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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dinah on July 11, 2003, at 9:59:16
In reply to ADHD Strattera Trazodone, posted by JeannieNY on July 10, 2003, at 21:51:52
Originally posted by JeannieNY 7/10/03
> I have a 17 y/o son who long ago was diagnosed with ADHD, we've never really treated it medically, just lots of TLC & extra help in school. Now he is having problems focusing, plus anxiety which not only effects him psychologically, but now physically--acne, skin rashes & bowel problems--he is going through a hard time. His Dr. just started him on Straterra, he says the medicine is doing something to help, but meanwhile he is tired if he takes it in the day, and if he takes it at night, he is up after 3-4 hours and drags in the day. Last night was the worst--he had been on it a week and was supposed to increase to 80 mg by now. He took the 80 last night and slept very little. He has a prescription for Trazodone, he has taken it for a few years to help with sleep. Anyone take this combo of Straterra & Trazodone?? Did you have to get used to the Straterra?? Is it worth continuing in order to see if it works?? Thanks for any help!
>
Posted by fallsfall on July 11, 2003, at 18:16:06
In reply to Re: ADHD Strattera Trazodone » JeannieNY, posted by Dinah on July 11, 2003, at 9:59:16
The side effects from Strattera do seem to go away after a while. You might want to muddle through the next couple of weeks and then try taking it in the day vs. the night. My unofficial poll says that ADHD people prefer to take it at night.
Let him settle on this dose before upping it again, that might make the next set of side effects smaller. Also, if you can increase in smaller amounts the side effects tend to be smaller, too.
Good luck!
Posted by Viridis on July 12, 2003, at 5:36:49
In reply to Re: ADHD Strattera Trazodone » JeannieNY, posted by Dinah on July 11, 2003, at 9:59:16
I agree with fallsfall (at least based on my experience) -- Strattera can be very helpful, just increase the dose slowly. I had some side effects with each dosage increase, but they went away quickly. And, some people don't need a full 80 mg. So far (it's only been a month or so), about 50-60 mg seems right for me.
I haven't taken it with Trazodone, but I have taken Trazodone and it makes me feel a bit groggy the next day. It does help with sleep, but I don't really like it -- I find that benzodiazepines are much better (I use Klonopin daily for anxiety and Xanax occasionally; Xanax can be very good for sleep as long as you don't use it this way on a regular basis). But unfortunately, a lot of doctors don't like to prescribe benzos, with the misguided idea that they're somehow "addictive". Klonopin, especially, can make a huge difference.
If you haven't done so already, I'd suggest you have your son see a psychiatrist, preferably one who specializes in ADD/ADHD. You may have to try a few before you find the right one, but it's worth the effort.
Good luck!
This is the end of the thread.
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