (about day 13). Called my doc. I was told to stopped the 40mg. With determination, we restarted me with 18mg, thinking that 40mg starting was too much for me. Took the 18mg for about 2 and a half weeks. Everything was going good (still had the dry mouth) but it felt like it was wearing off by afternoon. I started on 25mg after that. I have been on 25mg for almost a month now. I take 25mg of Straterra at 6am when I wake up.Presently:
Like clockwork, I wake up about this time (about 12:30 to 1). Boom, wide awake. This started happening this pass week. I hope it goes away. I do notice that it last towards the evening (but not quite...my impulse shopping/spending kicks in among other things). With a stressful day at work, the Starterra feels like it last maybe to a bit after noon then I notice some of my "habits" creeping back. I am thinking about asking for two 10mg a day, one in the morning and one for mid afternoon. I notice I get grumpy when my blood sugar gets low, different from my past "really hostile crankness" when this happens. Also occasionally, I just get the munchie and just want to eat.Hope everyone is doing well on their Starterra.
Posted by blondegirl47 on April 11, 2003, at 7:32:42
In reply to Strattera update, posted by oops...trythatbutton on April 11, 2003, at 1:57:30
Hi, oops...trythatbutton, I am on 60 mg of strettera. Come to think of it, I did feel better when I was on 18mg. I am having trouble focusing on things I need to do at work. Maybe I will call my pdoc today. The thing I like about it is that I sleep like a rock for about 4 or 5 hours. I wake once or twice, but I am used to that. I have the hungry's too, but I am battling that. I also noticed I have the shakes more.
Duty calls, later.
Posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 8:17:42
In reply to Re: thanks/new comment » Lexxey, posted by PuraVida on April 10, 2003, at 17:24:38
I take Strattera cuz I've been ADHD for 59 years...pretty good reason, right?
I just want it to work....but after reading a whole bunch of articles on how it works compared to Ritalin that I copied to a word file and printed [cuz the print was too small for an old lady], I may be dissappointed that it doesn't help motor control like Ritalin does.
Apparently Ritalin has a greater affect on the dopamine and that helps motor control. I've been spastic all my life and get tired of running into things and dropping stuff all the time.
Posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 8:25:39
In reply to Re: Strattera update/Impatient!, posted by oops...trythatbutton on April 10, 2003, at 17:33:28
I feel fine ...I just don't feel any relief of the ADHD symptoms. If I go to a lower dose it will just take longer to get to the point where an effective dose will occur.
This stuff doesn't really do anything much until you take the effective dose ...which is 80+mg for adults and it only happens after a few weeks at that dosage accg to the all the trials and what folks have said on this forum and others.
Actually I think I might be feeling a bit of improvement in my executive functioning....we'll see....
I really, really have a positive outlook and want it to work. I could always tell when my ritalin took effect...almost to the minute...sudddenly my head wasn't buzzing with drifting thoughts but could organize a pattern that I could function with.
Posted by blondegirl47 on April 11, 2003, at 8:36:01
In reply to Re: Strattera update/Impatient!, posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 8:25:39
Does strattera give you the shakes. Do you get hungry from it?
Posted by oops...trythatbutton on April 11, 2003, at 11:52:56
In reply to Re: Strattera update » oops...trythatbutton, posted by blondegirl47 on April 11, 2003, at 7:32:42
I only notice the shakes if I forget to eat or decide to skip eating which causes my blood sugar to drop. Self medicating with a few cups of strong coffee in the morning works wonders. I can actually sleep after drink coffee at nights.
I do get dull headaches occasionally. I never had headaches before taking the Straterra
Posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 12:54:32
In reply to Re: Strattera update, posted by oops...trythatbutton on April 11, 2003, at 11:52:56
See if those headaches take place after drinking coffee. I sent the post on the throbbing feeling about an hour after my first dose and I had decided that it's due to coffee and strattera. It's not recommended but I'm not ready to give up my one cup in the am....it just smells like morning.
I have always been able to sleep on coffee and even ritalin...lots of ADHD folks can.
Posted by blondegirl47 on April 11, 2003, at 13:00:36
In reply to Re: Strattera headaches and coffee, posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 12:54:32
I don't drink coffee, but once in a while I will drink a diet dew. I will notice if I get a headache after. I have noticed my heart seems to race from time to time. thanks for your post :)
Posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 13:50:30
In reply to Re: Strattera headaches and coffee » Lexxey, posted by blondegirl47 on April 11, 2003, at 13:00:36
The heart racing is one of the usual side effects and is suppose to subside after a while.
Posted by blondegirl47 on April 11, 2003, at 13:52:42
In reply to Re: Strattera headaches and coffee, posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 13:50:30
Thanks, Lexxy. :)
Posted by BrettMan on April 11, 2003, at 17:49:17
In reply to Straterra approval., posted by scoper on December 28, 2002, at 2:19:34
I started about 11 days ago. For the first 3-4 days I used it in conjunction with Dexedrine in order to "wing" myself off the stimulant.
My first week has been OK. I notice that I get very hungry now, all the time. I think because I get bored so I just eat. I'm thin anyway so its not that big a deal. I feel I have lost some of the motivation I used to get with the Dexedrine. I still find myself yawning alot and a bit sleepy. That is the bad part because when I feel that way I don't feel like doing much and don't tend to stay on task. I'm thinking that it may also be because I have not been exercising regularly. So I want to start exercising and see how it goes after that. I do get the dry mouth on occasion.
Since many people here have recommended staying on it for at least a month before giving up I will do the same.
Another good part is that I with Dexedrine I almost get too caught up in the things that I do. With Straerra I feel more like myself. With Dexedrine I tended to over work and forget about doing the things that make me happy. Sometime I found it hard to sit still and do nothing. Although strange enough I was able to meditate very well while taking Dexedrine. If I go back on someday I will reduce the amount I take.
Brett
Posted by Hattree on April 11, 2003, at 18:53:41
In reply to Straterra Update, posted by BrettMan on April 11, 2003, at 17:49:17
I definitely know that Dex hyperfocus. I can do one thing at a time really well, but transitions are still hard and I lose my keys just as often. I can sit still on it though (airplanes are hell for me without a stimulant).
I started Strattera and then decided to give it a rest because giving up Dexedrine was more than I bargained for, and I wanted to know what was causing what. Turns out the Strattera was not what was making me ravenous. I've been exercising regularly but too weeks later I'm still low-energy and extremely unmovitated. Nice to be able to sleep, though.
I'm waiting till I'm sure I'm past the Dex withdrawal to see whats up. Most people here say getting off stimulants isn't a big deal but its a bear for me, and I can't taper.
Hence, I am glued to the Strattera posts, praying for something that will help my ADD without making me strung out.
> I started about 11 days ago. For the first 3-4 days I used it in conjunction with Dexedrine in order to "wing" myself off the stimulant.
>
> My first week has been OK. I notice that I get very hungry now, all the time. I think because I get bored so I just eat. I'm thin anyway so its not that big a deal. I feel I have lost some of the motivation I used to get with the Dexedrine. I still find myself yawning alot and a bit sleepy. That is the bad part because when I feel that way I don't feel like doing much and don't tend to stay on task. I'm thinking that it may also be because I have not been exercising regularly. So I want to start exercising and see how it goes after that. I do get the dry mouth on occasion.
>
> Since many people here have recommended staying on it for at least a month before giving up I will do the same.
>
> Another good part is that I with Dexedrine I almost get too caught up in the things that I do. With Straerra I feel more like myself. With Dexedrine I tended to over work and forget about doing the things that make me happy. Sometime I found it hard to sit still and do nothing. Although strange enough I was able to meditate very well while taking Dexedrine. If I go back on someday I will reduce the amount I take.
>
> Brett
Posted by Hattree on April 11, 2003, at 18:54:50
In reply to Re: Strattera headaches and coffee, posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 13:50:30
Lexxey,
How's it going with your ADD symptoms?
Thanks
Posted by carlyb on April 11, 2003, at 20:39:54
In reply to Please keep the Strattera updates coming! (nm), posted by Hattree on April 10, 2003, at 13:51:40
i took strattera for 1 month while i weaned myself of serzone i felt alright on about 20 mg when i went up to 40 mg it made my head feel tight and i could barely sleep at night. i stopped taking it, think i'll try 5 htp an amino acid that is supposed to be good for depression good luch carly
Posted by oops...trythatbutton on April 11, 2003, at 21:25:48
In reply to Re: Strattera headaches and coffee, posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 13:50:30
It also increase your blood pressure. This also has a way of making one a bit cranky. I don't notice headaches after drinking anything with caffeine while on the Straterra. The headache is usually in the afternoon. Has anyone been able to get the 10mg Straterra?
Posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 23:16:47
In reply to Re: Strattera headaches and coffee » Lexxey, posted by Hattree on April 11, 2003, at 18:54:50
I feel like I normally do with no meds only more hungry!!! I forgot to take the 4pm Strattera and took it at 7 so here I am after midnight checking email. I don't see how folks can take this at night and sleep.
Thanks for asking...I'm still thinking positive and wondering whether to take 60mg in the am instead of 40 to make it kick in. Accg to the info, it couldn't hurt.
Posted by rickgee on April 12, 2003, at 11:26:18
In reply to Re: Strattera headaches and coffee, posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 23:16:47
I have now been completely off of Effexor for 6 weeks, really didn't like the withdrawal. Started Straterra 18mg AM only ten days ago, didn't really notice anything except the headaches and vertigo were completely gone, Thursday started 18mg AM & PM, notice my ability to focus on a single task has improved and my wife says she notices an improvement to listen to her (???Selective Hearing) Next thursday I will go to two 18mg AM 1PM and see what changes. So no real side effects except some good dreams very vivid. Will post with changes!
Posted by teacherkris on April 14, 2003, at 21:37:34
In reply to Re: Strattera headaches and coffee, posted by rickgee on April 12, 2003, at 11:26:18
Well, I've made the switch from 40 mg 2x a day to 80 mg in the am, still taking half dose of concerta (36 mg). So far I seem more tired than normal but that could be because I just moved (moving and ADD not a good combination!). I have noticed more appetite in the evenings but no noticeable change in the ADD symptoms good or bad. In two weeks I go off the Concerta totally and I'll also be back in school teaching so then we'll finally get to see how well it works. I'll keep you all updated.
Posted by Patt on April 15, 2003, at 16:33:24
In reply to update 80 mg 1x day, posted by teacherkris on April 14, 2003, at 21:37:34
> Well, I've made the switch from 40 mg 2x a day to 80 mg in the am, still taking half dose of concerta (36 mg). So far I seem more tired than normal but that could be because I just moved (moving and ADD not a good combination!). I have noticed more appetite in the evenings but no noticeable change in the ADD symptoms good or bad. In two weeks I go off the Concerta totally and I'll also be back in school teaching so then we'll finally get to see how well it works. I'll keep you all updated.
I started at 40 mg. in the morning about 2 1/2 weeks ago; and am currently taking 80 mg. daily. I can see only slight improvement in ADD symptoms, but this is the first drug I have taken for this. I am soooooooo tired and starving, that I can barely stand it. I still wake up in the night sometimes with my stomach growling. I'm going to give it a full 30 days, but if this does not improve, I plan to ask for something else. I am overweight to begin with, so this starving feeling just can't go on much longer. I have already added a few extra pounds, even though I am trying to be very careful.
Posted by Ritchie on April 15, 2003, at 18:05:44
In reply to Atomoxetine (Straterra) weight gain » Patt, posted by paulk on April 1, 2003, at 15:11:27
i started 18 mg for 4 days then 25 mg for a week for depression, now they bumped me up to 40 mg. i am not eating at all. i have lost an entire size in 2 weeks. still having trouble eating plus i get the funky headache in the afternoon but i also have high blood pressure. Depression has not really been alievated as of yet but i am trying to be patient.
Posted by blondegirl47 on April 16, 2003, at 8:09:49
In reply to Re: Atomoxetine (Straterra) weight gain, posted by Ritchie on April 15, 2003, at 18:05:44
Strattera can make your blood pressure go up.
Posted by Lexxey on April 16, 2003, at 9:58:08
In reply to Re: update 80 mg 1x day, posted by Patt on April 15, 2003, at 16:33:24
Well I went ahead and went to 100mg...60 in am and 40 at 3-4 and it made a big difference. I finally felt improvement in attention and appetite decrease...yea!!!
My doc thought I might need to so he gave me a sample pack of 14 60mg. The research said that many folks need this amt to get anything out of it. The first day I felt wiped out for 2 hours after taking the first dose but today was really ok at the second day. I slept ok last night but for now I am taking OTC Unisom to help.
I'd say try the 100mg before giving up...it's within the recommended amount. I am skeptakle [sp?]when folks say they notice something on 25mg or the other lower doses...none of the research says that did anything to the test group except power of suggestion. All of it says that it needs month OR TWO for maximum benefits and the lower doses during the fist period is just getting you body used to it.
And how many of us are know for our patience??? Certainly not me!!!
I see my doc next monday and I will tell him I will try this for 2 more months [since I see him every 2 months] and if I'm not any more impressed I will go back to ritalin...and do so disappointed...I really wanted this to work for me.
Posted by Lexxey on April 16, 2003, at 10:03:29
In reply to Re: Atomoxetine (Straterra) weight gain, posted by Ritchie on April 15, 2003, at 18:05:44
About the blood pressure...I started taking magnesium 4 times a day 133mg-200 each time for constipation but it really lowered my BP. Read up on it on the net. I was really inpressed. one time when I took 400mg accidently my BP went down 25% to 90/60 and it's usually 135-140/70 or so. I wonder why doctors don't try this. The info on the net was really thorough.
I wish I had your trouble eating. At 100mg I have noticed some help...I sorta feel queasey tho.
Posted by teacherkris on April 16, 2003, at 10:04:58
In reply to Re: update to 100mg, posted by Lexxey on April 16, 2003, at 9:58:08
Thanks sooo much for your post! Yesterday was rough, I've been on 80 mg just in the am for the past three days and as of yesterday I was sick of the nausea and tiredness I was getting every afternoon and was willing to give up. After reading your post I'm reminded that I need to hang in there a little longer.
I'm still on Concerta for five more days so it's hard to tell the impact in terms of ADD symptoms but I've waited too long for this drug to give up yet. As you said, we're definitely not known for our patience. I've always found it humorous that they give peopel who have trouble remembering a drug that lasts four hours and once it wears off they're supposed to remember to take another one! Now we have a great new med that takes up to two months for us to feel the impact! As my doctor keeps saying, keep your hat on (or at least in your hand). So your post is encouraging. I'll finish the week at 80 mg in just the am and if I'm still having side effects I'll ask my doc to try the 60/40 combo you're on and see how that works with side effects.
Well, I'm rambling (hmmmm meds not working ;-)) Thanks again for the post and the encouragement!
Posted by Lexxey on April 16, 2003, at 10:35:11
In reply to Re: update to 100mg » Lexxey, posted by teacherkris on April 16, 2003, at 10:04:58
wow...I can see why you are having side effects if you are taking it all at once...try dividing it like I do...we can do that...there is no reason to take it all at once. I think you will feel better. Try first one at 8-9 and second at 3-4. That worked fine with me....unless all you have ar 80mg pills...in that case I would call the doc and get 40mg due to the side effects.
This stuff really does make us feel weird but I notice that in a fee days the body gets used to it and it's not so bad.
I'm going to get some L-tyrosine that is supposed to help with dopamine production and maybe that will help my spastic coordination problem. Dopamine affects the movement and it was helped by Ritalin.
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