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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Magpie on May 8, 2003, at 5:43:13
In reply to still looking for strattera updates! (nm), posted by Hattree on May 7, 2003, at 8:57:52
Hi Strattera Takers,
Well I have been taking this "stuff" for about 6 or so weeks now. It was horrible at first, I was extremely tired all the time. I started at 40mg and went to 80mg after 4 days. I tend to have a high tolerance for most drugs. However, I am on quite a cocktail of other drugs. My primary dx is Atypical Depression and the Strat. was supposed to replace Adderall as a stimulant to help with my total lack of energy. Well at this point it still isn't helping much. I still can't get myself moving most of the time. On the other hand, my sleep is not as good, I wake up too early and I wake up during the night a lot. The Strattera does seem to keep me awake more during the day but still doesn't make me feel energized, if you know what I mean. I feel I did much better on the Adderall but I was developing quite a tolerance. :-(
Has anyone had a problem with hair loss on Strattera? It seems ever since I started taking it, whenever I comb my hair out after a shower I lose globs of hair. I can't afford this either since I have fine thin hair to begin with. And I use lots of conditioner already so that's not the problem.
Also, it certainly has NOT decreased MY appetite, if anything it has INCREASED it! And I need to lose a LOT of weight already! :-(
Thanks for any feedback, best wishes to all.
~Maggie
Posted by glaciergirl on May 8, 2003, at 9:37:28
In reply to Re: still looking for strattera updates!, posted by Magpie on May 8, 2003, at 5:43:13
Today is my 2nd day on 25 mg of strattera. I've noticed that I'm either cold or hot, usuallly cold enough to wear a light jacket, and it's 80 degrees out! Is this normal? I was pretty tired and not very talkative on day one, i'm hoping today will be better! I am a personal trainer and didn't have much energy to train my client yesterday. But I did get up early this morning and walk! Is there a difference if you take it with or without food? Right now I take it in the morning with food! Thanks,
Brooke
Posted by paulk on May 8, 2003, at 9:49:16
In reply to Re: still looking for strattera updates!, posted by Magpie on May 8, 2003, at 5:43:13
>I still can't get myself moving most of the time. On the other hand, my sleep is not as good, I wake up too early and I wake up during the night a lot. The Strattera does seem to keep me awake more during the day but still doesn't make me feel energized, if you know what I mean. I feel I did much better on the Adderall but I was developing quite a tolerance. :-(
>I found taking it at night was a much better deal - I'm thinking of taking it at night and just a little of it in the morning. Taking it at night lets me sleep very well.
> Also, it certainly has NOT decreased MY appetite, if anything it has INCREASED it! And I need to lose a LOT of weight already! :-(
>I find I am very hungry when it is wearing off. Sure wish they had a time release version of this.
Posted by fallsfall on May 8, 2003, at 13:45:06
In reply to Re: still looking for strattera updates!, posted by Magpie on May 8, 2003, at 5:43:13
Hi
I've been on Strattera for 3 months. I, too, take it for energy because of Depression. I have found that taking Strattera and Provigil together is MUCH better than either of them individually (of course, this is all with a bunch of other meds...). I take 80mg Strattera and 200mg Provigil.
I take my Strattera in the morning because it kept me awake at night. We're all different.
I haven't noticed any hair loss, though I did have some with Depakote in the past.
I haven't lost weight, but I haven't gained any either (and I eat lots of chocolate...). I keep thinking that if I start getting some exercise that I might lose a little.
Strattera and Provigil have been really important for me. I can do 5 times as much in a day with them, and I think it is still increasing.
One more selling point, I am Much less suicidal than before the Straterra/Provigil. That, in itself, might make them worthwhile.
Good Luck!
I hope you find your magic meds!
Posted by Von on May 8, 2003, at 14:41:33
In reply to Straterra x35 days, posted by MomOfBoys on May 4, 2003, at 23:51:06
MomOfBoys mentioned possibly taking Straterra and Ritalin.
I have a 8 year old ADHD who has taken Straterra for 60 days at different dose levels, it improved his personality and sleep habits but ruined his ability to get his thoughts down on paper, and his handwriting, became even more illegible, his school
academics were better with Ritalin. Does any one know if Straterra can be combined with Ritalin for
the effect of good academic performance and provide good motivation and a social personality.
Von
Posted by Kippie on May 8, 2003, at 14:44:55
In reply to Re: Straterra x35 days, posted by Von on May 8, 2003, at 14:41:33
I'm wondering the same thing!
Posted by Magpie on May 9, 2003, at 4:20:26
In reply to Re: still looking for strattera updates!, posted by fallsfall on May 8, 2003, at 13:45:06
> Hi
>
> I've been on Strattera for 3 months. I, too, take it for energy because of Depression. I have found that taking Strattera and Provigil together is MUCH better than either of them individually (of course, this is all with a bunch of other meds...). I take 80mg Strattera and 200mg Provigil.
>
> I take my Strattera in the morning because it kept me awake at night. We're all different.
>
> I haven't noticed any hair loss, though I did have some with Depakote in the past.
>
> I haven't lost weight, but I haven't gained any either (and I eat lots of chocolate...). I keep thinking that if I start getting some exercise that I might lose a little.
>
> Strattera and Provigil have been really important for me. I can do 5 times as much in a day with them, and I think it is still increasing.
>
> One more selling point, I am Much less suicidal than before the Straterra/Provigil. That, in itself, might make them worthwhile.
>
> Good Luck!
> I hope you find your magic meds!Hi there,
Thanks for replying. Yesterday my docs took my off the Straterra and put me back on the Adderall. Since I've been off Adderall 6 weeks hopefully my tolerance is all gone now and it should work well again at least for a while. So that is it for me. We are trying to wean me off of a lot of my drugs now and start over, cause I'm just on too many drugs and I don't know what is doing what, what is helping and what isn't, it's just a big mess. Best Wishes,
Maggie
Posted by Hattree on May 9, 2003, at 9:34:25
In reply to Re: Straterra x35 days, posted by Von on May 8, 2003, at 14:41:33
Don't know for sure that I've seen it in kids, but I have seen others that have successfully combined strattera and stimulants. My doc has suggested I try Adderall and Strattera together but I haven't tried it yet. Strattera alone made me way sleepy.
Posted by Kippie on May 11, 2003, at 20:40:40
In reply to Re: Straterra x35 days » Von, posted by Hattree on May 9, 2003, at 9:34:25
My son has now been on Strattera for 10 days... he seems to be happier, less angry/agitated, but can't sit still for a second... the classic hyperactive symptoms are back... very physically "busy"...has anyone noticed if Strattera has helped them with those symptoms? Thanks!
Posted by teacherkris on May 11, 2003, at 21:27:37
In reply to Re: Straterra x35 days, posted by Kippie on May 11, 2003, at 20:40:40
Hi there,
The strattera has definitely helped me with my hyperactivity. I'm calmer than I've been on any of the stims. In fact, I now am starting to get annoyed with everyone constantly coming up to me and telling me how mellow I am! But these meds definitely take time I would give it a good solid month, even though it is hard to wait it out! Good luck!
Posted by Von on May 12, 2003, at 10:41:36
In reply to Re: Straterra x35 days, posted by Kippie on May 11, 2003, at 20:40:40
My 8 year old son was on 18 - 50 mg straterra during 60 days, he had a calmer personality more agreeable and motivated to get going in the mornings, less arguementative, but yes the hyperactivity was not helped on straterra as it was on Ritalin. He was constantly trying to do hand stands and flips even in the chairs in the doctor's office. His grades suffered because he was not able to grasp the cognitive parts of his school classwork and he had some impulsive behavior in class that would cause him to miss seeing classwork that was being done. As of Friday he went off straterra and on to concerta because of state school testing coming up, he must to be able to pass the tests to pass third grade. The doctor said every med does not fit every individual, but we will try it in the summer at 60 mg since there was some sign of it working in some areas. We have seen a change in him being able to focus better and get things done with a somewhat positive attitude as of day 2 on concerta. Unfortunately, our initial goal was to stop stimulants but this may be more of gradual process. He was quite a bit moody on Ritalin previously.
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 13, 2003, at 20:18:17
In reply to Straterra x35 days, posted by MomOfBoys on May 4, 2003, at 23:51:06
Hi,
are you still taking 80 mgs of straterra at bedtime? i just took my first dose and am feeling incredibly sleepy and lethargic a couple of hours later.
are you seeing the sleepiness effect wearing off, or has it stayed true for you?
right now i'm going to bed about 8:30 pm tonight. This is kind of nice because I usually stay up until about 1 pm, and I _want_ to wake up early.
books
Posted by MomOfBoys on May 13, 2003, at 23:11:33
In reply to straterra at bedtime? » MomOfBoys, posted by bookgurl99 on May 13, 2003, at 20:18:17
Yes, I am still taking 80 mgs right before i go to bed as when I do, i wake up very early. I go to bed around midnight and and up enthusiastically between 4-5 am without an alarm clock (which NEVER happens in my normal life...i am a nite person, not a morning).
My energy does wear off around 10 am to noon, so doc thinking i need a stimulant added...i don't know. I do wish the effect would last longer.
If I take the Straterra in the morning, I am dreadfully tired all day long, dragging butt and can get nothing done. Also, my doc said I should forego the twice a day dosing and just take the total amt at one time, which I am doing.
Kim> are you still taking 80 mgs of straterra at bedtime? i just took my first dose and am feeling incredibly sleepy and lethargic a couple of hours later.
>
> are you seeing the sleepiness effect wearing off, or has it stayed true for you?
>
> right now i'm going to bed about 8:30 pm tonight. This is kind of nice because I usually stay up until about 1 pm, and I _want_ to wake up early.
>
> books
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 14, 2003, at 8:18:34
In reply to Re: hypersensitivity, depression - not exactly » BekkaH, posted by not exactly on January 25, 2003, at 22:32:08
>A quick Google search with the query "sprinkled site:strattera.com" indeed turned up the following statement: "Strattera capsules should never be broken and sprinkled on food. They must be taken whole."
I think this is because some people may attempt to snort lines of straterra in an attempt to get high. I read another website where a 17 year old claims to have done this to get high, saying there are ingredients in strat similar to crystal meth. He also said he got an uncomfortable burn in his nose that makes him not want to repeat the experience.
Posted by paulk on May 14, 2003, at 11:52:46
In reply to straterra sprinkling » not exactly, posted by bookgurl99 on May 14, 2003, at 8:18:34
> >A quick Google search with the query "sprinkled site:strattera.com" indeed turned up the following statement: "Strattera capsules should never be broken and sprinkled on food. They must be taken whole."
>
> I think this is because some people may attempt to snort lines of straterra in an attempt to get high. I read another website where a 17 year old claims to have done this to get high, saying there are ingredients in strat similar to crystal meth. He also said he got an uncomfortable burn in his nose that makes him not want to repeat the experience.
>
Actually it is because they make more money if you don't split the larger dosages. They want to create FUD so they get more of your money.Snorting it would be unpleasent as it is not a nuetral PH.
I wouldn't sprinkle it on food - it tases nasty. I split them into empty capsuls and it has saved me quite a lot of money.
Posted by paulk on May 14, 2003, at 12:05:49
In reply to Re: straterra at bedtime? » bookgurl99, posted by MomOfBoys on May 13, 2003, at 23:11:33
I tried taking it at bed time with poor results. I find that if it makes me sleepy then I am taking too much. Even a very low dosage makes a difference in gettting up in the morning for me - other than that I don't notice that I'm taking anything.
Posted by tire on May 14, 2003, at 17:45:30
In reply to Re: Straterra withdrawal, posted by Rachel2 on March 5, 2003, at 16:30:35
I'm on Lexapro now and I've noticed that you posted that back in March, how are you doing now with getting off of Lexapro. And how is the start up on Straterra coming? I'm thinking of going on Strattera but am hesitant. Thanks.
Posted by anthonycardasiuss on May 14, 2003, at 20:57:16
In reply to Re: straterra at bedtime? » bookgurl99, posted by MomOfBoys on May 13, 2003, at 23:11:33
I have been on Straterra for 3 months now and i have to say it has made me more focused and also the slight anxiety I had before has gone...I must say i am very happy with straterra and will continue using it.
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 15, 2003, at 3:30:44
In reply to Atomoxetine (Straterra) splitting sprinkling » bookgurl99, posted by paulk on May 14, 2003, at 11:52:46
>>
> Actually it is because they make more money if you don't split the larger dosages. They want to create FUD so they get more of your money.
>
What's F U D? (first unit of delivery?)Maybe it's similar to the protein shakes I sometimes drink after weightlifting. They always say "don't use for weight reduction," knowing full well that people are using them for weight loss! It's almost like it puts the idea in your head. Hmm, what if I split these pills up . . ?
Posted by paulk on May 15, 2003, at 10:26:55
In reply to Re: Atomoxetine (Straterra) splitting sprinkling, posted by bookgurl99 on May 15, 2003, at 3:30:44
FUD = Fear Uncertaincy and doubt. The term comes from internal Microsoft’s marketing philosophy communications from the anti trust suit and now is in general use.
Posted by Hattree on May 15, 2003, at 14:54:52
In reply to Atomoxetine (Straterra) splitting » bookgurl99, posted by paulk on May 15, 2003, at 10:26:55
hey paul...
how much are you taking, where did you start, how long did it take you to get to where you are now, and when did you start to notice that it was helping?
thanks!
Posted by kdg on May 18, 2003, at 0:44:50
In reply to Re: Straterra - No other takers?, posted by zenclear on January 15, 2003, at 21:40:31
I have an 7 yr old son who I thought was simply curious and maybe a little off the wall in some of his behaviors but I guess I didn't think he was that different from other boys. That is, until his teacher along with the school principal, cornered me last Friday and told me that my child had ADD and needed to be medicated if he had any chance of suceeding in school or for that matter life. His teacher told me he is doing things like daydreaming during class, to the point that she has to physically shake him to get his attention. She said when he is left unsupervised he becomes very destructive (ie. smearing soap on the bathroom mirrors, tearing his work up, throwing markers).
We have been aware of his focusing issues since his first year of school. We tried focus groups, counseling, and a strict diet consisting of zero sugars and low complex carbs (of course none of these things seemed to help).
So here we are, and this destructive behavior is a new thing that's accompanied by profuse lying (his teacher refered to it as progression of the ADD) I talked about these issues with my sons Dr. and he asked me if I wanted to medicate my child,possibly with Ritalin.
Well what do you say to that? No I don't want to medicate my child with anything. Especially not something as contraversial, & potientally dangerous as Ritalin. But at the same time I want my child back. We don't even feel as though he is a part of our family anymore because he is always grounded. Frankly, I don't like being around him because of his "always into something" behavior and lying.
So my question is two-part. Is this typical ADD behavior in a child? I mean could he be lying to me because he just can't explain why he does the things he does? Or is he just being an overactive 7 yr old in a school system that doesn't want to deal with it? Also I have read all of the other postings on the website, because a friend told me this drug maybe a better option for my son. However, I have not seen any postings on Straterra can even being administered on children. I am so afraid that my son is going to end up being my age (late twenties) with blood pressure problems because I wasn't informed about this critical decision, and possibly to quick to medicate. - help kdg
Posted by oops...trythatbutton on May 18, 2003, at 8:09:42
In reply to Re: Straterra - No other takers? » zenclear, posted by kdg on May 18, 2003, at 0:44:50
Yes...though I don't recall myself throwing thing. Actually I think it is the opposite with sugar. ADHDer tends to have a low/slow glucose uptake in the brain so having sugar has a calming effect. A lot of mild ADHDer tends to self medicate with coffee and/or chocolate which would help if it was mild ADHD.
The Strattera is ok with children. The key is to get the right dosage. You could check the Strattera website.
Strattera takes time and should be started at the lowest dose from my own experience
Posted by snowflake on May 18, 2003, at 14:08:53
In reply to Re: Straterra - No other takers? » kdg, posted by oops...trythatbutton on May 18, 2003, at 8:09:42
My 11 year old was put on Strattera with disasterous results. After being on Adderall XR which helped, his doctor wanted to try this new med, Strattera. It didn't help his ADD and he was acting the way you describe your son as acting now. My son's ADD is the inattentive, not hyper type. After wasting 8 weeks, he even noticed how different he was feeling and acting. We stopped immediately and he's back on Adderall XR. I'm sure there are success stories, but it seems, in my opinion that the majority are with adults.
Posted by teacherkris on May 18, 2003, at 14:14:59
In reply to Re: Straterra - No other takers?, posted by snowflake on May 18, 2003, at 14:08:53
This thread seems to be focused heavily on adults, which is the reason why I started reading it. I've found a lot of other boards and threads focused on kids with Strattera many of them success stories. So I don't think the Strattera is necessarily better for adults I think it's more a matter of who's posting. I'm a middle school teacher and have had several kids switch to strattera with great success. I also think that we need to keep in mind that most of us who come to these boards are having trouble with the meds, since those who are having no problems have no need to seek out the support and advice the boards offer. I guess my point is don't give up too quickly, true it doesn't work for some but from my own experience with it and what I've seen with my students I think it's worth the patience to give it a fair trial. Hang in there and good luck!
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