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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Altair1972m on December 3, 2007, at 12:23:07
Today is 12/3/2007. This posting for the Dr. Bob site was was written on 11/20/07. I have been off the Strattera since 11/22/2007. There is important information at the end.
I was born in 1972. I have always had trouble with interpersonal relationships, from grade school to my current job. In 2003 I was diagnosed as ADD and October 2007, ADHD. I have problems reading anything more than a few pages, I lose things, I skip steps when I do tasks, and I am very oppositional.
I really appreciate yall sharing your experiences with Strattera. I started taking it on 10/26/2007. I was given 3 bottles, the 18, 25, and 40 doses with 7 pills in each. I began taking them because of a bad job review so I was feeling suicidal to begin with. Thankfully, thus far that side effect has not reared it’s head. I’m starting to believe it’s not in fact a side effect, but the focus allows you to plan and succeed better. On 11/14/07, I was adjusted down to 25s twice a day.
During the day I am more sedate and less likely to question orders. I’m sleepy between 1PM and 4PM. Depending on the time of day I have better control over response to external stimulus…to a level of control I never had before. So that’s good. My joke impulse is not being sedated though.
Ok, from the start I have had the flushed feeling meaning intermittent burning hands and numbness in the hands and face. Neither has been intolerable.
Penial issues went like this:
 Day 1-3 no sex drive. Did not have erection in response to any visual or oral stimuli. On day 2 I rubbed it up against wife and up it came. Phew…was sooo glad that is still working. After a week my sex drive came back, but it was tough to maintain an erection if there were any distractions around. This is actually a blessing because I had a hyper sex drive to begin with, but it means working out the tongue muscles some more.
 Day 4 I had a nasty surprise. That micturation blurb in the packet means after you pee and you put it back in your pants, you feel like you are going to pee again, right then and there, usually about 10 seconds after you start walking away. Then when you get to the toilet nothing comes out. I’ve also been getting a slight burning. I figured out if I shake, then try to replicate the sensation of having it put away, then shake again, then put it back in the pants, no real problem until 11/19. On this day, after I finished peeing, I clamped down, and then about a teaspoon full of what appeared to be semen came out. I had already flushed and when the discharge hit the water, it broke up like semen. I’m wondering if that burning is my prostate.
 Irregular orgasm…I believe that’s what the packet says…I’ll say: the ejaculation is occurring before the point of no return for orgasm. I’ve had several ejaculations with no orgasm and then another ejaculation during orgasm. Forget staying power if you have it. Learn oral sex techniques! I also experienced a slight burning on ejaculation, but not enough to call it painful like those other people on the site said. No impotence yet. If I do not try to suppress the point of no return, everything seems to work normal (messy but normal), but no ejaculation since I started the drug was as satisfying as before…fortunately I’m not looking for one as much.
I can accept what has been going on so far. I would like to know WHY, but that will happen at the next appointment.Mental health:
I’ve been buzzed and slightly dizzy since day one. Not till several days on the 25 dose did the dizziness become a problem. Everything seems like it’s in slightly slow motion…I have to push through thick air to act especially in the afternoon. It is not intolerable yet, but has been borderline on a few occasions. My co-workers noted that I was not standing straight (more than usual :) ) when I was standing still. Several joked about me coming to work stoned until I told them what was going on.
I’m apathetic to everything. I used to like the stock market, a light work out, video games, and sci-fi. I stopped drawing. I’m bored of the video games I used to play. I play them now just for stress. I still cannot sit in front of the TV without doing something else productive. I still have racing thoughts. When I get home and the stuff wears off I’m a bear (I need a punching bag).
My thoughts are still racing. My nephew says that does not go away.
My big complaint is I cannot think or hold a thought. My 10 yo nephew, also on Strattera, says that problem goes away after a while. I’m waiting with baited…what was I saying? Also, I keep having 2-5 second in speech when trying to complete a sentence. This occurs 5-10 times a day. It reminds me of comedian Lewis Black’s joke about him not being able to complete a thought in his own head.
My friends at work want the old me back. They like that goofy guy. My boss thinks I’m making progress. Meanwhile everyone is slowly asking me if I’m ok because I look depressed. Zombified is more like it after 2PM.
I have been unacceptably tired since the last few days of the 40 dose and after about 12PM I feel like it’s harder to lift my arms et al.
Unless you are in a job that involves just doing what your boss says, I would not yet recommend this drug. However, for those of you like me that question your boss too much, and need to think less, yeah, this drug is for you.
Epiloge: What you just read was finished on November 20, 2007.
On 11/22/2007 Dr. Yosry of Toms River called my wife and told her to have me stop the Strattera and go to my primary. I stopped that night and my penis control returned very quickly. Also I need to report that the whole week after 11/20/2007 I felt like I had something in my bladder, first a pine cone sensation, and then a balloon feeling. I was off the Strattera for about 4 days when I had a fight with my in laws and then my wfie and on 11/25/07 I DID feel suicidal.
Today, 12/3/07 I spoke with the nurse of my Urologist, Dr. DeSalvo of Freehold who said, that the white discharge is not a health risk. Since 11/14 I have also been on Trileptal. It's less annoying, but less effective. It was supposed to work with the Strattera. Even at 1/3 the normal does, it made me so drowsy they sent me home from work 11/28/2007. It does help with supression of bad habits but not enough. I also feel quesy all the time and have been experiencing a general feeling of anxiety, which Dr. Yosry says cannot be the medication (even though it's on the Trileptal web page). I see a new psychiatrist later today.
Posted by bleauberry on December 3, 2007, at 17:36:27
In reply to Strattera Side Effects Leaking Semen not Risky, posted by Altair1972m on December 3, 2007, at 12:23:07
Sounds bad all around. If it were me I would have already stopped. It does not come anywhere close to an acceptable trade-off between benefit vs side effect. I had to look hard in your post for any benefit at all. But the problems from the drug were all over the place.
Posted by Altair1972m on December 6, 2007, at 20:55:16
In reply to Re: Strattera Side Effects Leaking Semen not Risky, posted by bleauberry on December 3, 2007, at 17:36:27
I understand and somewhat agree. I am willing to let them put me on a much lower dose, maybe, bc I've been told no other non stimulant ADHD medication is available.
On Monday I found out that stimulant medications sometimes drive ADHD people with Bi-Polar into overdrive. That was why I might put up with the effects.
Posted by Justherself54 on December 7, 2007, at 19:17:11
In reply to Strattera Side Effects Leaking Semen not Risky, posted by Altair1972m on December 3, 2007, at 12:23:07
I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. At the risk of possibly getting a PBC..I have to admit I felt uncomfortable with some the the descriptions in your post as some of the comments were pretty sexually graphic..
Posted by CellPhoneBit on April 15, 2010, at 11:29:42
In reply to Strattera Side Effects Leaking Semen not Risky, posted by Altair1972m on December 3, 2007, at 12:23:07
Strattera effects for me, as of 4/15/10
I've been on 40 mg tabs since the first of this year. I was put on Strattera for the same reason as the person who posted "Strattera Side Effects Leaking Semen not Risky". I have ADD. Though, no, I don't have the hyperactive tendencies. I have just always hit a wall with long term employment the moment I learn how to do the job. I feel done and start having trouble getting myself to stick to the job. I experience conflicting ideas within that prevent me from acting in a consistent manner. I often get fired for my inconsistency or I quit.
The first day on the medication I experienced an unexpected ejaculation immediately after defecation. However, I DID experience a very weak orgasm with it. The strangest part is that it occurred while my penis was all shrunk up to its most minimal size, and my sack was pulled up tight against my body as well. Two days later, it happened again. So, believing that the medication may have shrank my storage capacity for sperm, as if it was excreting excess, I tried to circumvent the issue through masturbation. The orgasm was different from what I was used to, it was far more intense. It felt like it did when I was a kid. Yet, despite my attempt to avoid the unexpected and awkward ejaculations, it happened again two days after the second unexpected occurrence, and this time it followed a visit involving urination only. At that point, I was sure that it was just a medicinal interaction with my body that was directly related; When I took the medication, that day, or the day following I thought I could expect one to happen no matter what else I do, kind of like it caused blue balls. The regularity of it declined over time though. After hearing how working out or lifting a large object can alleviate blue balls I started to exercise more often. One day in March I got done climbing four flights of stairs and had to use the bathroom. Despite the physical activity, it brought about TWO ejaculations following urination. The leakage continues to pop up sporadically no matter what.
The main affects of the medication are valuable trade offs. It does seem to help me function without so much internal conflict. My wife says that I'm nicer on it. I am more productive in attending to chores around the house and workplace. I even speed less when I'm driving. I choose to cope with the awkward issue because; One, I actually kind of like the unexpected surprise; and, two, I REALLY don't do well with stimulants. They make me homicidal, and I don't really want to hurt anyone. I avoid caffeine because I feel like the Hulk; for the next 24 hours I'm ready to smash anyone that gets in my way. I scare myself and others. So, due to my sensitivity to stimulants I feel like this is the best alternative so far. Wish me luck and good luck to you if you are experiencing any sexual side effects.
Posted by Deneb on April 17, 2010, at 23:45:28
In reply to Strattera Side Effects Leaking Semen Take Two, posted by CellPhoneBit on April 15, 2010, at 11:29:42
Hello CellPhoneBit
Welcome to Psycho-Babble! I don't have any experience with your problem (I'm a woman), but I hope you find some answers soon. It sounds like it can lead to embarrassing situations in the washroom.
Deneb
Posted by Altair1972m on April 18, 2010, at 16:41:08
In reply to Strattera Side Effects Leaking Semen Take Two, posted by CellPhoneBit on April 15, 2010, at 11:29:42
The date of this post is 2010-04-18. Obviously I did not committ suicide. I'm glad Cellphonebit guy is having a more pleasureable experience.
Important tidbit I picked up from the pshrink I saw after Yosry, Dr. Li: ADHD and Bi-Polar people do not do well on the stimulants.
After I gave up the trileptal, I tried lamictal. At half the normal dose they sent me home from work because I was out on my feet. Then I tried abilify. After we ramped up the dose to 1/2 normal person, I could not type at work. I went back to Li and asked if she would start me on the lowest does and ramp me up to around 1/2 dose of Stratera and 1/4 Abilify (if you want exact numbers write me back and I'll dig up the info). If the anxiety continued after 2 weeks I would quit the abilify. I had asked her twice to let me back on the stratera because the situation with my boss was deteriorating.
At first the stratera only worked for about 4 business hours and then I came home like a bear but I felt a little better. It was not enough though and I had to go up to a higher dose. I did feel more suicidal again.
I had a panic attack while I was out for my hernia operation and quit the abilify after 11 days.
Dr Li gave me lexapro. The lexapro made the ding dings (in deference to whoever said I am too graphic about actual medical consequences) feel a little better, but I still had the burning. Because I did not go back to the normal dose I never had another semen leak, though the OMG moment was never good on Stratera.
Dr Li. warned me to watch for aggressive behavior. I told my boss. The week I doubled the dose to 1/2 the normal dose, I was head down on the table at mothers day. Later that week a co-worker gave me flak for a strategic decision, I got up in her face about it.
A few days later I almost started a fight with someone who unnecessarily made a correction in a document I typed (and in her defense on page 2 there was a legitimate correction). I quit all meds the next week.
A month later I got reprimanded for something I sent to my boss at home. I went back and examined every fight we had from January to May and realized, she was the problem. Yeah I was a problem, but if she was not my boss, we would not be having these fights. At that point I went to the union and demanded a transfer.
My new boss and I get along fine. She doles compliments. She knows people makes mistakes. While she did not want to assgin work according to talent, she has learned she has to in order to get the job done. She complements people.
If that wasn't enough, one of her kids has ADHD and so she knows when to order me around.
I tried St Johns Wort, but it only seems to reduce the anger outbursts a little. I still flip out.
Also tried Krill Oil. Didn't notice an improvement. If you have cash to spare, try pycnogenol.
I am not for stratera if you have any reduction in interest in the things you like, or if it does not make you feel better. If you do not feel it is right, get off it.
Hey people, thanks for responding.
Posted by DeMarco on April 25, 2010, at 21:43:01
In reply to Re: Strattera Side Effects Leaking Semen Take Two, posted by Altair1972m on April 18, 2010, at 16:41:08
FWIW, I use to have the "leaking semen" side effect occasionally with Welbutrin. It helps me to hear that others had experienced something similar, and it wasn't just my personal weirdness.
Posted by Deneb on April 27, 2010, at 19:00:43
In reply to Re: Strattera Side Effects Leaking Semen Take Two, posted by DeMarco on April 25, 2010, at 21:43:01
Hello DeMarco
Welcome to Psycho-Babble! Thanks for contributing! I hope to see more of you around.
Deneb
Posted by Nico102 on August 28, 2016, at 15:43:45
In reply to Strattera Side Effects Leaking Semen Take Two, posted by CellPhoneBit on April 15, 2010, at 11:29:42
Ditto to almost all of Cellphonebit's post. Im a lifer ADHD guy. My parents were good at keeping me in sports to combat it, and I've historically had a host of creative mental workarounds (lists, colorcoding, reminder notes), but now that wife and I have kids I can't work it all out on my own. Started on 18 mg Straterra and got a euphoric feeling before bedtime, very similar to ecstasy (tried it once in college). Same thing happened 2 years ago when I tried Esitalipram, but this subsides after a few days. I now only take Straterra in the morning as night time dose keeps me up all night. Per doctor's rec I worked my way up to 40 mg Strattera and 10mg Esitalipram (for lingering anxiety-almost always work-related). (I'm about a 180lb male). Focus is way up, am much better at handling distraction and intersection of multiple incidents at the same time (two daughters yelling would previously lead to either anger response or head-in-hole shutdown). I'm much better at communicating with my wife and showing her affection that is not in some extreme spectrum. I used to snack more to deal with work anxiety, but now I can work and focus for 2 hours at a time. Residual sugars in snacks were probably compounding my prior issues. I do have a similar sluggish sensation others have described, I would call it a heaviness weighing down on my brain and body, kinda like a lead jacket. But given how fidgety and flighty I was before, I imagine this is how an effective drug WOULD feel.
I am much steadier in thought process and have MUCH less tendency to search for the overly-dramatic in everything (I'm not an actor but an architect so this is ok, I only need to find drama some of the time, and then I can just grab a coffee). Like others I do get a bit sluggish in the afternoon, but one small coffee usually does the trick.
Before treatment I was going to bed at 10:30pm and waking up at 4am (ugh!) And just laying there until 6:30am. Now, I'm yawning by 8:30pm and need an alarm to get out of bed by 7:30am. (Perhaps I could try LOWering my dose in the future?)
Ejaculation-- it can at times be tougher to finish under my own supervision, but if warmed up properly together, wifey and I don't have any problems, in fact it can be quite intense as some others have said, like when I was younger. I ABSOLUTELY have ejaculation without orgasm issues. I'm about 4 months into treatment and I'm to the point that around lunch, nearly every day, I have to use the stall to urinate because, when finished, a full load of seamen will come out of my non-erect penis. As others have stated its kindof a soft orgasm (about a 3.5 out of 10). I was scared at first, and still wonder if there could be long term implications to prostate health, but it is honestly kindof a nice, kinky surprise side effect. The toughest part is keeping any residual leakage from making damp pants in the afternoon. But, if long term Straterra users are still going strong after many years of use, I am in the camp that the benefits outweigh the side-effects.
This is the end of the thread.
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