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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by yeltom on April 29, 2003, at 21:34:08
In reply to Re: 3 month update! » teacherkris, posted by oops...trythatbutton on April 29, 2003, at 20:12:45
> I'm so glad you are doing good after 3 months!
> Next week will be three months for me though my pdr is still figuring a good dose for me. Starting at 40mg nearly wiped me out. We found out that I was a slow metabolizer. At 18mg, I notice something but it doesn't last...25 seemed a lot...I just lose interest in general...may be more like I just don't care about things as much (has anyone notice something like this?)...though I haven't notice any anxiety attacks...I'm now at 2 10s now but I do notice that I start daydreaming a bit again and some other stuff (I got vocal in my car driving today)...I may be going back to 25mg...althought at 25mg, my shopping spree does go downI think I'm a poor metabolizer too. How are you sleeping? Is your mouth dry? How's your sex drive etc.? I'm experiencing the first two problems (will they go away?) and concerned about the third (does straterrra make it better or worse?).
Thanks
Posted by oops...trythatbutton on April 30, 2003, at 17:09:52
In reply to Re: 3 month update! » oops...trythatbutton, posted by yeltom on April 29, 2003, at 21:34:08
sleep? what's that?....j/k... sleep is off/on. I don't really sleep as well before the Straterra but I'm ok with the 6 or so hours....before, it was more like 8 hours ....dry mouth is there but I drink a lot of diet coke so it isn't too much of a problem....I'm not see anyone so I can't really answer the last question...how's your appetite?...some people get a case of the munchies...I get a bit of that too occasionally but sofar I lost about 10 pounds... woohoo!!... I'm shoot for the next size down!!
Posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 21:06:28
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics/weird sleep, posted by macaroni on March 15, 2003, at 20:49:26
just starting in the am....have had all the ADHD habits since 11...final had enough doing something....will be doing 40/40 a day.....very healthy...work out three days a week...sleep so so....I have read so interesting things hear....food, moods, talking, forcus etc etc...anyone sexually active a few times a week...and on this...i am in my later 40's....
thanks
Posted by Patt on April 30, 2003, at 21:57:56
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 21:06:28
> just starting in the am....have had all the ADHD habits since 11...final had enough doing something....will be doing 40/40 a day.....very healthy...work out three days a week...sleep so so....I have read so interesting things hear....food, moods, talking, forcus etc etc...anyone sexually active a few times a week...and on this...i am in my later 40's....
>
> thanks
I have been on Strattera for about 5-6 weeks. I, too, was worried about the sexual side effects. So far, I have had no decrease in libido. I am 45 & had such horrible side effects sexually with Effexor (not for ADD) that I stopped taking it. I really cannot tell a lot of improvement in my ADD symptoms even though I am up to 100 mg. per day. However, others have posted that it takes up to 2 months, so I'm waiting it out! I have never taken stimulants or anything until Strattera, so I am very hopeful!!! The most discouraging effects have been that I have been tired & have gained weight. I need no help sleeping or gaining weight, so this has to stop or I'll have to try something else. In the first couple of weeks, I woke up through the night starving; you could hear my stomach growling. That is no longer happening, but my appetite certainly is still way too strong! Anyway, I'm going to give it a few more weeks, but just wanted to share the fact that I have had no sexual side effects. That is very good news to me!!!!
Posted by yeltom on April 30, 2003, at 22:05:22
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by Patt on April 30, 2003, at 21:57:56
> > just starting in the am....have had all the ADHD habits since 11...final had enough doing something....will be doing 40/40 a day.....very healthy...work out three days a week...sleep so so....I have read so interesting things hear....food, moods, talking, forcus etc etc...anyone sexually active a few times a week...and on this...i am in my later 40's....
> >
> > thanks
> I have been on Strattera for about 5-6 weeks. I, too, was worried about the sexual side effects. So far, I have had no decrease in libido. I am 45 & had such horrible side effects sexually with Effexor (not for ADD) that I stopped taking it. I really cannot tell a lot of improvement in my ADD symptoms even though I am up to 100 mg. per day. However, others have posted that it takes up to 2 months, so I'm waiting it out! I have never taken stimulants or anything until Strattera, so I am very hopeful!!! The most discouraging effects have been that I have been tired & have gained weight. I need no help sleeping or gaining weight, so this has to stop or I'll have to try something else. In the first couple of weeks, I woke up through the night starving; you could hear my stomach growling. That is no longer happening, but my appetite certainly is still way too strong! Anyway, I'm going to give it a few more weeks, but just wanted to share the fact that I have had no sexual side effects. That is very good news to me!!!!
>
>Thanks. What about dry mouth? I'm still looking for someone who originally had a problem with dry mouth but then it went away. So far, it seems that for those who get it, it doesn't go away? I'm hoping not only that strattera won't give me negative sexual side effects, but might even counter some of the negative side effects of taking prozac. Is there any sense in which your sexual functioning or libido has actually improved?
Posted by teacherkris on April 30, 2003, at 22:25:57
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect » Patt, posted by yeltom on April 30, 2003, at 22:05:22
I had dry mouth in the very beginning for a couple weeks but none anymore.
Posted by yeltom on April 30, 2003, at 22:30:06
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by teacherkris on April 30, 2003, at 22:25:57
> I had dry mouth in the very beginning for a couple weeks but none anymore.
Thanks. Finally some hope. I noticed you mentioned a lack of libido. Do you attribute that to Zoloft or Strattera? You're going off the zoloft, right? I'm curious as to whether your libido returns to normal once you're only on Strattera. Hope you keep me/us posted. Thanks
Posted by Patt on April 30, 2003, at 22:34:06
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect » Patt, posted by yeltom on April 30, 2003, at 22:05:22
> > > just starting in the am....have had all the ADHD habits since 11...final had enough doing something....will be doing 40/40 a day.....very healthy...work out three days a week...sleep so so....I have read so interesting things hear....food, moods, talking, forcus etc etc...anyone sexually active a few times a week...and on this...i am in my later 40's....
> > >
> > > thanks> > I have been on Strattera for about 5-6 weeks. I, too, was worried about the sexual side effects. So far, I have had no decrease in libido. I am 45 & had such horrible side effects sexually with Effexor (not for ADD) that I stopped taking it. I really cannot tell a lot of improvement in my ADD symptoms even though I am up to 100 mg. per day. However, others have posted that it takes up to 2 months, so I'm waiting it out! I have never taken stimulants or anything until Strattera, so I am very hopeful!!! The most discouraging effects have been that I have been tired & have gained weight. I need no help sleeping or gaining weight, so this has to stop or I'll have to try something else. In the first couple of weeks, I woke up through the night starving; you could hear my stomach growling. That is no longer happening, but my appetite certainly is still way too strong! Anyway, I'm going to give it a few more weeks, but just wanted to share the fact that I have had no sexual side effects. That is very good news to me!!!!
> >
> >
>
> Thanks. What about dry mouth? I'm still looking for someone who originally had a problem with dry mouth but then it went away. So far, it seems that for those who get it, it doesn't go away? I'm hoping not only that strattera won't give me negative sexual side effects, but might even counter some of the negative side effects of taking prozac. Is there any sense in which your sexual functioning or libido has actually improved?Actually, if it improved, it is only slightly improved. My husband took Prozac, and it really helped his illness (OCD) but it drastically changed our sex lives for many years. It is so sad that there seems to be no way to counteract the sexual side effects in all of the medications that really seem to help treat depression and many other illnesses. My husband is currently on a low-dose Zoloft. It helps his illness a little, but is such a low dose, that it does not effect him sexually as much as before. The doctor told him that Prozac and Zoloft will probably cause the same side effects, so against doctor's orders, he lowered the dosage slowly. I totally understand and relate to what you are experiencing.
Posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 23:00:33
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by Patt on April 30, 2003, at 21:57:56
so...reading all the post..here..i guess it effets eveyone differently.....alot of people talk about weight lost..others sex drive up...more focused.....less talkative etc Yahoo to that mood swings in comtrol...of course it also depends on on going live situations as well ...I have never done this before, so i gues time will tell......
I start in the am...i wondering if 40/40 every day..is to high to start actaully 40 a day for a week..then to 80...any thoufghts out there..
thanks
Posted by fallsfall on May 1, 2003, at 7:07:05
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 23:00:33
I would not start at 40mg a day. I started at 10mg and increased by 10 every 3 days. I'm glad I didn't go any faster than that. Someone else started at 10 and went up 10 once a week. If you take it slowly the side effects are much more managable.
Posted by ciejae on May 1, 2003, at 8:38:31
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect » catman, posted by fallsfall on May 1, 2003, at 7:07:05
Have been taking it 7.5 weeks now (3 weeks 40 mg, 4.5 weeks 80 mg). No sexual side effects in bed. As a matter of fact, before Strat, I had lost all desire; it didn't even cross my mind anymore (unless my husband initiated). That could be attributed to my age (I'm 45, maybe my hormones are starting to drop). But now, I'm starting to fantasize again.
I still notice dry mouth every once in a while, especially if I drink a lot of coffee throughout the day. To me, that's a minor side effect that can be eliminated by having a non-caffineated drink.
As far as appetite, I'm hungrier than before Strat. I certainly can't use it as a weight loss drug.
I have not problem sleeping at all. As a matter of fact, I need less sleep now (6 instead of 8), and when I wake up, I'm fully functional, and I'm not getting tired during the day (I used to when I first started strat) I'm glad I don't need to sleep as much because I usually don't have enough time in the day to do what I want.
Posted by Patt on May 1, 2003, at 10:12:39
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 23:00:33
My doctor started me off at 40 mg. per day for 10 days & then up to 80 mg. per day for three weeks, and now up to 100 mg. per day for a month. He said he would increase to 120 mg. at the end of a month, if I still wasn't seeing enough improvement. I think the adult dosage is 80 to 120 mg. according to some info I read. I was so anxious to get started on medication that I didn't question the starting dosage. I know many others started at much lower dose, so I can't really tell you which way is best.
Posted by catman on May 1, 2003, at 20:23:13
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 23:00:33
i have started out today..at 40..and I will tell you I can't believe how relaxed i was today....shit.........I am afraid to start doing 80 next week....I can feel a difference in my mood and talk and demeanor......so different...its scary....did anyone feel that way at 1st...
Posted by Gale Fox on May 3, 2003, at 19:40:40
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by catman on May 1, 2003, at 20:23:13
I've also been on Strattera 3 months, but am having poor results. I've been searching for eight-nine months for a med (or meds) to replace Paxil, which successfully controlled my depression for 6-7 years.
I was taking 150 mg Wellbutrin a day when I started Strattera late in January, with 150 mg trazadone a day so I could sleep through the night. And was having to live with an exacerbation of a mild tremor I had before starting Wellbutrin. My doctor started me at 40 mg Strattera, but I had to go down to 25 because Strattera increased the tremor and insomnia. I saw improvement after 3-4 weeks, then we withdrew the Wellbutrin and I got worse over 3 weeks. We've been upping the dosage for another 3 weeks now and I'm at 60 mg Strattera, 250 mg trazadone, and seeing no improvement. I'm going to be seeking a second opinion and am starting to wonder about electroshock since I've been doing this dance for 8-9 months no& am getting nowhere. Also, I didn't work at all from September to March, and am now working 10-15 hours a week, so my financial situation is bad. I'm very discouraged. I'm not suicidal, but I'm starting to use phrases like I can't live like this any longer.
Oh yes, I have major dry mouth and bad breath from the Strattera as well. Where did you find the biotene toothpaste?
Comments, suggestions are welcome.
gale
Posted by yeltom on May 3, 2003, at 19:46:36
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by Gale Fox on May 3, 2003, at 19:40:40
I found biotene at my local pharmacy, I don't think it's hard to find. If it is, I would search for it on the internet and mail order it. Might be cheaper that way too. Why did you need to replace the paxil? Maybe you need a bit of an ssri with with your strattera (snri). Norepinephrine boosting does not help all depression. I'm assuming the paxil either pooped out or caused sexual side effects/ If the former, strattera might help in conjunction. If the latter, then you could still reduce your paxil and add strattera. Or use another ssri; paxil supposed to be the worst for sex
> I've also been on Strattera 3 months, but am having poor results. I've been searching for eight-nine months for a med (or meds) to replace Paxil, which successfully controlled my depression for 6-7 years.
>
> I was taking 150 mg Wellbutrin a day when I started Strattera late in January, with 150 mg trazadone a day so I could sleep through the night. And was having to live with an exacerbation of a mild tremor I had before starting Wellbutrin. My doctor started me at 40 mg Strattera, but I had to go down to 25 because Strattera increased the tremor and insomnia. I saw improvement after 3-4 weeks, then we withdrew the Wellbutrin and I got worse over 3 weeks. We've been upping the dosage for another 3 weeks now and I'm at 60 mg Strattera, 250 mg trazadone, and seeing no improvement. I'm going to be seeking a second opinion and am starting to wonder about electroshock since I've been doing this dance for 8-9 months no& am getting nowhere. Also, I didn't work at all from September to March, and am now working 10-15 hours a week, so my financial situation is bad. I'm very discouraged. I'm not suicidal, but I'm starting to use phrases like I can't live like this any longer.
>
> Oh yes, I have major dry mouth and bad breath from the Strattera as well. Where did you find the biotene toothpaste?
>
> Comments, suggestions are welcome.
>
> gale
Posted by Gale Fox on May 3, 2003, at 19:59:17
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect » Gale Fox, posted by yeltom on May 3, 2003, at 19:46:36
Thanks for the biotene info.
I dropped Paxil because it pooped out. We tried upping the dosage, then added Wellbutrin, which made some improvement, but not enough. Tried Lexapro, no improvment. Now working Strattera ...
> I found biotene at my local pharmacy, I don't think it's hard to find. If it is, I would search for it on the internet and mail order it. Might be cheaper that way too. Why did you need to replace the paxil? Maybe you need a bit of an ssri with with your strattera (snri). Norepinephrine boosting does not help all depression. I'm assuming the paxil either pooped out or caused sexual side effects/ If the former, strattera might help in conjunction. If the latter, then you could still reduce your paxil and add strattera. Or use another ssri; paxil supposed to be the worst for sex
>
> > I've also been on Strattera 3 months, but am having poor results. I've been searching for eight-nine months for a med (or meds) to replace Paxil, which successfully controlled my depression for 6-7 years.
> >
> > I was taking 150 mg Wellbutrin a day when I started Strattera late in January, with 150 mg trazadone a day so I could sleep through the night. And was having to live with an exacerbation of a mild tremor I had before starting Wellbutrin. My doctor started me at 40 mg Strattera, but I had to go down to 25 because Strattera increased the tremor and insomnia. I saw improvement after 3-4 weeks, then we withdrew the Wellbutrin and I got worse over 3 weeks. We've been upping the dosage for another 3 weeks now and I'm at 60 mg Strattera, 250 mg trazadone, and seeing no improvement. I'm going to be seeking a second opinion and am starting to wonder about electroshock since I've been doing this dance for 8-9 months no& am getting nowhere. Also, I didn't work at all from September to March, and am now working 10-15 hours a week, so my financial situation is bad. I'm very discouraged. I'm not suicidal, but I'm starting to use phrases like I can't live like this any longer.
> >
> > Oh yes, I have major dry mouth and bad breath from the Strattera as well. Where did you find the biotene toothpaste?
> >
> > Comments, suggestions are welcome.
> >
> > gale
>
>
Posted by yeltom on May 3, 2003, at 20:09:52
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by Gale Fox on May 3, 2003, at 19:59:17
My doctor feels strattera in conjunction with an ssri works much better than wellbutrin and an ssri. You still haven't tried paxil and strattera together, right? Lexapro made me nauseous and didn't work. Have you tried any other ssris? I found celexa particularly easy to tolerate and low on sexual side effects. Seems weird that I would like celexa and not lexapro, but I'm not the only one. In any case, if paxil helped, makes sense to stay on an ssri and add strattera, IMHO
> Thanks for the biotene info.
>
> I dropped Paxil because it pooped out. We tried upping the dosage, then added Wellbutrin, which made some improvement, but not enough. Tried Lexapro, no improvment. Now working Strattera ...
>
>
> > I found biotene at my local pharmacy, I don't think it's hard to find. If it is, I would search for it on the internet and mail order it. Might be cheaper that way too. Why did you need to replace the paxil? Maybe you need a bit of an ssri with with your strattera (snri). Norepinephrine boosting does not help all depression. I'm assuming the paxil either pooped out or caused sexual side effects/ If the former, strattera might help in conjunction. If the latter, then you could still reduce your paxil and add strattera. Or use another ssri; paxil supposed to be the worst for sex
> >
> > > I've also been on Strattera 3 months, but am having poor results. I've been searching for eight-nine months for a med (or meds) to replace Paxil, which successfully controlled my depression for 6-7 years.
> > >
> > > I was taking 150 mg Wellbutrin a day when I started Strattera late in January, with 150 mg trazadone a day so I could sleep through the night. And was having to live with an exacerbation of a mild tremor I had before starting Wellbutrin. My doctor started me at 40 mg Strattera, but I had to go down to 25 because Strattera increased the tremor and insomnia. I saw improvement after 3-4 weeks, then we withdrew the Wellbutrin and I got worse over 3 weeks. We've been upping the dosage for another 3 weeks now and I'm at 60 mg Strattera, 250 mg trazadone, and seeing no improvement. I'm going to be seeking a second opinion and am starting to wonder about electroshock since I've been doing this dance for 8-9 months no& am getting nowhere. Also, I didn't work at all from September to March, and am now working 10-15 hours a week, so my financial situation is bad. I'm very discouraged. I'm not suicidal, but I'm starting to use phrases like I can't live like this any longer.
> > >
> > > Oh yes, I have major dry mouth and bad breath from the Strattera as well. Where did you find the biotene toothpaste?
> > >
> > > Comments, suggestions are welcome.
> > >
> > > gale
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Gale Fox on May 4, 2003, at 6:36:49
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect » Gale Fox, posted by yeltom on May 3, 2003, at 20:09:52
I'm hesitant to go back and try the Paxil, since it didn't seem to be working any longer. My doctor suggested trying something besides an SSRI since both Paxil & Lexapro didn't seem to make a difference. I'm curious why your doctor thinks SSRIs work better with Strattera - is this based on clinical observation, or something he/she knows about the chemistry of the meds?
> My doctor feels strattera in conjunction with an ssri works much better than wellbutrin and an ssri. You still haven't tried paxil and strattera together, right? Lexapro made me nauseous and didn't work. Have you tried any other ssris? I found celexa particularly easy to tolerate and low on sexual side effects. Seems weird that I would like celexa and not lexapro, but I'm not the only one. In any case, if paxil helped, makes sense to stay on an ssri and add strattera, IMHO
>
>
> > Thanks for the biotene info.
> >
> > I dropped Paxil because it pooped out. We tried upping the dosage, then added Wellbutrin, which made some improvement, but not enough. Tried Lexapro, no improvment. Now working Strattera ...
> >
> >
> > > I found biotene at my local pharmacy, I don't think it's hard to find. If it is, I would search for it on the internet and mail order it. Might be cheaper that way too. Why did you need to replace the paxil? Maybe you need a bit of an ssri with with your strattera (snri). Norepinephrine boosting does not help all depression. I'm assuming the paxil either pooped out or caused sexual side effects/ If the former, strattera might help in conjunction. If the latter, then you could still reduce your paxil and add strattera. Or use another ssri; paxil supposed to be the worst for sex
> > >
> > > > I've also been on Strattera 3 months, but am having poor results. I've been searching for eight-nine months for a med (or meds) to replace Paxil, which successfully controlled my depression for 6-7 years.
> > > >
> > > > I was taking 150 mg Wellbutrin a day when I started Strattera late in January, with 150 mg trazadone a day so I could sleep through the night. And was having to live with an exacerbation of a mild tremor I had before starting Wellbutrin. My doctor started me at 40 mg Strattera, but I had to go down to 25 because Strattera increased the tremor and insomnia. I saw improvement after 3-4 weeks, then we withdrew the Wellbutrin and I got worse over 3 weeks. We've been upping the dosage for another 3 weeks now and I'm at 60 mg Strattera, 250 mg trazadone, and seeing no improvement. I'm going to be seeking a second opinion and am starting to wonder about electroshock since I've been doing this dance for 8-9 months no& am getting nowhere. Also, I didn't work at all from September to March, and am now working 10-15 hours a week, so my financial situation is bad. I'm very discouraged. I'm not suicidal, but I'm starting to use phrases like I can't live like this any longer.
> > > >
> > > > Oh yes, I have major dry mouth and bad breath from the Strattera as well. Where did you find the biotene toothpaste?
> > > >
> > > > Comments, suggestions are welcome.
> > > >
> > > > gale
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by BernieB on May 4, 2003, at 11:53:12
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect yeltom, posted by Gale Fox on May 4, 2003, at 6:36:49
We are on day 5, dry mouth and crying are our biggest problems so far. Has anyone else noticed an increase or start in crying, and does this taper off. Any info would be greatly appreciated. No other drugs are being taken with or prior to the start of strattera.
Thanks
Posted by yeltom on May 4, 2003, at 12:17:47
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect yeltom, posted by Gale Fox on May 4, 2003, at 6:36:49
I'm not exactly sure what the reason for his belief is, but when an ssri poops out, there are a bunch of things you can do before giving up on ssris together: increase the dosage (which I'm sure you've tried), change the ssri (just because lex and pax didn't work doesn't necessarily mean none of them will), or add a medicine that "augments" the ssri. My doctor has just had very good luck adding strattera to ssris when either the ssri is pooping out or the person has no energy, drive, etc. on the ssri. I believe that ssris can poop out not only because they stop working on serotonin but also because they put norepinephrine and/or dopamine out of balance. That's why you would add wellbutrin or strattera, but my doctor thinks strattera is far superior. My point is that if ssri's worked for you at one point and the norepinephrine boosters are not working right now, you shouldn't forget about your serotonin. THere are also non-ssris that work on serotonin: trazodone, serzone, clomiprimine. Good luck.
> I'm hesitant to go back and try the Paxil, since it didn't seem to be working any longer. My doctor suggested trying something besides an SSRI since both Paxil & Lexapro didn't seem to make a difference. I'm curious why your doctor thinks SSRIs work better with Strattera - is this based on clinical observation, or something he/she knows about the chemistry of the meds?
>
>
> > My doctor feels strattera in conjunction with an ssri works much better than wellbutrin and an ssri. You still haven't tried paxil and strattera together, right? Lexapro made me nauseous and didn't work. Have you tried any other ssris? I found celexa particularly easy to tolerate and low on sexual side effects. Seems weird that I would like celexa and not lexapro, but I'm not the only one. In any case, if paxil helped, makes sense to stay on an ssri and add strattera, IMHO
> >
> >
> > > Thanks for the biotene info.
> > >
> > > I dropped Paxil because it pooped out. We tried upping the dosage, then added Wellbutrin, which made some improvement, but not enough. Tried Lexapro, no improvment. Now working Strattera ...
> > >
> > >
> > > > I found biotene at my local pharmacy, I don't think it's hard to find. If it is, I would search for it on the internet and mail order it. Might be cheaper that way too. Why did you need to replace the paxil? Maybe you need a bit of an ssri with with your strattera (snri). Norepinephrine boosting does not help all depression. I'm assuming the paxil either pooped out or caused sexual side effects/ If the former, strattera might help in conjunction. If the latter, then you could still reduce your paxil and add strattera. Or use another ssri; paxil supposed to be the worst for sex
> > > >
> > > > > I've also been on Strattera 3 months, but am having poor results. I've been searching for eight-nine months for a med (or meds) to replace Paxil, which successfully controlled my depression for 6-7 years.
> > > > >
> > > > > I was taking 150 mg Wellbutrin a day when I started Strattera late in January, with 150 mg trazadone a day so I could sleep through the night. And was having to live with an exacerbation of a mild tremor I had before starting Wellbutrin. My doctor started me at 40 mg Strattera, but I had to go down to 25 because Strattera increased the tremor and insomnia. I saw improvement after 3-4 weeks, then we withdrew the Wellbutrin and I got worse over 3 weeks. We've been upping the dosage for another 3 weeks now and I'm at 60 mg Strattera, 250 mg trazadone, and seeing no improvement. I'm going to be seeking a second opinion and am starting to wonder about electroshock since I've been doing this dance for 8-9 months no& am getting nowhere. Also, I didn't work at all from September to March, and am now working 10-15 hours a week, so my financial situation is bad. I'm very discouraged. I'm not suicidal, but I'm starting to use phrases like I can't live like this any longer.
> > > > >
> > > > > Oh yes, I have major dry mouth and bad breath from the Strattera as well. Where did you find the biotene toothpaste?
> > > > >
> > > > > Comments, suggestions are welcome.
> > > > >
> > > > > gale
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by yeltom on May 4, 2003, at 12:31:01
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect yeltom, posted by Gale Fox on May 4, 2003, at 6:36:49
I also think that is somewhat rare that a depressed person would get full relief from wellbutrin or strattera alone. Serotonin seems to be involved with most types of depression. How would you describe your depression? I notice that you're already taking trazodone. I take it too. By the way, I've had a similar experience in a lot of ways. Celexa, which I originally liked, seemed to poop out late last fall at around the same time I lost my job. Been unemployed since. Miserable winter. Went back to my original ssri, Prozac, which helped a little, but I was still tired all the time, so then we added Strattera. It's early, but I'm hopeful. You say your financial situation is bad. Do you have health insurance? I ask because if your drugs aren't covered, you might want to try prozac, which is now generic and very cheap. Both Paxil and Prozac tends to make one a "poor metabolizer" of Strattera, which is actually a good thing; you don't need to take as much strattera.
> I'm hesitant to go back and try the Paxil, since it didn't seem to be working any longer. My doctor suggested trying something besides an SSRI since both Paxil & Lexapro didn't seem to make a difference. I'm curious why your doctor thinks SSRIs work better with Strattera - is this based on clinical observation, or something he/she knows about the chemistry of the meds?
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> > My doctor feels strattera in conjunction with an ssri works much better than wellbutrin and an ssri. You still haven't tried paxil and strattera together, right? Lexapro made me nauseous and didn't work. Have you tried any other ssris? I found celexa particularly easy to tolerate and low on sexual side effects. Seems weird that I would like celexa and not lexapro, but I'm not the only one. In any case, if paxil helped, makes sense to stay on an ssri and add strattera, IMHO
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> > > Thanks for the biotene info.
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> > > I dropped Paxil because it pooped out. We tried upping the dosage, then added Wellbutrin, which made some improvement, but not enough. Tried Lexapro, no improvment. Now working Strattera ...
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> > > > I found biotene at my local pharmacy, I don't think it's hard to find. If it is, I would search for it on the internet and mail order it. Might be cheaper that way too. Why did you need to replace the paxil? Maybe you need a bit of an ssri with with your strattera (snri). Norepinephrine boosting does not help all depression. I'm assuming the paxil either pooped out or caused sexual side effects/ If the former, strattera might help in conjunction. If the latter, then you could still reduce your paxil and add strattera. Or use another ssri; paxil supposed to be the worst for sex
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> > > > > I've also been on Strattera 3 months, but am having poor results. I've been searching for eight-nine months for a med (or meds) to replace Paxil, which successfully controlled my depression for 6-7 years.
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> > > > > I was taking 150 mg Wellbutrin a day when I started Strattera late in January, with 150 mg trazadone a day so I could sleep through the night. And was having to live with an exacerbation of a mild tremor I had before starting Wellbutrin. My doctor started me at 40 mg Strattera, but I had to go down to 25 because Strattera increased the tremor and insomnia. I saw improvement after 3-4 weeks, then we withdrew the Wellbutrin and I got worse over 3 weeks. We've been upping the dosage for another 3 weeks now and I'm at 60 mg Strattera, 250 mg trazadone, and seeing no improvement. I'm going to be seeking a second opinion and am starting to wonder about electroshock since I've been doing this dance for 8-9 months no& am getting nowhere. Also, I didn't work at all from September to March, and am now working 10-15 hours a week, so my financial situation is bad. I'm very discouraged. I'm not suicidal, but I'm starting to use phrases like I can't live like this any longer.
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> > > > > Oh yes, I have major dry mouth and bad breath from the Strattera as well. Where did you find the biotene toothpaste?
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> > > > > Comments, suggestions are welcome.
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> > > > > gale
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Posted by Kippie on May 4, 2003, at 21:40:56
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect yeltom » Gale Fox, posted by yeltom on May 4, 2003, at 12:31:01
My 6 yr. old son just started taking Strattera 5 days ago. He has taken stims for a couple of years (Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta) with no lasting or consistent improvement for severe ADHD. I would love any feedback or commentary from other parents with young children who are taking Strattera on general effectiveness, side effects, how long until you saw improvements, etc.... Thanks!
Posted by MomOfBoys on May 4, 2003, at 23:51:06
In reply to Re: Strattera 2+ months, posted by sarasane on April 29, 2003, at 11:27:57
I am 33 years old and have run the gamut of diagnoses including migraines, chronic tension headaches, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and probably some I can't think of now.
I recently went to see a new psych N.P. and it was her opinion that my symptoms sound to her like Adult ADD. I was game to try the Straterra right away and avoid the stimulants.
I was begun on 40 mg daily to increase to 80 mg after a week. I began taking 40 mg in the morning and I was so tired and sluggish...it was horrible! Those were my main complaints (constant fatigue, disorganization, not being able to accomplish much besides being a SAHM to my sons 9 and 3). Well, I persevered and took my 40 mg every morning without fail. About ten days in we went to Disney World for two weeks and I still continued to take 40 mg daily and did not increase the dose....why would I want to make myself bedbound?
After vacation, I got the bright idea to take the Straterra before bed, and what a difference immediately!!! Of course, after about three hours I had very restless sleep, but come morning, it was the first time I just ran out of bed, energetic and ready to conquer anything!
I now take 80 mg before bed and wake up early (i have never been a morning person) around 4-5 am and do my work (i work at home) and by the time the kids need to get up and out the door to school, I have most of my work quota done for the day, with energy to spare!
So, Straterra, SO FAR SO GOOD! Last week, my NP said if my sluggishness didn't go away she would add Ritalin/Adderall but today, right now, I don't think that is necessary.
My only side effects are not as good sleep at night and during the day I notice I am constantly thirsty and my contact lenses dry out more than usual.
I will gladly take these s/fx in exchange for my life lying on the couch feeling sorry for myself.
And, I am really glad to have found this board with Straterra info....I've been looking and not finding....Thanks for being here!
Posted by cmcdougall on May 5, 2003, at 14:05:08
In reply to Straterra x35 days, posted by MomOfBoys on May 4, 2003, at 23:51:06
Hi All,
Took 40mg for 4 days, increased to 80mg for 21 days, started 100mg last Friday. I LOVE Strattera. Still taking Lexapro and Trazodone for depression, Zonegran for migraines.
This is the best I've felt in years. I tried all the stims and they were OK... This is definately better.
Love and luck to you all.
Carly
Posted by snowflake on May 5, 2003, at 14:20:23
In reply to kids and strattera, posted by Kippie on May 4, 2003, at 21:40:56
Kippie,
I wrote a while back. My 11yr old son had a horrible time with Strattera. He was actually doing well on Adderall XR, regretted trying Strattera. It never helped his ADD(he has the inattentive type),so he started to suffer in school, then what made us stop was he started having horrible mood swings with melt downs,negative remarks and arguing. We gave the meds a good 7 weeks, waiting and waiting. His doctor told me she had various kids report back with these types of negative side effects. I haven't heard a lot of success stories regarding children. By reading the posts on this site it seems the majority if not all are adults and there are many success stories.
Snowflake
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