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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by The Bean on October 22, 2003, at 18:06:42
In reply to Straterra approval., posted by scoper on December 28, 2002, at 2:19:34
Hello all,
Wanted to post my experience with Strattera - as it has been very positive overall - albeit difficult to get to the optimal dosage. I preface all of this with the fact that I have THE BEST "team" to work with, and I do so at a facility that specializes in treating both adults and kids with ADD/ADHD. I see my PhD Doc (therapist) at this facility every 4-6 weeks and my MD Doc (Family Practice Physician) a minimum of 4x a year. They are VERY good about listening to my experiences and allow me flexibility to "tinker" slightly with my meds. I see them more often if were "tinkering" a lot - like adding new things to the mix - and have seen one or the other of my docs every 3 weeks through the process of "testing" Strattera. I also attend some of the things the facility offers, like Tai Chi classes and educational seminars presenting research in the field.
I was diagnosed with ADD - Inattentive Type about 5 years ago as an adult, at age 37. Have tried a million different combinations of things . . . but I'm currently taking 75mg Adderall XR in the morning after breakfast and recently (8 weeks ago) added Strattera to the mix and am delighted with the results! We've settled on a low dosage of 10 mg a day and I take it at bedtime. I wake up more alert, and sleep about 1 hour longer than I did with just Adderall XR alone, so I'm now getting a decent 6.5 hours a night. Usually a much higher dose of Strattera is recommended, but that didn't work for me. I'll give you the whole history of drugs and you can see if it's helpful to you!
Ritalin made me anxious (like for no reason I wanted to bang my head against the table because I somehow felt that might help) and creepy (like I wanted to crawl out of my skin). Because of THAT experience, I never wanted to try Concerta.
We next tried Adderall, which was good, but didn't last long enough. Started Adderall 40mg in the am and Ritalin 20mg in the afternoon for about 2 years. Adderall's 1/2 life kept me awake too long at night, and for some reason, when I started the day with Adderall and took the Ritalin later in the day, I didn't get the "anxious/paranoid" feeling I had taking Ritalin alone.
Started on Adderall XR when it came out and it was REALLY great for several years, but over the whole 5 years on medication, I've lost about 15-20 lbs (I am NEVER hungry and have to set my Palm Pilot to beep and remind me to eat - and I do - 6 small meals a day!) and after I got down to about 110 lbs (I'm only 4'11", so it's not as thin as it sounds!) the Adderall XR began to make me feel edgy and impatient all the time. It was MUCH worse in the week before my menstrual cycle.
We tried adding 2 different anti-depressants to help with the "mood dysregulation" and depression issues around my cycle. Effexor, which was great at first, but seemed to build up in my system and I got progressively sleepier and more sluggish the longer I took it. Then Wellbutrin - and on the Wellbutrin, I didn't sleep for 4 days straight, got MORE depressed and actually felt suicidal. I stopped the Wellbutrin at that point : - )
So we tried Dextrostat, thinking it might take that "edge" off, and it did, but I never felt like I had the mental clarity I got with the Adderall XR, and it didn't change the "hell week" experience before my period all that much, so went back to Adderall XR and we added the support of Celexa tablets. Taking Celexa all the time though was too much (it makes me VERY sleepy - even at low dosages) similar to the Effexor issue. So my MD doc suggested we try LIQUID Celexa which I now take 1/2 tsp of ONLY the 10 days before my period is supposed to start. I've taken as much as 1 tsp at times too. I just count 19 days from the start of my last cycle, as I have a 29 day cycle and start taking it. At that dosage it is technically not at a "therapeutic" level - so it supposedly wouldn't have any effect - but it TOTALLY evens out the "witch" behavior and crying hysteria that I used to have, so - conclude what you will!
Six weeks ago, we decided to try Straterra, since I was still feeling the "edgy" with Adderall XR, but had decided to live with it! I was to begin with 18 mgs, and was supposed to increase the Strattera while decreasing the Adderall XR. I was advised NOT to cold turkey on the stimulant, but to ramp up the Strattera and ramp down the stim.
The FIRST DAY on 18 mgs and my full dose of Adderall XR was AMAZING!! I had the 3 most productive, happy and "smart" days I've had in 20 years. Then, I started the ramp up/down process and it went to hell in a handbasket! 24 mgs of Strattera and 75 of Adderall and I was MEAN. 24 mgs of Strattera and 50 of Adderall and I was fuzzy and slow. 40 mgs of Strattera and 50 mgs of Adderall and I was sluggish and "dopey" - like I feel on antihistamines (like I can't put two sentences together, am clumsy and tired, etc.) 60 mgs Strattera and 50 of Adderall was even worse for the sluggish/dopey feeling, so we stopped the Strattera to start over again and get feeling of the 3 good days back. It took about 3 days for all the effects of the Strattera to clear my system.
Starting over, after a week at 18 Strattera/75 Adderall, I was not sleeping well and was very impatient and snippy. We tried it without adding Celexa for those 10 days before my period the first time around and that was a BIG MISTAKE! Dropped the dosage to 18 mgs every other night before bed and found that day 1 was still edgy, but on day 2 was not, AND I still had the increased clarity from before. I added Celexa this time for the 10 days in my cycle and it was great - except I think I need to keep taking Celexa all the way through my cycle. Stopping on the day my flow starts seemed to trigger a migraine (too fast a drop in my Seratonin level, I suspect!) next month a new adventure!
Three days ago, I started taking 10 mgs Strattera at bedtime, and so far, so good!! My PhD doc tells me I'm a "statistical outlayer" (which I suppose is a polite way to say that I'm a wierdo) but apparently using Strattera this way is not the "norm" - but nothing I've ever tried is, so I'm just delighted to have what feels like a great combination (at least for now!)
Hope this helps someone!
The Bean
Posted by trying to help on October 23, 2003, at 14:09:52
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by The Bean on October 22, 2003, at 18:06:42
Hi - my son just turned 11 and has been on Ritalin since 1st grade (diagnosed with ADD). He seemed fine for the last few years. Now, he started 5th grade and is suddendly very anxious, angry, nervous and hyper-emotional. He'll start crying in school for no reason, has no friends, is depressed, etc. He's tall, good looking, smart, and should be one of those kids who just breezes through school. Now suddenly he's sad, crying and friendless.
His pediatrician has suggested Straterra -- any throughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
I just want to help my son be happy and successful.
Thanks.
Posted by Plucky on October 23, 2003, at 17:32:21
In reply to Adderall advise!, posted by reba on August 6, 2003, at 21:16:16
Hello, everyone! I'm new to this board, but have been reading over the previous posts on the ADD meds and I appreciate everything you've all been sharing.
My psych doc would like me to try using Straterra. I've been taking Adderall for two years, and find it quite helpful. As much as the monthly triplicate prescription paperwork is a hassle for both of us, I'm hesitant to try switching meds now. The six months of "med-hopping" I did before ending up with Adderall were nothing short of hell for me. Nothing else I've tried has worked near as well as Adderall, with only Ritalin coming close but being too short-acting. Everything else I tried was in the anti-depressant category, and every one of them had unmanageable (an understatement in the case of "In"Effexor!) side effects. (My ADD is of the type that tends to swing between Inattentive and Overfocused, and just seems to focus best with the stimulant meds.)
I’m curious if anyone else has had a similar experience. Have any of you tried switching from one of the stimulant meds to Straterra? Has anyone who was relatively happy with Adderall or Ritalin found Straterra to be any better (or worse)?
Another thing I’m wondering: Has anyone who has trouble waking up in the morning found help with any of the meds? (Yes, I’ve tried taking my Adderall an hour before I have to wake up, but usually I can’t wake up enough to do even that!)
Thanks in advance for your advice,
Plucky
Posted by Kacy on October 23, 2003, at 19:39:43
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by trying to help on October 23, 2003, at 14:09:52
Is he crying because he's not keeping up in school? Was he keeping his grades up? So far, nothing you said sounded like a change in the drug. Does he say that it still feels the same? Is his breakfast different? (I killed my Adderal trial with oatmeal cooked in apple juice and had no idea it was canceling out the drug. I just thought that Adderal had a big kick at the end. During the first three hours, it didn't work at all. The juice was apparently killing the Adderal.)
Is he being bullied? Have you asked his teacher?
Posted by The Bean on October 24, 2003, at 9:20:58
In reply to Switching from Adderall to Straterra, posted by Plucky on October 23, 2003, at 17:32:21
I've posted a longer version of the whole med history rollercoaster which you can read if you want too - I'll focus on the Strattera/Adderall part.
My experience with Strattera - as it has been very positive overall - albeit difficult to get to the optimal dosage.
I was diagnosed with ADD - Inattentive Type about 5 years ago as an adult, at age 37. Have tried a million different combinations of things . . .
I'm currently taking 75mg Adderall XR in the morning after breakfast and just started on a low dosage of Strattera at 10 mg/day and I take it at bedtime. I wake up more alert, and sleep about 1 hour longer than I did with just Adderall XR alone, so I'm now getting a decent 6.5 hours a night. Usually a much higher dose of Strattera is recommended, but that didn't work for me.
I started with short acting Adderall, years ago and it was good, but didn't last through my whole day. Started Adderall 40mg in the am and Ritalin 20mg in the afternoon for about 2 years. Adderall's 1/2 life kept me awake too long at night, and for some reason, when I started the day with Adderall and took the Ritalin later in the day, I didn't get the "anxious/paranoid" feeling I get when I take Ritalin alone.
Started on Adderall XR when it came out and it was REALLY great for several years, but over the whole 5 years I've been on medication, I've lost about 15-20 lbs (I am NEVER hungry and have to remind myself to eat - and I do - about 6 small meals a day). When I got down to about 110 lbs (I'm only 4'11", so it's not as thin as it sounds!) the Adderall XR began to make me feel quite edgy and impatient all the time. It was always MUCH worse in the week before my menstrual cycle.
We tried adding different anti-depressants to help with the "mood dysregulation" and depression issues around my cycle. Effexor, which was great for the first week, but seemed to build up in my system and I got progressively sleepier and more sluggish the longer I took it. Then Wellbutrin - and on the Wellbutrin, I didn't sleep for 4 days straight, got MORE depressed and actually felt suicidal. I stopped the Wellbutrin at that point : - )
So we stopped Adderall and tried Dextrostat, thinking it might take that "edge" off, (which it did) but I never felt like I had the mental clarity I got with the Adderall XR, and it didn't change the "hell week" experience before my period all that much, so I went back to Adderall XR and added the support of Celexa tablets.
Taking Celexa all the time was too much (it makes me VERY sleepy - even at low dosages) similar to Effexor. So we tried LIQUID Celexa which I now take 1/2 tsp of ONLY the 10 days before my period is supposed to start. (I just count 19 days from the start of my last cycle, as I have a 29 day cycle and start taking it). That low of a dosage is technically not a "therapeutic" level and shouldn't have any effect - but it TOTALLY evens out the "witch" behavior and crying hysteria that I used to have, for what it's worth!
Six weeks ago, we decided to try Straterra, since I was still feeling the "edgy" with Adderall XR and clearly I'm OK about "tinkering" with meds.
I started at 18 mgs, and was supposed to increase the Strattera while decreasing the Adderall XR over a period of 6-8 weeks. I was advised NOT to cold turkey on the stimulant, but to ramp up the Strattera and ramp down the stim.
The FIRST DAY on 18 mgs and my full dose of Adderall XR was good, but days 2 & 3 were AMAZING!! I had the 3 most productive, happy and "smart" days I've had in 20 years. I suddenly had a vocabulary and was really excited at my ablity to focus even better!
Then, I started the ramp down process and decreased the Adderall and it went to hell in a handbasket! 24 mgs of Strattera and 75 of Adderall and I was MEAN. 24 mgs of Strattera and 50 of Adderall and I was fuzzy and slow. 40 mgs of Strattera and 50 mgs of Adderall and I was sluggish and "dopey" - like I feel on antihistamines (like I can't put two sentences together, very clumsy and sleepy, etc.) 60 mgs Strattera and 50 of Adderall was even worse for the sluggish/dopey feeling, so we stopped the Strattera to start over again and get feeling of the 3 good days back. It took about 3-4 days for all the effects of the Strattera to clear my system.
I started over and after a week at 18 Strattera/75 Adderall, I was not sleeping well and was getting more impatient and snippy - and OVER focused. First time around, I didn't take the Celexa for those 10 days before my period and that was a BIG MISTAKE!
I dropped the dosage to 18 mgs every OTHER night before bed and found that day 1 was still edgy and tending to overfocus, but day 2 was not edgy, AND I still had the increased clarity from beore without the OVER focusing.
I took the Celexa this time for the 10 days in my cycle and it worked well - except I think I need to keep taking Celexa a little longer. I finally put it together that when I stop taking it on the day my flow starts it often triggers a migraine (too fast a drop in my Seratonin level, I suspect!)
My doc tells me I'm a "statistical outlayer" (which I suppose is just a polite way to say that I'm a wierdo) but apparently using Strattera at such a low dosage is not the "norm". I realize that nothing I've ever tried that has worked really is, so I'm just delighted to have what feels like the best combination I've ever had.
Hope that gives some insight!
Posted by Lasagne on October 24, 2003, at 14:12:24
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by trying to help on October 23, 2003, at 14:09:52
> Reply to below message:
I have a 11 year old son who has problems with the emotions, anger, etc. The difference is that he wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until he was in 3rd grade and at the same time our doctor diagnosed him as having a mood disorder and a sleep disorder. For a long time just taking Celexa (an antidepressant) did the trick combined with the ADD stimulant treatment. But during the last year he has become even more emotional now that his body is beginning the puberty stuff. Around last March we tried the Strattera instead of the stimulants. It didn't work well alone. From my own personal experience Strattera takes 5-6 weeks to hit it's true effectiveness. Finally we did the Strattera with the stimulants so he wouldn't flunk out of 5th grade while we waited for the Strattera to kick in all the way. During this last summer we upped his Strattera dose and stopped the Adderall. He did great during the summer and it improved his mood greatly and gave him good control over his ADHD. Toward the end of summer he was having a difficult time sleeping and was becoming more angry and combative so the doctor added a small dose of Zyprexa which worked wonders for him. Once 6th grade/junior high school started the crying and frustration began all over again. We also had to put him back on the Adderall XR while continuing the Strattera. I finally realized that he just doesn't do well in the normal school environment due to the number of students per classroom and ongoing social conflicts. I even tried sending him to a private school that had a small teacher to student ratio and he still struggled because he had so much homework to do. So now I am home schooling him and he is doing much better. Once we are done with the curriculum for the day, then he is done and doesn't have any homework. This makes him so much happier and easier to live with. He is still bummed at times about not having friends, but I know if I sent him to regular school that he would be bullied, teased, etc. For now I have determined that it is in his best interest to be at home with me where I can monitor his social experiences as he plays with the neighborhood children. We have dealt with years of self-esteem issues with him and I know by keeping him home he has a better chance of keeping the small amount of self esteem he has, intact. From talking to lots of other mothers, the junior high school age is a real rough time. There are a lot of bad peer experiences. Pressure to have sex or oral sex, do drugs, and be popular. My son has had too much on his plate during the last few years and is not ready to deal with all that bologne. I don't know what your career situation is like (working or stay at home mom), but if it is possible I would highly recommend doing the independent/home school option that your school district offers.
Also, I would recommend trying the Strattera. I started taking it back in May for my own ADD and it has made me more functional than I have ever been. Hopefully your son will be one of those who will function fine on the Strattera alone and won't have to do the combo with a stimulant. It's hard to know if you don't try. Just remember that it does take a while to kick in all the way. If your son experiences uncomfortable side effects in the beginning, increase his dose to the max amount recommended by your doctor slowly.
Good luck!
Lasagna
Hi - my son just turned 11 and has been on I Ritalin since 1st grade (diagnosed with ADD). He seemed fine for the last few years. Now, he started 5th grade and is suddendly very anxious, angry, nervous and hyper-emotional. He'll start crying in school for no reason, has no friends, is depressed, etc. He's tall, good looking, smart, and should be one of those kids who just breezes through school. Now suddenly he's sad, crying and friendless.
>
> His pediatrician has suggested Straterra -- any throughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> I just want to help my son be happy and successful.
>
> Thanks.
Posted by Lasagne on October 25, 2003, at 22:55:44
In reply to Re: Straterra approval. » trying to help, posted by Kacy on October 23, 2003, at 19:39:43
> He was crying for numerous reasons. He had a hard time doing school all day long and then having to come home and do even more work/homework. He also has sensory defensiveness and is extremely bothered by noises and people touching him. He would somehow hold his frustrations together through the school day and then when he would come home he would just fall apart and go on and on about how people bothered him. Yes, we did have a situation where he was being bullied. The teacher and the principal had to step in and put a stop to it, but the fact is that the bothersome kids would watch and wait for when nobody was looking and would taunt my son who is hypersensistive. With the class sizes the way they are, it's imposible for teasing and bullying to be completely stamped out. Although, I have to say that there are steeper consequences now days for such behavior. The last quarter of 5th grade his grades did slip, especially during the time where we tried the Strattera without the Adderall.
Right now the Adderall XR does give him good control/focus, but it usually wears of by 3 p.m. in the afternoon. For some reason the the XR doesn't last as long as it used to. It's difficult because his body doesn't take long to become resistent to the stimulants. It seems like every few months we have to make an adjustment to his meds or to switch the type of stimulant (Ritalin, Adderall, and then back to Ritalin). The Strattera helps my son have an overall 24 hour control of many of his symptoms. When the regular stimulants wear off in the afternoon he is much more tolerable to be around than before Strattera came into the picture. For some reason though, the Strattera just doesn't give him enough focus to work through adademic material.
Thanks for sharing the info about the apple juice making the Adderall not work as well. So far I don't think my son ever drinks juice in the morning. Although, I am curious if a juice box that he used to drink while in regular school could have influened the way his medication worked in the afternoons.
Is he crying because he's not keeping up in school? Was he keeping his grades up? So far, nothing you said sounded like a change in the drug. Does he say that it still feels the same? Is his breakfast different? (I killed my Adderal trial with oatmeal cooked in apple juice and had no idea it was canceling out the drug. I just thought that Adderal had a big kick at the end. During the first three hours, it didn't work at all. The juice was apparently killing the Adderal.)
>
> Is he being bullied? Have you asked his teacher?
Posted by Kacy on October 26, 2003, at 12:43:26
In reply to Re: Straterra approval. » Kacy, posted by Lasagne on October 25, 2003, at 22:55:44
> Thanks for sharing the info about the apple juice making the Adderall not work as well. So far I don't think my son ever drinks juice in the morning. Although, I am curious if a juice box that he used to drink while in regular school could have influenced the way his medication worked in the afternoons.
What kind of juice was he having in the afternoon? It's the vitamin C. If he is taking any vitamins with C in it, he would want to take that at night. I was having two-thirds of a cup of juice. I'm wondering if cooking it into long-cooking oats made the buffering effect last longer as it may have been released over a longer period of time. I wouldn't get any effect of the Adderall until 10:30 or 10:45 and I was taking it at 7:30 to 8:00 am. Then, it would last about a half-hour or more. (I also drank oj some mornings.)
Some people are also affected that way by soft drinks.
I think you should post this issue on Psycho-Babble-Alternative and ask if anyone can suggest supplements worth trying to help:> He also has sensory defensiveness and is extremely bothered by noises and people touching him.
Posted by Greg Ferguson on October 28, 2003, at 13:45:18
In reply to Re: Strattera, posted by mshyper on January 27, 2003, at 22:33:05
Hi-
I have just recently been diagnosed with ADHD, and was prescribed strattera. Within the first 48 hours ive noticed a number of side effects...and i am not sure whether or not to be concerned. Some of these include fatigue, fogginess, upset stomach, and some sexual side effects that i noticed after the first 24 hours that involve inability to achieve orgasm, and extreme sweating. Is this normal?
Posted by lessismore on October 28, 2003, at 20:23:54
In reply to Re: Strattera, posted by Greg Ferguson on October 28, 2003, at 13:45:18
short answer, yes to all. I have been on for 2 months, and all my side effects are gone now. Last to go was the sweating, recently. Give it some time. Good luck
Posted by Viridis on October 29, 2003, at 2:07:08
In reply to Re: Strattera, posted by Greg Ferguson on October 28, 2003, at 13:45:18
The side effects do seem to go away. I'd start with a low dose (say, 25 mg) and move up gradually. That helps minimize the problems and allows your system to get used to it. It's best not to rush these things.
Posted by PeggySue on October 29, 2003, at 18:47:07
In reply to Re: strattera side effects, posted by bige on October 11, 2003, at 12:02:13
Help. I give up. I don't like facing this. I want to be normal. Prozac 60mg and Concerta, 36mg (once in the morning on an empty stomach) is not getting it. Am still very irratible. Easily pop off with anger. Am not being able to sleep. Have no social life. Have no life at all other than work, eat a little, sleep a little, repeat...
Help....
Posted by lessismore on October 30, 2003, at 0:40:13
In reply to Re: strattera side effects » bige, posted by PeggySue on October 29, 2003, at 18:47:07
Are you taking Strattera also? Have you tried it?
Posted by Lasagne on October 30, 2003, at 11:55:16
In reply to Re: Strattera, posted by Greg Ferguson on October 28, 2003, at 13:45:18
> Hi Greg:
What you are experiencing is the same that I did last May. It took about 5-6 weeks for the obnoxious side effects to disappear and for me to have the full benefits of the medication. It was a tough road in the beginning, but the benefits have been unbelievable. I am much more functional than I have ever been. So be patient. Although, if the sexual side effects do not disappear after a reasonable period of time, you may have to try another ADHD option. My husband tried the Strattera and it made it difficult for him to achieve an erection and hold it. The doctor then switched him to a slow release Ritalin. As for me, I take my 80 mgs. in the evening. I have noticed that if I take my medication a little bit later and have sex around 10 p.m. then all of my parts work right, but if we wait until it's midnight or later to have sex then my orgasms are definitely diminished because the Strattera has had plenty of time to get into my system.
Good luck,
Lasagna
Hi-
>
> I have just recently been diagnosed with ADHD, and was prescribed strattera. Within the first 48 hours ive noticed a number of side effects...and i am not sure whether or not to be concerned. Some of these include fatigue, fogginess, upset stomach, and some sexual side effects that i noticed after the first 24 hours that involve inability to achieve orgasm, and extreme sweating. Is this normal?
>
>
Posted by Mid- Life Crisis on November 2, 2003, at 21:08:40
In reply to Re: Strattera » Greg Ferguson, posted by Lasagne on October 30, 2003, at 11:55:16
I have a question about Strattera and exercise. I have been taking 60 mg. of Strattera for about 4 weeks and couldn't do my regular exercise routine (aerobics) because of a broken toe. I was finally able to go back to the gym yesterday and was disappointed to find out I had absolutely no energy when exercising...very different than usual for me, but then I might just be a tad out of shape after getting no exercise at all for 6 weeks. Anyone else feel this way??
Mama B, you mentioned you are a runner and on Strattera...do you think this is caused by the Strattera??
Posted by Plucky on November 4, 2003, at 17:13:52
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by deLane on October 9, 2003, at 17:59:44
> I noticed that bige was in his third year of law school and is taking strattera. I am trying desperately to do well on my LSAT but am having difficulty concentrating on the passages without my mind wondering. Plus, I'm having to read over the statements continuously before I can even go to an answer. I went to the Dr today and he gave me a sample to try. I'm taking my LSAT on 12/6. I was supposed to take it on 10/4 but my score wasn't high enough due to my problem. How long is this going to take to kick in and how long will I have this side effect of an upset stomach? The upset stomach is pretty bad.
> My Dr wouldn't put me on adderol because he said I would have to take numerous tests to see if I really had ADD. Did everyone else who is on this had to have a ton of tests before it was prescribed to them?
> Just curious.....
DeLane:I definitely understand your concern about your upcoming LSAT. I'm in my thirties and went back to school (pre-med) last year, but only after I was able to get myself on ADD meds.
I did not have to undergo *any* tests to see if I really had ADD -- I just had to go over a detailed history of my symptoms with a psychiatrist. The trick, though, was to actually find a shrink who specialized in adult ADD; when I had first spoken to my PCP, and then to another shrink, both had the outdated belief that ADD is something that only affects children (and boys, at that). Being an adult who should have been diagnosed as a young girl, but never was, I essentially diagnosed myself after reading books on the subject. I then sought out an adult ADD specialist, who recognized my textbook (textbook, that is, for an inattentive woman, not a hyperactive little boy) case of ADD in about two seconds. He prescribed Adderall after our first meeting.
My experience was that the Adderall worked immediately -- the best thing is that it just helps me get started doing the things I have to do. (And yes, it does help me stay focused when I'm reading) I did have trouble with the side effects at first (especially the anxiety, which seemed to increase if I took a higher dose), and as a result tried a bunch of other meds, but all had even worse side efects. So, I eventually returned to Adderall, and have now been on it for about two years. Of course, the side effects did wear off after about a month or two, but before they did, none of them actually reduced my ability to focus on reading.
Six months ago, I took a three-week "drug holiday" (that term cracks me up - as if going off your meds is some sort of a vacation!), and literally spent the whole time staring off into space.
If you want to try Adderall, I would encourage you to find another doc who is willing to start you on it BEFORE you have to take your LSAT -- it could help immensely. I am just starting on Straterra, so I can't offer much info to compare that med, but from everything I've read here, and from what my pdoc days, it seems to take *at least* a few weeks to take effect. Given that your LSAT is only a month away, you may find it more helpful to get going on a med that kicks in faster, so that you can actually benefit from it in time for such an important exam.
One more bit of Adderall advice: I started on Adderall before they came out with either the generic version or the XR, and have tried them all now, but find only the old-fashioned, brand name, standard-release one works for me, as it allows me more control over my dosing (I can take a dose about a half-hour to an hour before a class or an exam, and it makes a huge difference in my ability to focus). Also, I found the generic formulation seemed to kick in and out much more quickly than the brand name pill -- I had symptoms similar to OD/withdrawal (anxiety and itching all over my body when it kicked in too forcefully, then sudden, incredible sleepiness as it wore off ) two or three times a day. None of that with the brand name version. My pdoc initials "brand name only" on the prescription and it doesn't cost me anything more (with insurance).
Best of luck to you!
Plucky
Posted by MamaB on November 5, 2003, at 9:36:46
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Plucky on November 4, 2003, at 17:13:52
Hi,
I agree with just about everything that Plucky says. However let me caution you about something. Please do not compare your response to Strattera with that of Adderal. Straterra takes awhile to "kick in " and you will not have any drastic change in your concentration. I simply became aware after about two weeks on Strattera, that my motivation, and ability to concentrate had improved significantly.
Also I found that the stomach upset was pretty much eliminated if I took the Strattera with meals.
Good luck on your LSATs. Like Plucky I began postgraduate education later in life -- but WITHOUT the benefit of medication. (I made it, but it was VERY tough)
MamaB
Posted by coopac on November 5, 2003, at 18:23:21
In reply to Re: Strattera, posted by lessismore on October 28, 2003, at 20:23:54
I have been on strattera for a couple of weeks now i have noticed most of the side effects and i knew that i would have these side effects. i have also just noticed that i have had a discoloration in my eyes, and a slight burning scenation kind of like they are very dry has anyone else had these side effects or should i notify my doc.
Posted by lessismore on November 5, 2003, at 19:30:15
In reply to Re: Strattera, posted by coopac on November 5, 2003, at 18:23:21
I haven't had that one. What do you mean by discoloration? I have had a dry mouth, and might have had slightly dry eyes...don't remember.
Posted by coopac on November 5, 2003, at 20:17:38
In reply to Re: Strattera, posted by lessismore on November 5, 2003, at 19:30:15
by discoloration i mean the white part of my eyes look darker like an offwhite
Posted by MamaB on November 6, 2003, at 6:24:27
In reply to Re: Strattera, posted by coopac on November 5, 2003, at 20:17:38
My recommendation is that you call your physician.
Posted by sadmom on November 6, 2003, at 9:41:00
In reply to Re: Strattera, posted by coopac on November 5, 2003, at 18:23:21
If the whites of your eyes, are getting yellow - I think it might have something to do with the liver.
Posted by sledwards on November 6, 2003, at 15:22:53
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 23:00:33
I can say one great thing about Strattera - I was heavily dependent on Xanax - 3 milligrams for 2 1/2 years, it was controlling my life; I was able to stop the horrible Xanax curse only after a few days on Strattera (40mgs) . For this reason only, Strattera saved my life. I realize medication works differently for everyone - but for me, Strattera served as a miracle ax)....I wonder if the medical field is looking into this phenomenon. As for ADD symptoms, I can tell a difference. Now at 80 mgs. I can hop out of bed in the morning instead of waiting for Adderall to "kick in". I also have more motivation to finish tasks.
Posted by Clayton on November 6, 2003, at 15:29:21
In reply to Re: strattera side effects » bige, posted by PeggySue on October 29, 2003, at 18:47:07
You really, really need support for your norepineprine levels. Strattera is an excellant option. Remaron will also enhance norepinphrine levels by enhancing supply, not blocking reuptake. The two in combination are worth every consideration. Norepinephron support will be synergistically enhanced. The results could be profoundly positive. Remaron also enhances seratonin supply so you retain some support of that neurotransmitter and can dump the SSRI, Prozac (that did nothing for me). Remaron also facilitates sleep. Ask for the sublingual form and pop it under your tongue at bedtime. Remaron works in three days to week. Best of luck, fellow traveler.
Posted by Snowie on November 7, 2003, at 23:43:22
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by MamaB on November 5, 2003, at 9:36:46
My pdoc suggested taking Strattera with food, so I was taking it at lunchtime, since I'm not much of a breakfast person, but I could take it at breakfast with chocolate milk. Someone said they take it at night because it makes them sleepy but so far I haven't noticed that side effect. It seems I'm always tired during the day. I have taken it at night just recently, but don't know if that's good or bad. Since trying Adderall, Ritalin, and now Strattera, I haven't been sleeping well at night, and wake up tired. Any suggestions as to the best time to take it? Thanks.
Snowie
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