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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Sur5orType on January 10, 2003, at 19:26:08
In reply to Re: Straterra approval - Jim Boardman, posted by Jim Boardman on January 6, 2003, at 14:04:55
I am the father of an 8 year old child who helped to get Strattera approved. He has been part of the open label study for almost two years.
He takes 25m in the am and 25 again at night.
Before that, he took adderol, which I COULD NOT STAND. I hated the way it made him seem like a zombie.
His reaction to this new drug is enough to make me real encouraged for Jim, Christina and Nicole.
His improvement over the last couple of years has been great.
He has been concentrating and has been a lot less hyper, though, like a normal 8 year old, he still is a fidgeter.
A word to the wise for you, (this is kind of cool, being able to speak from experience for all of you) Make sure you take your dose when you are supposed to. It is not a long-lasting effect from what I can tell. If he did not get his dose in the afternoon, he tends to wind up pretty fast.
I know what you mean about the dry throat and the appetite. He was a real two-fisted eater (like me, his father) when he started. He was even a little chunky and now has a normal, if not a spare appetite.
I try to get him to eat before or at the same time as his evening dose, and it has never been a severe disinterest in food, just that he ate less.
He complains occasionaly about a dry throat, but never about a funny taste in his mouth. An 8 year old might not see it that way.
I wish all of you a lot of luck. I think it has done wonders for my son.
I can not say how happy I was to see him off of adderol. I still remember VIVIDLY the first few months on Strattera (we called it Tomoxetine) and how happy I was to have him improve so far, and fast.
I heard some comments about people that "prefer" adderol. Well, this is one person that did not prefer to see his son take adderol. I don't want to see him hyper, but making a zombie out of him was not the answer. I could not stand the tics. Someone asked that question, and I can tell you, it doesn't seem to give him tics, or anything like that.
So, you can have your adderol. I am glad my son got the opportunity to use something with side effects that would still allow him to function.
Again, good luck all.
Posted by Sur5orType on January 10, 2003, at 19:31:45
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by ZenClear on January 10, 2003, at 16:20:12
> A question for those on Strattera:
>
> Any problems with sexual dysfunction, as the PI warns? If so, what type?
>
> Any skin rashes?
>
> Water retention?
>
> Any other side effects?
>
> Many thanks! Good luck.My son is 8 and has been on Strattera for almost 2 years.
Sex, LOL sorry, can't answer that one.
Skin rashes... He has had a couple of skin rashes, but they go away with cream usually. They only came on with winter, and might be unrelated.
Water retention is probably moreof a case-by-case thing. Hasn't affected him. Being a growing boy, he has lost no weight, but has slimmed down some (see my other post.)
Posted by ZenClear on January 10, 2003, at 19:37:12
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Sur5orType on January 10, 2003, at 19:31:45
> > A question for those on Strattera:
> >
> > Any problems with sexual dysfunction, as the PI warns? If so, what type?
> >
> > Any skin rashes?
> >
> > Water retention?
> >
> > Any other side effects?
> >
> > Many thanks! Good luck.
>
> My son is 8 and has been on Strattera for almost 2 years.
>
> Sex, LOL sorry, can't answer that one.
>
> Skin rashes... He has had a couple of skin rashes, but they go away with cream usually. They only came on with winter, and might be unrelated.
>
> Water retention is probably moreof a case-by-case thing. Hasn't affected him. Being a growing boy, he has lost no weight, but has slimmed down some (see my other post.)Any hair loss of the extended period of time? Thanks for you response.
Oh one other question. How about rebound? If so, how would you compare the rebound to Ritalin or Adderall.
Posted by Sur5orType on January 11, 2003, at 10:46:04
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by ZenClear on January 10, 2003, at 19:37:12
>
> Any hair loss of the extended period of time? Thanks for you response.
>
> Oh one other question. How about rebound? If so, how would you compare the rebound to Ritalin or Adderall.
>
>No, his hair grows as fast as he does. I have noticed no symptom like that. He got his mother's hair and it is his father's hair that is falling out.
His hair probably will never fall out.
The rebound... He has never been off of it for an extended period of time, but I think there is less time-release with this medication. Isn't there some time-release dealing with adderol? I can't speak to ritalin, as he wasn't on it.
There have been occasions when he missed his dose in the evening or occasionaly in the morning. I think there is some wind up that occurs when he does miss it. I try to make sure he has it early in the evening (around dinner.)
When I gave it to him right after school, it had a larger effect on his appetite, so I try to give it to him with dinner. If I forget, then he will be running hither-to by bedtime.
I don't know exactly what you mean by rebound. I have truthfully noticed very little side-effect.
He was getting a little chunky before, and I still want him to get as much food as a growing boy should have, so I would be alarmed fast if I felt that it harmed him by suppressing his appetite TOO MUCH.
He has become very fit and trim. It is still a fight to get him to eat his vegetables, but it isn't that bad.
I am dwelling on the appetite subject for a reason. I would call it the only real (noticable) symptom that has come out of the drug.
Even the rashes were short-lived and came at times that probably had real causes. One day I bought him a new pair of knit gloves, for example, and he refused to take them off. I kept telling him not to wear them in the house, but he kept wearing them. Next day, sure enough, his hands, and his hands only, were red and swollen.
A little hand cream cleared that up. He had a rash all over when the cold set in and we started running our heat day and night. Lotion on him every night made it go away fast and it has not returned since.
So, I can't say I found any symptoms that were from the drug other than a suppressed appetite.
Even the wind-up from missing a dose has not been severe lately. I have approached this as an opportunity to teach him the self-control that will help put something like ADHD in remission by adulthood.
I truly beleive that if you fix the physical, it will let you fix the mental. His wind-up has decreased markedly over the last year. He is concentrating and listening more during the day, and it has given him the attention span needed to build his self control, self esteem and so much more.
It did this without making him seem lethargic. Hey, I wwant him to have the energy of an eight year old, I just don't want to see him ignore people or just spin like a top. He still is very active, but he has begun to really consider and take the time to think about things before flying off.
I know, ask the time and someone will tell you how to build a watch. I am just really hoping that my experience will prove helpful.
I think that, unlike stimulants, this drug has a chance of working in a lot of the same ways for adults, as well as children.
I know that adderol and ritalin have profoundly different effects on adults and children, but with them, unlike strattera, there is a list of side-effects and warnings as long as my arm.
these NE reuptake inhibitors(sic?) are such a different animal, I will never consider stimulants for my son again, EVER!
Posted by ZenClear on January 11, 2003, at 12:40:21
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by ZenClear on January 10, 2003, at 19:37:12
Well, I certainly realize this is a premature conclusion, but I have tried Strattera for one day, and it is not really to my liking. It actually reminds me a LOT of Focalin. It provides alertness, but also anxiety and edginess for me. Not really the type of focus I seek.
But I am somewhat different from most folks here. I have worked hard to taper off stimulants, and now I find even 5 mg of dex too much for me. I find that 2.5 mg/day of dex, with holidays off, and lots of exercise, much better for me.
But granted, my opinion of the Strattera is unique to me. I will say again, however, that I find it very similar to Focalin: even that tight feeling in the stomache is similar.
Posted by disney4 on January 11, 2003, at 12:41:27
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Sur5orType on January 11, 2003, at 10:46:04
Do you know how much Straterra differs from Wellbutrin? Straterra sounds like it can help anxiety and depression as well as ADD, but Wellbutrin can make anxiety worse, yet it helps ADD.
Posted by nmk on January 11, 2003, at 14:03:16
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by ZenClear on January 10, 2003, at 16:20:12
> A question for those on Strattera:
>
> Any problems with sexual dysfunction, as the PI warns? If so, what type?Don't know the answer to that one yet. Stay tuned.
> Any skin rashes?
No
> Water retention?No
> Any other side effects?
I have been having some very vivid dreams and nightmares the past three nights. I do attribute it to the Strattera since this was not a problem for me before.
> Many thanks! Good luck.
Posted by nmk on January 11, 2003, at 14:13:20
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by nmk on January 11, 2003, at 14:03:16
Thank you to the father who posted about your eight year old son. That is promising news for all of us and I appreciate your contribution.
Day 5 for me is much of the same, absolutely no depression and little anxiety. For the past few days, I have been feeling a little edgey and hyped up, but nothing intolerable. I am going to talk to my dr. about possibly lowering the dose to see if that takes care of it. Also, I am continuing to have some pretty vivid nightmares but did skip the early morning awakening today.
Please let me know if you have had enough of my updates....I just want to keep you all informed about the potential benefits of this med.
Nicole
Posted by Noa on January 11, 2003, at 15:31:08
In reply to Re: Straterra approval-Day 5, posted by nmk on January 11, 2003, at 14:13:20
I like the updates!
Posted by BekkaH on January 11, 2003, at 19:51:51
In reply to Re: Straterra approval-Day 5, posted by nmk on January 11, 2003, at 14:13:20
NMK, no I have not had enough of your updates. Please keep us informed. We really appreciate it. If you don't mind my asking, are you on any other medications besides Strattera? I noticed that Jim Boardman is on some other meds.
Posted by jodie on January 11, 2003, at 23:32:19
In reply to Straterra approval., posted by scoper on December 28, 2002, at 2:19:34
I'm a 27 female who has been diagnosed with bipolar in the past. My new pdoc believes I may have ADD. I've never been on a stimulant. I'm on day 2 of Strattera, I've noticed crying spells since I've started, and for no apparent reason, other than that, I've noticed nothing. Guess I am being a little inpatient. I'm going to give it a little longer. I increase my dose tomorrow to 80mg, maybe that will help.
Posted by Jim Boardman on January 12, 2003, at 8:44:54
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by jodie on January 11, 2003, at 23:32:19
It is very interesting listening to everyone talk about this drug. I have been on it for 10 days now, and I can tell you this so far is the answer for me. You can read my diagnosis and the other meds I take if you follow this thread. I am now functioning to a level I have never previously achieved.
It took my pdoc a lot of med "tweaking" to get the right combination of drugs. I think this is different for each person. But if you stick to a regimen for enough time to let it kick in, then you will have a better idea of the total effect of any med cocktail.
I'm sorry to hear someone say after one dose that he/she is quitting the med. GIVE YOUR MEDS A CHANCE!
The side effects I have with this med are few, including: reduced appetite (a good thing for me); dry mouth and throat; vivid dreams; less sleep needed.
I am a trial lawyer and a stage actor (some would say both are the same thing!). I am 59 years old, married with kids. I didn't get diagnosed until last Spring when I broke down. It has been a struggle getting back, but let me tell you, if I had been diagnosed earlier, I could have prevented a lot of depression and anger and hurt for/to myself and my family.
My 30 year old son has just been similarly diagnosed. He is getting help now. He's not found the right med combination yet, but the pdoc is working on it.
STICK WITH THE MEDS, and of course, the counselling. And as long as you don't get bored with them, I'll stick with the updates.
FYI, I'm also taking lexapro, remeron and gabitrol.
Jim
Posted by RAR on January 12, 2003, at 9:46:15
In reply to Re: Straterra updates - PeterS., posted by BekkaH on January 6, 2003, at 19:35:14
Hi Jim and everyone...
I jumped onto this board in the hope of staying in touch re: Straterra. Was just diagnosed with ADD, began meds Friday. Having never taken other meds for anything, I don't have a basis for comparison. I'm wondering about a couple of side-effects I'm experiencing (the dry mouth I can handle, ditto the decreased urination ...but it's the burning sensation in my eyes - especially at the end of the day - that's bothering me most...) Thanks to you that are posting updates about how you're doing. It's helpful. I have to say this medication has been interesting --- I can work on a project for an hour without once looking at the clock (very unusual for me). I also feel more calm though I'd be hard-pressed to explain how or why.
Ruth
Posted by Jim Boardman on January 12, 2003, at 11:36:51
In reply to Re: Straterra updates - PeterS., posted by RAR on January 12, 2003, at 9:46:15
Damn, Peter, I forgot to mention the burning in my eyes at night. Kind of an itching at the outer corners. Actually, I didn't even attribute it to the Straterra, but now that you mention it... This is also a side effect I can live with! Stay with the med, Pete, and tell us how it goes!
Jim
Posted by Noa on January 12, 2003, at 11:46:41
In reply to Re: Straterra updates - PeterS., posted by Jim Boardman on January 12, 2003, at 11:36:51
I wonder--several of you mentioned the dry mouth and throat and decreased urination. Is that "anticholinergic" effects? If so, could the burning eyes be due to dryiness, as well? Maybe it could help to put in some artificial tears earlier in the day, to prevent the burning later. Just a thought.
Posted by nmk on January 12, 2003, at 15:57:25
In reply to Re: Straterra approval-Day 5- nmk, posted by BekkaH on January 11, 2003, at 19:51:51
> NMK, no I have not had enough of your updates. Please keep us informed. We really appreciate it. If you don't mind my asking, are you on any other medications besides Strattera? I noticed that Jim Boardman is on some other meds.
Yep, I am on Trileptal, 150 mg x 2 per day, and 25mg of seroquel 15 mg at night for sleep. I am weaning off zoloft and am currently down to 50 mg.
Posted by nmk on January 12, 2003, at 16:08:08
In reply to Re: Straterra approval-Day 5- nmk, posted by nmk on January 12, 2003, at 15:57:25
Day 6- I am not experiencing any dry mouth or throat, nor are my eyes burning. This is probably due to being on 18mg per day. Still doing well, no depression but today noticed that the dizziness that I had on day two came back. I can't figure that one out. Also, am feeling a bit more agitated today than I have in the past few days. Not enough to be too bothersome, but still there.
Posted by BekkaH on January 12, 2003, at 21:19:02
In reply to Re: Straterra approval-Day 5- nmk, posted by nmk on January 12, 2003, at 15:57:25
Hi nmk. Thank you for the information. I'm not familiar with Trileptal or Seroquel. I'll look them up.
Posted by BekkaH on January 12, 2003, at 21:37:15
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Jim Boardman on January 12, 2003, at 8:44:54
> It took my pdoc a lot of med "tweaking" to get the right combination of drugs. I think this is different for each person. But if you stick to a regimen for enough time to let it kick in, then you will have a better idea of the total effect of any med cocktail.
>
> I'm sorry to hear someone say after one dose that he/she is quitting the med. GIVE YOUR MEDS A CHANCE!
>
> STICK WITH THE MEDS, and of course, the counselling. And as long as you don't get bored with them, I'll stick with the updates.
>
**************************************************Hi Jim. You gave us some excellent advice.
Congratulations on your progress! Please continue to give us updates.Bekka
Posted by BekkaH on January 13, 2003, at 7:21:34
In reply to Re: Straterra updates - PeterS., posted by RAR on January 12, 2003, at 9:46:15
> Hi Jim and everyone...>
> I jumped onto this board in the hope of staying in touch re: Straterra.> RuthJumped? Hmmm. . . must be all that extra norepinephrine.
Posted by jrbecker on January 13, 2003, at 13:29:36
In reply to Re: Straterra updates - RAR, posted by BekkaH on January 13, 2003, at 7:22:13
Although there already seems to be a lot of positive feedback for Straterra, it seems some are already having some problems on it as well.
My psychiatrist is on the Lilly advisory board for this med and she told me a few things to keep in mind in starting this drug:
1) Strattera does not work right away like a stimulant. Just like in starting an AD, be patient. It takes a full 5-6 days to feel the full noradrenergic effects in the CNS.
2) A lot of the side effects, especially involved with the peripheral nervous system, including dry eyes, heart rate increase, sweating, tiredness, and the like, start to fade at around a week. It can take anywhere from 10-30 days to subside. In most cases, the SEs are minimized by this period.
3) It takes some time to reach biochemical efficacy for affecting the noradrenergic activity in the forebrain. Peak NE brain levels aren't reached usually at the starting dose. And so your starting dose won't probably be the effective dose you will need a few weeks down the line.
So all in all, it takes some patience on two fronts: waiting for the effectiveness to kick in about a week, and secondly, waiting for the side effects to subside slowly in the days thereafter.
If there is no effect after a week and the side effects are tolerable, then consider a dosage increase.
I'm starting at a low dose of 18mg today. I'll keep you posted on how it's going.JB
Posted by Optimistic on January 13, 2003, at 16:35:04
In reply to Re: Straterra - patience involved, posted by jrbecker on January 13, 2003, at 13:29:36
Does anyone know if it is likley that Straterra would cause an increase in tics? Every time I tried a stimulant my tics would get worse. (Tourette's) I would like to try Straterra but am afraid of the tics worsening.
Posted by Noa on January 13, 2003, at 17:57:09
In reply to Re: Straterra - patience involved, posted by Optimistic on January 13, 2003, at 16:35:04
I don't know but Straterra is not a general stimulant, it is supposed to be quite selective on certian norepinephrine receptors, so I guess it would depend on whether those were involved in producing the tics. But I would think it is less likely to do so than psychostims that are not specific at all.
Posted by ZeeZee on January 13, 2003, at 17:58:46
In reply to Re: Straterra - patience involved, posted by jrbecker on January 13, 2003, at 13:29:36
If you don't mind, I'd like to pick your brain. My son who has ADD has been using Dex since age 9, he is now 19. We just got back from seeing my internist (he's in from college) because his blood pressure has been running high normal to high (mid 130-'s to high 130's sometimes low 140's over mid 70's to high 80's). The doc says this is a result of his 10 years of stimulant use and recommends a change in medication. My son has an appt. with his pdoc in a few weeks (he never took his b/p). Do you happen to know if Straterra avoids this type of internal stimulation or is it basically doing the same thing?
Thanks
Posted by zenclear on January 13, 2003, at 19:21:27
In reply to Re: Straterra - patience involved, posted by jrbecker on January 13, 2003, at 13:29:36
Well, that makes sense, to a degree. I am concerned that according to the PI, water retention, consitpation, etc, were much more prevalent than placebo. And I assume these side effects were not merely ones that disappeared after treatment initiation.
During my brief exposure, I did indeed experience terrible water retention, urinary hestiancy, and constipation-like symtoms. If those go away after 3-4 weeks, I would be impressed. And I hope you report back, saying they do go away!
Meanwhile, I'm just not up for a month of that, with no promise that they will indeed disappear. Or the fear that it would decrease my desire to do rigourous daily cardio exercise, which I am currently doing.
I was pleased with the results -- alertness, etc -- but I would not be able to tolerate the AEs for long. And I do worry about the potential sexual AEs, as the PI indicates. At least Wellbutrin improves sexual function, rather than dampening it.
I do hope you consistently report good news and prove me wrong! I look forward to daily reports. :)
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