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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by btnd on March 27, 2004, at 12:36:31
I've a question for ADD (inattentive) users of Strattera. After 1-2 weeks, when Strattera starts working - does it increase motivation, like Adderall/other amphetamines? What about energy, mood-lift, sociability? I'm interested how does Strattera differ in effects with amphetamine-based drugs (for those haveing ADD).
Take care.
Posted by terrics on March 27, 2004, at 16:55:36
In reply to Strattera for ADD - does it increase motivation?, posted by btnd on March 27, 2004, at 12:36:31
Hi, I have no answers for you only questions. I do not have ADD, but work with children that do. I was wondering too how strattera works in comparison to the amphetamines. Do Docs just like to prescribe it because it is not controlled. terrics
Posted by terrics on March 27, 2004, at 21:19:54
In reply to Strattera for ADD - does it increase motivation?, posted by btnd on March 27, 2004, at 12:36:31
I recently did a little inservice on ADD meds. Strattera probably increases motivation. My source book only said probably though. terrics
Posted by Viridis on March 28, 2004, at 0:22:54
In reply to Re: Strattera for ADD - does it increase motivation? » btnd, posted by terrics on March 27, 2004, at 21:19:54
My experience only, but I found Adderall vastly better than Strattera, without the side effects that Strattera can cause. I gave Strattera a decent trial ( around 6 months; up to 80 mg/day) , in conjunction with Adderall (10 mg/day).
I liked Strattera at first, but now consider it quite dangerous (for me at least). My blood pressure went way up and I had some pretty weird and scary side effects. These stopped shortly after I stopped taking it (abruptly, with no withdrawal).
I expect that as it's prescribed more and more, it will turn out be much less benign than advertised. Or maybe it's just me. In any case, my pdoc seems to having second thoughts about it, despite his initial enthusiasm.
Posted by Securitas on March 28, 2004, at 5:23:32
In reply to Re: Strattera for ADD - does it increase motivatio » terrics, posted by Viridis on March 28, 2004, at 0:22:54
I found Strattera worked very well at 80mg/day for inattentive ADHD, but after 3 months lost its effectiveness. A higher dose restored that, but at the cost of vasospasm (toes/fingers). There were no other side effects in my case. Adderall XR works as well, and perhaps better for 'motivation' but carries a significant risk of tolerance, dependence and 'ramping up the dose'. High blood pressure is just as likely with Adderall if you had it with Strattera (norepinephrine reuptake inhibition component). I found ACE inhibitors work best in that case.
Securitas
Posted by green hornet on March 28, 2004, at 7:36:58
In reply to Re: Strattera for ADD - does it increase motivatio, posted by Securitas on March 28, 2004, at 5:23:32
> I found Strattera worked very well at 80mg/day for inattentive ADHD, but after 3 months lost its effectiveness. A higher dose restored that, but at the cost of vasospasm (toes/fingers). There were no other side effects in my case. Adderall XR works as well, and perhaps better for 'motivation' but carries a significant risk of tolerance, dependence and 'ramping up the dose'. High blood pressure is just as likely with Adderall if you had it with Strattera (norepinephrine reuptake inhibition component). I found ACE inhibitors work best in that case.
> SecuritasAlthough I think I realized some motovational effect early on, it has really taken over six months to feel the "total" effect. I think my big mistake was to come off an SSRI thinking the effect of the Strattera was my depression "going away" Uh uh .......This is one reason Strattera does not seem to help children in school, they, their teachers and families just don't HAVE six months to wait it out. IMHO Ritalin and other stimulants have spoiled us, so when something like Strattera comes along, its like every thing else, "I-want-what-I want-when-I want-it" mentality. Stimulants have their place,and I am not putting down those who must have them for true ADHD, but if you are just starting on Strattera my advice is be VERY patient. GH
Posted by utopizen on March 28, 2004, at 16:03:45
In reply to Re: Strattera for ADD - does it increase motivatio, posted by green hornet on March 28, 2004, at 7:36:58
I've said this before, but combining it with Provigil (besides being safer than having too much NE as a result of combining it with even a low dose of Adderall) is helpful in augmenting its effect, according to my doctor, who's leading research on this area at a research hospital...
Posted by Viridis on March 28, 2004, at 18:45:33
In reply to Re: Strattera for ADD - does it increase motivatio, posted by Securitas on March 28, 2004, at 5:23:32
Strangely, Adderall seems to lower my blood pressure (which is usually normal anyway) a bit, probably because I find it relaxing, at least in the sense that I can focus more effectively and spend less time worrying. Strattera didn't make me nervous though -- it just raised my bp and had some other odd effects. Besides, it stopped doing what it was supposed to, so I saw no reason to continue with it.
I was taking it together with Adderall; it could be that the combination had the blood pressure effects. I'm not talking hypertensive or anything, but my bp went from around 120/80 to 140+/90+, and this consistently coincided with use of Strattera.
This is the end of the thread.
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