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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mshyper on March 13, 2003, at 12:35:09
In reply to Re: Strattera half life/tics/withdrawal » mshyper, posted by zenclear on March 12, 2003, at 16:26:31
> Do you have any skin side effects? Dryness, itching, redness, etc? Any hint of potential hairloss issues (a Wellbutrin problem!!).
Some dryness of my skin, but no worse than I've had all my life from my eczema. No flaking. And, actually the eczema is better, maybe from the anxiety reduction. (Aveeno body lotion helps any dryness for me).
My eyes itch occasionally in the corners, which is a side effect of the drug, but it may happen twice a week or so now. Happened first few days of drug more often. Visine AC helps.
When I first started drug, I had little stinging itchy hot spots here and there, about 5 minutes at a time, but that went away after 4 or 5 days or so and I haven't had it since. They only turned red if I clawed them. :-)
Actually, as far as hair loss goes, mine is better now. My anxiety/stress level dropped dramatically on the strattera so my hair loss stopped. As far as I know, hair loss is not a side effect of strattera. My blood pressure dropped, too, as a result of the lowered anxiety level- 20 pts on top and 10 on the bottom-in spite of the fact that the prescribing info says it can increase bp a point or two.
There is one wierd side effect, however. From time to time (5 or 6 times since I started med), I have funky hiccups, but it never lasts more than an hour or so alltogether. Not the kind where you have them at a regular interval, you know, just kind of one now, one later. Sometimes a couple minutes apart. Sometimes one now, then in 5 minutes, then in 10 minutes. Nothing bad, just mildly annoying.
Good luck if you start on the medication. :-)
Posted by Lexxey on March 14, 2003, at 11:26:21
I have read many of the posts on Straterra but couldn't make it thru all of them.
I am on my 4th day at 40 mg and will take another 40 this pm as my do suggests. I took Ritalin for 19 years very successfully but wanted to try and see if this could help me lose weight. I'm 59 and still 30+ pounds overweight.
I would like some suggestions for help with sleep problems and constipation.
Fiber, water, appricots, huge salads, oatmeal, flax seed, yogurt, exercise all don't seem to help and I don't want to take laxitives. Can anyone suggest something safe?[middle aged body is a sluggish pain]
About the sleep problems...I wonder how this drug mixes with antihistamines like benedryl or Unisom to help. They used to make me sleepy but I thought I would ask first. Has anyone taken zyrtec with it? That usually knocks me out.
I took Topamax [lost 36 pounds on that...kept it off] for a while and found that these drugs that usually made me sleepy would make me hyper with it so I wanted to get some opinions before trying it. If I was just going to stay home I would stick it out but I am going on vacation in one week and always find it hard to sleep in a different bed even with no meds.
I also found taking melatonin made me sleepless with the Topamax which felt just like this drug at first. I also lost hair with Topamax and hope it doesn't happen with this. But Topamax had a diuretic effect and washed zinc out of the system, or so I was told, and that could lead to hair problems.
I really appreciate all the info here after being referred by someone who reads it.
Posted by jrbecker on March 14, 2003, at 12:02:19
In reply to Request Straterra side effects solutions?, posted by Lexxey on March 14, 2003, at 11:26:21
Many people who have taken Strattera definitely notice an appetite decrease, with a milder rebound effect at the end of the day in comparison to the stims, so you won't be running for the fridge. Contrastingly, there is also a minority of individuals who have an increased appetite while on the med. I myself fell into this category, and it is most likely due to exacerbating my atypical symptoms.
Sorry, no advice on the sleep problem. Some have experienced insomnia while on Strattera, but many said that the effect waned over the first few weeks.
As for the constipation, I would recommend a mangesium supplement. Best time to take might be in the morning. In some individuals, it can make you feel sleepy, but it will most likely help to balance out any sense of excitation you get from the strattera. If one dose daily doesn't work, try taking 2-3 doses throughout the day. Magnesium usually works wonders in keeping people regular and gives people more energy as well. A word of warning though, taking too much at once can give you bouts of diarrhea, so start low. Maybe try 150-250mg per dose at first. Taking it at night in combo with calcium might also account for a better night's sleep as well.
Good luck.
JRB
> I have read many of the posts on Straterra but couldn't make it thru all of them.
>
> I am on my 4th day at 40 mg and will take another 40 this pm as my do suggests. I took Ritalin for 19 years very successfully but wanted to try and see if this could help me lose weight. I'm 59 and still 30+ pounds overweight.
>
> I would like some suggestions for help with sleep problems and constipation.
>
> Fiber, water, appricots, huge salads, oatmeal, flax seed, yogurt, exercise all don't seem to help and I don't want to take laxitives. Can anyone suggest something safe?[middle aged body is a sluggish pain]
>
> About the sleep problems...I wonder how this drug mixes with antihistamines like benedryl or Unisom to help. They used to make me sleepy but I thought I would ask first. Has anyone taken zyrtec with it? That usually knocks me out.
>
> I took Topamax [lost 36 pounds on that...kept it off] for a while and found that these drugs that usually made me sleepy would make me hyper with it so I wanted to get some opinions before trying it. If I was just going to stay home I would stick it out but I am going on vacation in one week and always find it hard to sleep in a different bed even with no meds.
>
> I also found taking melatonin made me sleepless with the Topamax which felt just like this drug at first. I also lost hair with Topamax and hope it doesn't happen with this. But Topamax had a diuretic effect and washed zinc out of the system, or so I was told, and that could lead to hair problems.
>
> I really appreciate all the info here after being referred by someone who reads it.
Posted by macaroni on March 15, 2003, at 1:06:46
In reply to Started Strattera Yesterday Woo-Hoo!, posted by HADD Enough on February 2, 2003, at 8:32:26
My 11 year old son started Strattera 16 days ago, and I want to tell anyone who's discouraged with the phase-in period to hang in there. We've had a rough couple of weeks but the last two days have been worth it. My son is off Adderall and is eating better, and more significantly, he seems to be more himself but with the impulse control he needs.
We had him on 25mg until 7 days ago when we started giving him his target dose of 40mg. No problems whatsoever with sleep or appetite. The first two weeks he was very active, impulsive and kind of goofy at times. I was beginning to think this drug was nothing but sugar pills!!!
Dea
Posted by juanantoniod on March 15, 2003, at 1:51:23
In reply to Re: Started Strattera Yesterday Woo-Hoo!, posted by macaroni on March 15, 2003, at 1:06:46
I started taking Strattera 40mg a couple of weeks ago and did not notice a bit of change, except for my body developed these random muscle tics. Can I gather from the word 'tic' in some of these message headers that I have not been alone in this problem.
Also, my understanding was that Strattera could show effectiveness almost immediately, so I gave up hope when I didn't have any relief in the first few weeks, even after doubling my dosage. Does anyone have any advice as to whether I should stick with this drug for a few more weeks to see if the SNRI aspect of it does any good, or, as I believe, that since I got nothing from the the get-go, I will probably have no benefit from the drug after taking it longer either.
Any advice you can give is greatly valued.
Thanks!
Antonio
Posted by Lexxey on March 15, 2003, at 8:50:39
In reply to Strattera Tics and Time to Work, posted by juanantoniod on March 15, 2003, at 1:51:23
Antonio
My doc said that 1/3 of folks don't see any improvement at all so don't feel excluded.
I'm only on my 5th day at 40mg but I definitely feel a little something....I mentioned in another post that I can judge effectiveness in myself by an improvement in my typing and handwriting.
I tried it with a positive attitude since Ritalin and Dex worked so well for me...I think I have the kind of ADHD that can respond to drugs more easily and I don't have stomach problems or other side effects.
I gotta mention the strangest effect of Strat on my sleep...each of the 4 nights on it I have awaken consecutively at 3, 3:30,4, 4;30. Exactly... to the minute when I looked at the clock. It's giving me an extra half hour as I get used to it...but the internal clock is weird. I just had to tell someone else who has taken this stuff. Brain meds are weird stuff!!!
Each night I have gone back to sleep and I got 8 hours total, last night. But after the wake-up I have the most fun dreams...I'm starting to look forward to them!!! It's like a "trip" from the 60's, I imagine....cuz I never did drugs then!!!
Posted by Lexxey on March 15, 2003, at 9:01:30
In reply to Re: Request Straterra side effects solutions?, posted by jrbecker on March 14, 2003, at 12:02:19
JRB
I ran out and got the mag and mag/cal as you suggested and will take it like a religion. thanks for suggesting it. I just knew there had to be some natural help rather than rely on stuff that can be habit forming.
I was off the Topamax [8 months] I was taking for 2 weeks before starting this Strat and my body was so normal...it was nice not to worry about it. Each of these drugs cause this problem but also my hair fell out with the other. I'm also taking some supplements that are supposed to help that.
Posted by teacherkris on March 15, 2003, at 9:37:00
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics/weird sleep, posted by Lexxey on March 15, 2003, at 8:50:39
Antonio I agree with what the previous poster said. I don't know anyone who has said it works immediately. It is definitely not like the stimulants but is more like an anti-depressant in that it takes time to build up in your system.
The side effects may be a result of starting too fast. As I've said in my other posts here my doctor is making me start extremely slowly and although my ADD doesn't give me the patience for that I'm glad I've waited it out. This is week five for me. I've gone up 10 mg per week with half in the a.m. and half in the afternoon. This week I'm going to 40 mg am only. Then next week I'll go to 40 am and 20 pm to see how I do.
Keep in mind that the therapeutic dose in the trials was an average of 95 mg with a range of 80 - 120mg. You don't say how much you were on but I would definitely say be patient. I'm seeing some benefits at 40 when I don't take my Concerta but not enough so with doctors suggestion I'm staying on the Concerta until I'm up to at least 80 and we'll see what happens. Good luck!
Posted by Lexxey on March 15, 2003, at 10:40:23
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics/weird sleep, posted by teacherkris on March 15, 2003, at 9:37:00
I really wish I'd had the option to start slower than 40mg...I would rather have taken more time say at 25mg. I can feel my brain adjusting and less foggy everyday.
I am so encouraged by the success of those who have stuck with it that I want to give it a month at 80mg before deciding so I picked up my prescription and invested the $40 copay!!!
Posted by Kashusha on March 15, 2003, at 12:46:36
In reply to Strattera Tics and Time to Work, posted by juanantoniod on March 15, 2003, at 1:51:23
> I started taking Strattera 40mg a couple of weeks ago and did not notice a bit of change, except for my body developed these random muscle tics. Can I gather from the word 'tic' in some of these message headers that I have not been alone in this problem.
>
> Also, my understanding was that Strattera could show effectiveness almost immediately, so I gave up hope when I didn't have any relief in the first few weeks, even after doubling my dosage. Does anyone have any advice as to whether I should stick with this drug for a few more weeks to see if the SNRI aspect of it does any good, or, as I believe, that since I got nothing from the the get-go, I will probably have no benefit from the drug after taking it longer either.
>
> Any advice you can give is greatly valued.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Antonio
Antonio, Just to let you know, the tics I mention in my posts are not caused by Strattera or any other medication. My dtr already had a tic disorder, and I wondered about Strattera's effect on tics, if any. She she cannot take stimulant medication because it can make tics worse. Good luck!
Posted by macaroni on March 15, 2003, at 20:49:26
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics/weird sleep, posted by Lexxey on March 15, 2003, at 10:40:23
Hang in there with the Strattera. It takes time, but it's worth it. My 11-year son vascilated between irritable and goofy the first two weeks on 25mg; he was very active at times, and at other times, very tired.
I feel we've come out the other side of this thing. He's been very happy and approachable for the past three days. And although he'll have an occasional lapse of judgement and do something totally impulsive, it's easy to reason with him. He is no longer on a mad cycle of ups and downs with the Adderall, and we're no longer held hostage by the clock. He's eating good and sleeping. Mornings at our house are actually a pleasure and the days are pretty dang good too.
So, if you're still phasing into this drug, take a deep breath and mark the days on your calendar. I'd say three weeks is a pretty good time frame to shoot for. Lock yourself in the basement if you have to, but give yourself time to know what this drug can do for you. I hope it will be as worthwhile for you as it has been, thus far, for us. I'll post any changes.
Dea
Posted by zenclear on March 15, 2003, at 20:54:33
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics/weird sleep, posted by macaroni on March 15, 2003, at 20:49:26
How's his concentration (not just his outward behavior)?
Posted by macaroni on March 15, 2003, at 21:11:07
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics/weird sleep » macaroni, posted by zenclear on March 15, 2003, at 20:54:33
He falls more on the side of hyperactive and impulsive than inattentive, so focus is a lesser problem of the three. Having said that, however, I have noticed that he seems to be making the same As and Bs he made while on Adderall. Without adderall he was a B student. His concentration was minimally disrupted changing over from Adderall to Strattera, I'd say.
I hope that helps.
Dea
Posted by Dog Breath on March 17, 2003, at 12:39:39
In reply to Strattera Tics and Time to Work, posted by juanantoniod on March 15, 2003, at 1:51:23
Strattera has taken a long time to work for me. Full benefits were only after 6-8 weeks with some ups and downs in the dosage. I am now stabilized on 80mg. For quite some time I thought it wasn't doing much until recently. I feel pretty good, focused, and have more energy than I can remember it a long time. Most side effects were temporary and by reducing the dosage for a few days they went away and then I could go back up. I still have a bit of insomnia and chapped lips but it's a small price to pay for feeling good.
d
Posted by Hattree on March 18, 2003, at 9:30:40
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics and Time to Work, posted by Dog Breath on March 17, 2003, at 12:39:39
Please keep me posted, Stratterites. I aborted a trial because it seemed to bring on depression. I'm waiting awhile before trying again to see if S. was really the culprit. I'm following your posts closely.
Thanks!
Posted by Lexxey on March 18, 2003, at 15:36:27
In reply to Would love Strattera updates, posted by Hattree on March 18, 2003, at 9:30:40
I have just decided that I like it!!!
I have been on 40mg for just one week but I think even this amount helps. I am waiting 10 more days to go up to 80 cuz we are going on vacation and I have trouble sleeping with no weird drugs in my system so I know this will make it difficult.
I'm anxious to get used to the full dose and I also appreciate the input of others
I know that I would not have stuck with it had I not read all the positive words here and on another ADHD forum....I would have given up!!!
Lexxy in GA
Posted by concernedaunt on March 21, 2003, at 16:25:34
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics/weird sleep, posted by macaroni on March 15, 2003, at 21:11:07
> He falls more on the side of hyperactive and impulsive than inattentive, so focus is a lesser problem of the three. Having said that, however, I have noticed that he seems to be making the same As and Bs he made while on Adderall. Without adderall he was a B student. His concentration was minimally disrupted changing over from Adderall to Strattera, I'd say.
>
> I hope that helps.
> DeaHi Everyone,
This is my first time on this site. I have a 14 yr old niece that was diagnosed w/ADHD about 6 yrs ago. She has just recently come into my care and has not been on meds for at least 4 yrs. Her last med was Dex. She is in counselling and will soon be reevaled for ADHA and the possibility of being put back on meds. She is mainly inattentive and impulsive. Has anyone had experience with Straterra as a first med in an adolescent? Any bits of info would be helpful.
Posted by teacherkris on March 21, 2003, at 16:37:53
In reply to Straterra approval., posted by scoper on December 28, 2002, at 2:19:34
Hi all,
Just wanted to let you all know I'm on my second week of 40 mg once a day and doing well in terms of side effects. I still take 72 mg of Concerta a day and will continue on the Concerta until I get to a therapeutic level on the strattera. Today I start 40 mg am and 20 mg pm. After a week or so on that I'll go up to 40 am 40 pm and then to 80 am at which point I'll try it without the concerta and see what happens.For those of you with Adult ADD out there I thought you could relate to my very ADD crazy mistake I made the other day! I was trading my 10 mg pills for my new 40 mg pills in my pill box. I had three pills in my hand and was going to take my Concerta and Strattera but accidentally took 3 Stratteras! So instead of 40 mg I ended up on 120 mg that day! UGH talk about side effects. I felt sick and spacey all day! But it did subside by the late afternoon. Anyway, just thought I'd share in case anyone else makes such a mistake later in this long road we're all going down.
:-)
Posted by Tealah on March 22, 2003, at 19:26:38
In reply to Straterra approval., posted by scoper on December 28, 2002, at 2:19:34
Looking for anyone who has experienced constipation on Strattera. My 8 yr. old son was doing great on 25 mg. until week 4 when he became constipated. It took two weeks to straighten him out with Lactulose and prune juice. This morning I started him back on 10 mg. Has anyone had any luck resolving constipation on this?
Posted by carlyb on March 23, 2003, at 9:03:57
In reply to Re: Strattera and constipation, posted by Tealah on March 22, 2003, at 19:26:38
water, water and more water, I also take a daily fiber formula from the health food store everynight, I am doing well.
Posted by carlyb on March 23, 2003, at 9:05:38
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics/weird sleep » macaroni, posted by concernedaunt on March 21, 2003, at 16:25:34
I have been on strattera for 9 days, i am on 40 mg is anyone experiencing dizzyness? Do you take it in the morning or night?
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 24, 2003, at 14:50:13
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics/weird sleep, posted by Lexxey on March 15, 2003, at 8:50:39
I too wake up about 3:30 4, every morning. This is my second week of strattera. I am up to 25mg a day. It seems to make me very hungry. I am also on Adderall 20ml(2 at once in the morning) I think it is helping me. I don't feel as stressed lately and I can focus a little better.
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 24, 2003, at 14:52:22
In reply to Re: Would love Strattera updates, posted by Lexxey on March 18, 2003, at 15:36:27
Does strattera make you hungry or tired.
Posted by Spinning on March 25, 2003, at 1:55:23
In reply to Straterra approval., posted by scoper on December 28, 2002, at 2:19:34
Just ended my 4th day on Strattera. Boy, have I been irritable. Is it the Strattera, or am I just really crabby? I have been taking 40mgs in the AM. I don't feel one other thing. I am so disappointed...I am hoping this works. Ritalin and Adderall worked really well for me, but caused mind blowing headaches. Should I increase to 80mgs in the hopes of feeling something? Will that decrease the irritability? Or am I just impatient and it hasn't had time to work yet? Also, how long do the effects last once I start feeling anything? Is this just a couple of hours type drug or an all day one? Thanks!
Posted by blondegirl47 on March 25, 2003, at 7:54:20
In reply to Strattera-4 days later, posted by Spinning on March 25, 2003, at 1:55:23
I would have your dr add back your adderall. My doc said, that taking away other meds and using staterra alone wasn't working well. Maybe your dr started you on too high a dose. I started with 18 ml for 4 days, now I am doing 25ml for 2 weeks.
My SO says I am calmer... I don't feel as tense and I have had some moments of really good focus.
The thing I don't like is I am physically hungry all day after I take it. I have started taking it before bed. Please keep me up dated on your progressBlondegirl
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