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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Lasagne on June 11, 2003, at 12:21:29
In reply to Re: Straterra at night ? Other questions..... » froggyanna, posted by MomofBoys on June 5, 2003, at 9:47:19
To: Mom of Boys
I too am raising 3 boys,ages 10, 7, and 4. They all have ADHD.
Do your boys have ADHD too?
How old were you when you were diagnosed?
I am 33 and after years of being treated for depression and anxiety, the doctor did an evaluation on me and now he thinks that I have suffered from ADD my whole life, which is why I have struggled so much with depression, etc. He started me on Strattera about a month or so ago. I am slowly noticing improvements but nothing as spectacular as you have noted. Have you ever done regular stimulant treatment or is Strattera your first try too?
I am interesting in having another woman with my same experience to swap stories with. Lately I have had to make sense of my new diagnosis and educate myself on it plus cope with my ADHD boys that my ADHD husband I produced. My whole world is filled with ADHD now and so I need another woman's perspective on how they have dealt with similar emotions.
'Lasagne' in California
Posted by Lasagne on June 11, 2003, at 15:13:26
In reply to Strattera AND Adderall?, posted by Viridis on June 10, 2003, at 20:26:41
Reply to below post: My son was taking 40 mgs. of Metadate (slow release Ritalin). It stopped working well after about 5 or 6 months of doing great, so our doctor suggested that we try Strattera by itself. We did this for about a month. He would get 20 mgs. twice daily. The first week things went pretty well except that he was not as focused in the afternoons. We tried playing with the dose a bit but it still didn't give him satisfactory results to make it through his school work. So our doctor suggested that we combine the Metadate with the Strattera. So now he is taking 40 mgs. of Strattera and 20 mgs. of Metadate. It does a good job of controlling his symptoms until about 3:30 in the afternoon, which means the homework time is not easy to deal with. We tried uping his dose to 40 mgs. of Metadate but it made him too moody. Now it's the beginning of summer and we are going to try something different in hopes that we can get him better stabilized to start 6th grade. Although, he has been tolerable to be around with the combination of Strattera and Metadate, he definitely isn't doing as well as I have seen him do in the past with other stimulant treatments. I would say that the best effectiveness he ever got was from the Adderall, but over time he became resistant to it. Since then we have never been able to get him back to the level of effectiveness that he had on the Adderall. All I can say is that it is worth a try to combine the Strattera with a stimulant. I have been doing this for two years straight with my son and it is just a constant trial and error process. Because children are still growing it is I think more common to have these problems finding the right treatment and maintaining it. I wish you luck.
Original message:> I've been using low-dose Adderall for quite a while now (10 mg/day), and I find it helpful for ADD and depression. However, I'd like to try Strattera, and my pdoc is keen on this too. I'm wondering if others here have taken Strattera and Adderall (or another stimulant) simultaneously.
>
> I've seen comments elsewhere that suggest one stay with Adderall (or Ritalin etc.), at least while the Strattera is kicking in, while others say to discontinue the stimulant before starting Strattera. In the Strattera prescribing info, there's no contraindication listed for amphetamines etc.
>
> I plan to start the Strattera cautiously, at a low dose, since I'm sensitive to certain meds (Wellbutrin and SSRIs). I'm just wondering if anyone has used Adderall and related meds together with Strattera, how they made the transition, and so on. I'd like to have some feedback so that I discuss this in an informed way with my pdoc, who's very reasonable and open-minded, but also somewhat cautious. He doesn't mind mixing meds (within reason), and listens to what I say, but I'd like to be sure I know what I'm talking about.
>
> Thanks in advance!
Posted by froggyanna on June 14, 2003, at 13:57:34
In reply to Re: Keep the Strattera updates coming!-appetite, posted by Gale Fox on June 10, 2003, at 8:06:02
> A word about Wellbutrin & Strattera and appetite/weight loss. One of the side effects of Wellbutrin is weight loss. I lost 30 lbs in 4.5 months on Wellbutrin (that was the 30 lbs I'd gained on Paxil over the past 6 years).
>
> My pdoc tells me that appetite supression is one of the side effects of Strattera, and I'd have to ssay that's been true for me also. So I suggest monitoring your weight and food intake if you're on one or both of these meds. (I'm currently taking 80 mg Strattera & 100 mg Wellbutrin)
Hi Gale,Yes, I'm also currently taking 80mg Straterra at night and 200mg Wellbutrin 2 times a day. 45mg buspiron at night as well. I HAVE been taking 100mg Zoloft for several years, but the pdoc has suggested that I stop taking it and see if the Wellbutrin can act as the antidepressant. I gradually increased the amount of Wellbutrin I was taking, while still taking the Zoloft. Now that I'm on 200mg 2x/day for a few days, I've stopped taking the Zoloft and we'll see how that goes.
Weight loss would NOT be a problem for me at all, since I am 5'7" and weigh about 280 pounds. I need to weigh HALF of me!! I'm really glad that I've found these meds (assuming that they turn out to be right for me in all other respects). In addition to a SIGNIFICANTLY reduced appetite, I'm seeing some gradual improvements in my ability to concentrate and move forward with tasks without much trouble. I still procrastinate, and I'm hoping I'll find a way to clear that up. Also, I'm experiencing some mild physical shakiness that feels not quite right.
Here's the big thing for me, though: I recently had some major health tests done (sleep study, bone densitometry, and stress echocardiogram). I'm 51, so my internist thought it prudent to look at all these things (I have sleep apnea - that's why the sleep study.) Also blood tests. My thyroid tests came back "normal" but we may be tweaking with that a bit (that's another thread). My densitometry test shows that I have "severe" osteoPENIA in my lower lumbar region. That's the stage before osteoporosis. And the stress test (treadmill) revealed that I have an "area of abnormality" in my heart and they suspect that not enough blood is getting there. My overall cholesterol is good, but my triglycerides are skyhigh and the HDL (good stuff) is way low. I have to have a repeat stress test, with something they put in your veins so they can see your heart in more detail. My internist tells me that if they find a blocked artery, they will probably have to put a "balloon" inside it to open it up. That was pretty shocking to hear, but he says it's not major surgery.
What made me sad is that before hearing this, I had just made up my mind to join my local Curves for Women and start getting the exercise I so desperately need. I asked the doc if I could go ahead and do this and he said NO! I have to wait until we figure out what needs to be done about my heart.
I immediately did an internet search, hoping I could find some information on "natural" ways of increasing your heart health (better late than never). For those who are interested, I found a WONDERFUL page of info about an herb called Arjuna, and I'm going to be taking this as soon as it comes in the mail: http://www.planetherbs.com/articles/Arjuna.htm
Sorry for going a little off track, but y'know, we are all these things, not just our brains....
froggyanna
Posted by EasilyDistracted on June 14, 2003, at 15:11:15
In reply to Re: Straterra- anyone using as stimulant? » Lexxey, posted by Magpie on April 7, 2003, at 12:12:10
Was diagnosed with ADD about 8 years ago. Tried all the SSRI's, Wellbutrin and Cylert to help with attention and depression. Ended up gaining about 25#'s on SSRI's...not an option for me. Then I got the bright idea to "self medicate" with meth...my bright idea landed me in drug rehab, which is where I find myself now. My counselor worried that if I didn't address my ADD I would end up "self medicating" again...So, I began Straterra Wednesday am (40mg) with very little expectation and by Wednesday afternoon my entire rehab "group" was amazed at how calm I was! {It really was quite amazing). I was able to sit quietly and listen for the whole afternoon. Prior to that it was almost physically painful for me to "just sit". Anyhow, I began taking 80mg this morning and am not having any side effects that I cannot tolerate. I just may be on to something here....
Posted by Lasagne on June 14, 2003, at 16:04:36
In reply to new on Straterra, posted by EasilyDistracted on June 14, 2003, at 15:11:15
Hi:
I have been taking Strattera for about a month or so now. I am taking 80 mgs. daily at bedtime. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD at age 33, so I had never done any stimulant medication treatments prior to this time. And because of what I now see as a strange miracle, I stayed away from self-medicating myself, eventhough there is a huge family disposition to do so. Although, I have been taking Prozac for 10 years for depression and Buspar during the last few years for anxiety. I couldn't believe how much calmer the Strattera made me. At first it was a bit scary because I didn't realize how hyper I was before, so to start experiencing the world at what my doctor says is normal speed, it took a bit of getting used to. Now I am really enjoying this feeling. I don't fuss about so much and I can let a lot of things go that I used to get fixed on before and couldn't break the thought pattern. It is also easier for me to get through my daily routine and I find I am slowly but surely getting more organized. I am finding that with time the procrastination issues aren't as bad. I am not sure I will ever be completely rid of all of my symptoms but right now I am trying to stay positive about the improvements that have happened with this medication. The one thing I absolutely love about the Strattera is the ability to sleep. I have been a long time sufferer in the sleep dept. and now the medication relaxes my brain so I am not constantly thinking about this or that in the middle of the night. I find myself occasionally over thinking things, but I can recognize it now and somehow shut it off and move on to more productive thoughts or simply rest.
Posted by Lasagne on June 14, 2003, at 16:13:55
In reply to Re: ...Strattera updates!-appetite/heart trouble, posted by froggyanna on June 14, 2003, at 13:57:34
I have been taking Strattera for over a month now. I take 80 mgs. at bedtime. At first the appetite control was more intense and I dropped down to 155 lbs after years of trying to do so on mere excercise and healthier eating (but to no avail). I attribute this to the nausea that I felt in the beginning. After about 3 weeks on the medication I noticed my appetite increased a bit and then I put back on a few pounds. Although, I find that the medication still continues to control my appetite. If I over eat at all, then I am so uncomfortable and feel sick. The nausea seems to be decreasing with time, something I was most concerned about because I would feel it on and off all day long at first. Now I seem to be stabilizing in that department, thank heaven!
The main side effect that I still continue to struggle with is the hot flashes and sweating that started when I began the medication.
Posted by gouda on June 15, 2003, at 18:05:44
In reply to Re: Q A to Froggyanna: CPAP and sleep apnea? » gouda, posted by froggyanna on June 7, 2003, at 12:08:54
Posted by gouda on June 15, 2003, at 18:08:33
In reply to Re: new on Straterra » EasilyDistracted, posted by Lasagne on June 14, 2003, at 16:04:36
To All,
I just marvel at how almost ALL of us STRATTERA-takers are ALSO on SSRIs! Lexapro, Celexa, Wellbutrin, etc.
Does anyone know what's the significance of this ADD & DEPRESSION connection?
Gouda
Posted by zeugma on June 15, 2003, at 21:35:53
In reply to Why are so many of us ADDers also depressed?, posted by gouda on June 15, 2003, at 18:08:33
> To All,
>
> I just marvel at how almost ALL of us STRATTERA-takers are ALSO on SSRIs! Lexapro, Celexa, Wellbutrin, etc.
>
> Does anyone know what's the significance of this ADD & DEPRESSION connection?
>
> Gouda
ADHD is a lot more serious (at least the kind that I have) than a lot of people commonly supposed. It has made my entire life a shambles. Plus, it commonly comes with comorbidities, particularly the more severe varieties. If I didn't suffer from some form of endogeneous depression, I would be depressed anyway at the havoc these disorders have wreaked on my life.
Posted by reba on June 15, 2003, at 22:34:59
In reply to Strattera AND Adderall?, posted by Viridis on June 10, 2003, at 20:26:41
Ok, so here is my deal. I'm 20 years old, and i was diagnosed with ADHD in the begining of february. Since then I decided to take Strattera. I tried my hardest to keep an open mind since i had never tried any type of meds before this, and my doc didn't know much at all about it. So heres for everyone getting frusterated with Strattera; it took me almost 2 months to really notice ANYTHING! Also it was hard because never having been on any other meds i didn't know what to expect. Advise for anyone trying Strattera for the first time, hang in there, and really keep an eye on changes to yourself, they were very hard for me at first to really see myself. Another point of advise i want to give is that meds don't fix everything, you really have to learn better skills on your own or through a ADD coach type thing. I personally read everything on ADD i could get my hands on. lol. But I have been reading all your posts and i too have had side effects such as dry mouth, daytime tiredness, hot flashes, and moodiness if i dont eat enough durring the day. I also lost weight and I am not used to that AT ALL. I'm not that big to begin with so it was weird.
Ok, I have a couple questions for whoever.
1st about the day time tiredness. I take 80mg at about midnight. But I am tired from when I wake up about 10, or 11 am till almost 5:00 pm. This is a huge problem for me. I drink lots of coffee to help this and I want to find a better way to deal, weather it be changing the time I take the meds or the dose I need to take.
2nd That brings up my 2nd question of what about using stimulant meds with Strattera. i want to hear anything anyone knows about this. I have never taken any sort of ritalin or anything so I want some input please. Maybe this is what I need to not be tired in the day?
ok so I suppose this is all for now!
Posted by cybercafe on June 15, 2003, at 23:38:45
In reply to Why are so many of us ADDers also depressed?, posted by gouda on June 15, 2003, at 18:08:33
> To All,
>
> I just marvel at how almost ALL of us STRATTERA-takers are ALSO on SSRIs! Lexapro, Celexa, Wellbutrin, etc.
>
> Does anyone know what's the significance of this ADD & DEPRESSION connection?i find both depression and ADD have to do a lot with feelings of boredom
and they are both related to pleasure centers of the brain no?
ritalin = makes stuff you're doing seem more interesting
serotonin = makes other stuff seem more interesting
Posted by gouda on June 16, 2003, at 6:30:29
In reply to Re: Strattera AND Adderall?, posted by reba on June 15, 2003, at 22:34:59
Thanks for your post, I am also in my 20s and just got diagnosed with ADD as well as mild depression (which I agree with others that ADD maybe the cause of depression). I am a newbie to the psych meds too, it's been a year. Basically, as you stated, it takes a long long time to adjust. There is really no science to this psych med stuff, and is super frustrating b/c it's so much trial and error.
Before Strattera, I took Ritalin. Even though I should be taking Ritalin daily, I only took it when I believed it was really necessary (like a month before finals ... hehe, I just goofed off for the 1st 2 months of the semester). It's basically like taking Speed, so I consciously felt really really uncomfortable. 1 Ritalin = 3 Venti Starbucks ... which was the really nice benefit. Ritalin definitely works; I think it is more of personal ethics issue.
I don't know much about other drugs in particular, but I've heard that Concerta is a non-stimulant ... others please correct me if I am wrong in telling Reba this! So if you're like me, Concerta might be something to consider.
So far, I'm still at 25 mg Strattera, so I'm not at your level yet, but crossing my fingers!
Posted by gouda on June 16, 2003, at 6:38:26
In reply to Re: Q A to Froggyanna: CPAP and sleep apnea? (nm), posted by gouda on June 15, 2003, at 18:05:44
Froggyanna,
Sorry, I dunno how I lost the message, rats! And I typed a lot for the reply!
In any case, I'll be brief the 2nd time around.
First, thanks for the info on sleep disorders fee. Too expensive for me! But I'll ask my pdoc about it!
Yes, I am taking Celexa (dropped the Wellbutrin) b/c I am extremely sensitive to meds and metabolize meds too quickly ... so that's why I get those weird sensations (shaking, tingling, hyper calm). Celexa has been great! Wellbutrin was a little too calming for me ... I am emotional, but I felt that Wellbutrin was making me a drone!
Glad to hear your irritability dropped out through your other med reduction!
gouda
Posted by teacherkris on June 16, 2003, at 9:44:33
In reply to Re: Strattera AND Adderall?, posted by gouda on June 16, 2003, at 6:30:29
FYI Concerta is a long acting form of methyphenidate (Ritalin). It is a stimulant. Strattera is the first non-stimulant designed to treat ADHD which is why everyone is so excited about it.
Posted by Old-ADD-Guy on June 16, 2003, at 10:19:36
In reply to Re: new on Straterra » EasilyDistracted, posted by Lasagne on June 14, 2003, at 16:04:36
Hello -
I am not sure if you are male of female - but I wanted to ask you...
I am also 33 years old and have recently tried Strattera for ADD - like you, it helped me a great deal and it helped me to sleep.
However, it also made me impotent so I needed to stop taking it. I mean it made me 100% impotent - which has never happened to me before... Have you have any bad sexual side effects from Strattera?
And - have you ever taken Wellbutrin? I may want to try Wellbutrin since it also works on norepinophrine but is not connected to hardcore sexual side effects...
Thanks
Posted by Old-ADD-Guy on June 16, 2003, at 10:23:07
In reply to Re: Strattera AND Adderall?, posted by gouda on June 16, 2003, at 6:30:29
Concerta IS a stimulant. It is form of amphetamine... like Ritalin and Adderall etc...
I beleive Concerta is acutally kind of Ritalin in a time-release form...
Posted by Lasagne on June 16, 2003, at 14:38:05
In reply to Re: new on Straterra, posted by Old-ADD-Guy on June 16, 2003, at 10:19:36
> Hello -
>
> I am not sure if you are male of female - but I wanted to ask you...
>
> I am also 33 years old and have recently tried Strattera for ADD - like you, it helped me a great deal and it helped me to sleep.
>
> However, it also made me impotent so I needed to stop taking it. I mean it made me 100% impotent - which has never happened to me before... Have you have any bad sexual side effects from Strattera?
>
> And - have you ever taken Wellbutrin? I may want to try Wellbutrin since it also works on norepinophrine but is not connected to hardcore sexual side effects...
>
> Thanks*****Reply: I am actually female, but my husband who is 40 years old also recently tried the Strattera for ADHD. He also experienced sexual side effects (sustaining erection) and so the doctor switched him to Concerta (time release Ritalin). My husband also takes Wellbutrin SR 300 mgs. daily. He has been on the Wellbutrin for over six months now with no impotence problems. It would probably be a good idea to try the Wellbutrin before going on to try stimulant medicaions. The Wellbutrin might be enough to relieve your symptoms and it is more maneagable to refill than the stimulants are. For example, our insurance will give us a 3 month supply of Wellbutrin at a time, but only a 1 month supply of any of the stimulant medications at a time. In case you aren't already familiar with triplicate prescriptions, they are strictly controlled. They can't be mailed to you or faxed over to a pharmacy. You have to have the original prescription from your doctor's office each time you fill/refill a controlled substance.
Good luck!
Posted by Lasagne on June 16, 2003, at 15:02:54
In reply to Re: Why are so many of us ADDers also depressed?, posted by cybercafe on June 15, 2003, at 23:38:45
To Everybody who has ADD and depression:
I recently read two books that explain this correlation very well.
They basically say that sometimes the depression co-exists with the attentional problems, but that a lot of the time, the depression is a secondary effect caused by the years of having to cope with your ADD/ADHD symptoms without any knowledge of why you struggle so much to do things that other people seem to do so much easier.
At any rate, I would highly recommend the following books. They have really helped me to understand so many things that have happened to me in my life. The books have really given me a sense of peace about my lifelong struggles.
1. Women with Attention Deficit Disorder by Sari Solden
2. Driven to Distraction by Drs. Hallowell and Ratey.
I was able to find both books at my local library and they are also available for sale on the Internet. They both were easy to read, something that I have struggled with my whole life. Somehow the pertinance of the subject matter held my attention. All the other authors of the above mentioned books also suffer with ADD/ADHD so they bring an interesting perspective to their writing.
Posted by Lasagne on June 16, 2003, at 15:13:06
In reply to Re: Strattera AND Adderall?, posted by reba on June 15, 2003, at 22:34:59
Feedback to questions:
1st: I take my 80 mgs. of Strattera at 7 p.m. at night. It helps me get to sleep and I don't have the problem with the daytime sleepiness like I did when I took the medication at two different times daily (morning, late afternoon).
2nd: My 10 year old son wasn't getting sufficient results from the Strattera alone so our doctor suggested we try Metadate (controlled release Ritalin, stimulant)in combination with the Strattera. The combination seems to work fine.
Final comment: I too have been on the Strattera for about 6 weeks or so. It wasn't until this last week that I felt a tremendous improvement in my functioning. At first I couldn't really see how it was helping me, but now I could write down a list of the improvements and also, over time my side effects have diminished making me more hopeful about this treatment. It is definitely a medication that you have to be patient with. With other SSRI's or antidepressants I got quicker results than with the Strattera, so I was a bit frustrated in the beginning as to why I wasn't responding quickly. All I can say is that doing the medication treatments is a lot of trial and error. I have done it for several years for my son and I would say he has been the most difficult case to keep stabilized with his ADHD symptoms and other co-existing problems.
Posted by glaciergirl on June 17, 2003, at 9:15:33
In reply to Re: new on Straterra » Old-ADD-Guy, posted by Lasagne on June 16, 2003, at 14:38:05
Would you mind telling me how much concerta your husband takes? I am on 36 mg, but don't feel like it is enough, I almost feel like it doesn't last all day...I have read that the best dose is 54mg, do you know?
Thanks,
Brooke
Posted by Lasagne on June 17, 2003, at 10:13:56
In reply to Re: new on Straterra » Lasagne, posted by glaciergirl on June 17, 2003, at 9:15:33
> Would you mind telling me how much concerta your husband takes? I am on 36 mg, but don't feel like it is enough, I almost feel like it doesn't last all day...I have read that the best dose is 54mg, do you know?
> Thanks,
> BrookeREPLY: My husband first started on 54 mgs., but it wasn't effective enough, but he is a big man (240 lbs) which may be part of the problem. A week ago the doctor started him on two 36 mgs tablets daily for a total of 72 mgs daily. So far I have noticed a big difference on the higher dose. He was an organizing fool over the weekend and he has a new desire to complete tasks at work. You should call your doctor and see if they can give you a prescription for the 54 mg tablets first and see if that does the trick. We have a 10 year old son with ADHD and it has been a process of trial and error to get the right dosing with him. Everybody is so different and sometimes people won't respond very well to Ritalin based prescriptions but may do better on Adderall. Adderall also comes in a time release formula now. Another thing we have tried in combination with the time release stimulants is to give a small dose of the fast acting stimulant around 3 in the afternoon to give the boost needed to make it through the rest of the afternoon and early evening.
Good luck!
Posted by glaciergirl on June 17, 2003, at 10:57:57
In reply to Re: new on Straterra » glaciergirl, posted by Lasagne on June 17, 2003, at 10:13:56
Thanks for the info! My month's supply or Concerta is almost up (4 more days) and I have a dr.'s appt. Thursday! I was really beginning to wonder if the Concerta was working at all. Hopefully a higher dose will help. I am a little discouraged that it hasn't helped me more. I don't know if my doc will put me on adderall, or if she is trying every other possible option first..in the last 5 months I have gone thru Paxil CR, Topomax, Strattera, and now Concerta....I am hoping for a miracle, lol!
Brooke
Posted by beppe3 on June 17, 2003, at 12:56:54
In reply to Re: new on Straterra » Lasagne, posted by glaciergirl on June 17, 2003, at 10:57:57
Hi. I'm new to this chat room and Strattera. I've been taking 10mg of Lexapro for 2 mo. with little improvement. I've been struggling with fatigue and depression for the past 5 years.
My doc prescribed Strattera with great enthusiasm and I've been a non compliant patient. I was more tired, unmotivated, foggy, bloated, bitter taste in mouth and stopped taking it due to the impact it was having on my daily functioning. He said all the side effects I was experiencing were psychosomatic.
After reading some of your experiences I'm thinking I didn't give it a full trial. I only remained on 20mg. a.m. for 1 week.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I won't be able to read replys until this evening.
Posted by Lasagne on June 17, 2003, at 14:50:40
In reply to Re: new on Straterra, posted by beppe3 on June 17, 2003, at 12:56:54
> Hi. I'm new to this chat room and Strattera. I've been taking 10mg of Lexapro for 2 mo. with little improvement. I've been struggling with fatigue and depression for the past 5 years.
> My doc prescribed Strattera with great enthusiasm and I've been a non compliant patient. I was more tired, unmotivated, foggy, bloated, bitter taste in mouth and stopped taking it due to the impact it was having on my daily functioning. He said all the side effects I was experiencing were psychosomatic.
> After reading some of your experiences I'm thinking I didn't give it a full trial. I only remained on 20mg. a.m. for 1 week.
> Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks!
> I won't be able to read replys until this evening.****REPLY: First of all, I think 20 mgs. is a small dose. Then again, I don't know how much you weigh. I weight 158 lbs and on 80 mgs. daily. I first started on 40 mgs. and then after 4 days I increased to 80 mgs. My son who weights 80 lbs. is on 40 mgs. daily.
I would suggest that you give the medication at least 6 weeks. At first I experienced the fatigue and fogginess amongst a bunch of other side effects. Now that I am past the 6 week mark and switched to taking all 80 mgs. at 7 p.m., I am noticing a big decrease in the side effects and I have more energy. I don't need to nap for as long as I used to and I am ready to wake up by 7 a.m. Before the Strattera I used to want to go back to bed after getting my kids off to school and then I had to take at least a 1 1/2-2 hour nap everyday after lunch. In the beginning the doctors recommend that you take half of your dose in the morning and then the other half in the late afternoon. I found this made me way too sleepy during the day. Once I switched to taking it all at 7 p.m. I slept better at night and then I woke up with more energy.
Have you also been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD? For years I suffered with depression and anxiety and just recently my doctor did an evaluation on me and came up with the diagnosis of ADD. He thinks that the source of my depression and anxiety is due to the years of trying to cope with my ADD symptoms. In combination with the above problems I have also had chronic problems with fatigue and fibromyalgia.
You might like to read a book called:
Women with Attention Deficit Disorder by Sari Solden (I found it at our local library) and see if the scenarios presented in the book hit home for you and if so, then you can talk to your doctor about doing a formal ADD/ADHD evaluation.
Prior to the Strattera I was already taking Prozac and Buspar. I still continue to take them with the Strattera and I am amazed at the improvements that have happened over the last 6 weeks. I went from being in a depressive episode with thoughts of wanting to die and now I feel like I am out of the cloud and can function so much better. Now that I know that I have ADD and have learned more about it, I see life differently and somehow have more peace about the struggles I have had during my life. I have gone through various times where I would get so frustrated as to why I couldn't do things the way other people do. So many times I felt buried by the bare minimum of life's requirements, while others were forging ahead. This was very discouraging because I am a very talented person and intelligent yet for a long time this was not readily apparent because of my ADD. It was difficult for me to focus on the good qualities that I have, despite the fact that many people have told me that they admire my talents. All I could see is that I couldn't keep up with the day to day stuff like others and since that is what the majority of our time is spent on, I felt so inadequate.
Lastly, it alarms me that your doctor would tell you that your claimed side effects are psychosomatic. You might want to consider finding somebody who is more compassionate than that. My doctor who is a family practitioner has always listened to me and validates whatever experiences I share with him. It's not easy taking medication and generally there are side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment. You need a doctor that you can work with closely and feel comfortable sharing with him/her without feeling like he/she is judging you as a crazy person who is making up side effects.
I asked my doctor if any of his other patients had experienced some of the side effects I was having, and he said no, but he didn't discount them either. That is when I went on Psycho Babble to post my experience to see if anybody else had the same things happen. Sure enough I got back replies with people claiming similar experiences. So, I guess the thing to take from this is that doctors don't know every single side effect that can happen. Everybody's body is different and responds differently. Thus, he shouldn't be suggesting that you have psychosomatic tendencies. Maybe I am over reacting to this, but from my years of experience with my own mental illness, one thing I do know is that negative unbelieving people in your life only make the situation worse. You can't expect to make positive progress under such conditions. It's important that you be heard and validated.
I hope something I have said here can help you out. Good Luck!
Posted by Viridis on June 17, 2003, at 19:51:51
In reply to Re: new on Straterra, posted by beppe3 on June 17, 2003, at 12:56:54
I wouldn't trust any doctor who says your side effects are "psychosomatic', especially if they're ones you don't normally have. Mild nausea, headache...OK, I could see that being coincidental. But I've been through this nonsense with doctors before, most recently with Wellbutrin, which my GP claimed "can't" have side effects. Well, I had a bizarre reaction (for weeks) that involved (among other things) severe dizziness, sudden anger, sensitivity to light, shaking, etc. My GP said these effects were "imaginary" -- strange, since I've never had them before, they coincided precisely with use of the drug, and stopped as soon as I discontinued it. The psychiatrist I saw subsequently said that these are all pretty well-known side effects and not particularly rare, especially for someone with an existing anxiety disorder.
Since this is a Strattera thread, I'll add that I started it today (at 25 mg) and feel very calm, mellow, and focused. One day is certainly not enough to base any judgements on, but I am encouraged. I doubt it's placebo effect, since if anything I was expecting an initial negative reaction. We'll see...I'll keep you posted.
Good luck!
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