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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by yeltom on April 28, 2003, at 15:13:42
In reply to Re: Strattera 2+ months, posted by ciejae on April 27, 2003, at 8:04:29
I previously started new threads to ask questions, but no one answered me, so I'm hoping that this is the most active Straterra thread. I'm taking 60 mg of Prozac and have added Straterra to increase energy and focus and further reduce my depression. I'm starting off very slowly, only 10 mg a day. I'm on day 4. I understand that prozac can make one a poor metabolizer of Straterra, and for all I know I'm naturally a poor metabolizer. Originally, I experienced minor stomach problems, problems staying asleep, and dry mouth. Stomach problems have gone away, sleep problems have gone away, but I still have dry mouth. Does that ever go away???? I plan on upping my dosage, but I don't want more dry mouth. Also, I would like to hear how Straterra is affecting their sexuality, especially people whose sexual function has been negatively impacted by Prozac, like me, or another SSRI. Thanks. I would really appreciate some responses.
Posted by paulk on April 28, 2003, at 16:48:12
In reply to Strattera: Dosage, Dry Mouth, and Sexuality, posted by yeltom on April 28, 2003, at 15:13:42
>. I'm starting off very slowly, only 10 mg a day. I'm on day 4.
Can you tell any effects yet? I think it wise to start off slow, but if you cant tell ANY effect yet you might want to increase.
>I understand that prozac can make one a poor metabolizer of Straterra, and for all I know I'm naturally a poor metabolizer.
>Originally, I experienced minor stomach problems, problems staying asleep, and dry mouth. Stomach problems have gone away, sleep problems have gone away, but I still have dry mouth. Does that ever go away????
I like taking the med with food. I haven’t had any dry mouth. I do have to be sure to remember to drink extra water – otherwise it makes me constipated.
>Also, I would like to hear how Straterra is affecting their sexuality, especially people whose sexual function has been negatively impacted by Prozac, like me, or another SSRI.I’m taking Straterra(10mg/day) by itself. I did had negative sex effects with Porzac. I think the problem with the SSRI like Porzac is that they tend to down regulate dopamine which causes a lack of focus (something needed for good sex). Seems the SSRI tend to produce ADD as a side effect. I would think that Staterra would help (or at least worth a try) as it sure has improved sex for me – and probably because of the focus.
Wish I had more to share for you, but please keep us posted as this is a new drug and the more shared experiences the better.
Posted by fallsfall on April 28, 2003, at 16:51:55
In reply to Strattera: Dosage, Dry Mouth, and Sexuality, posted by yeltom on April 28, 2003, at 15:13:42
I take Prozac (60mg) and Strattera (80mg - less didn't do it for me). I had nausea in the beginning, but it went away. I take it all in the morning because taking it at night caused sleep problems. I take so many drugs that I don't know how the Strattera adds to the dry mouth. I think I've had dry mouth for 6 months at this point (and I've only had Strattera for 2 1/2). I just carry a water bottle wherever I go and use Biotene toothpaste (specially designed for dry mouth, plus I like the super mild taste). I can't talk about the effect on my sex life because I have no sex life. It is a really good drug for me.
Posted by yeltom on April 28, 2003, at 17:05:58
In reply to Re: Strattera: Dosage, Dry Mouth, and Sexuality » yeltom, posted by fallsfall on April 28, 2003, at 16:51:55
> I take Prozac (60mg) and Strattera (80mg - less didn't do it for me). I had nausea in the beginning, but it went away. I take it all in the morning because taking it at night caused sleep problems. I take so many drugs that I don't know how the Strattera adds to the dry mouth. I think I've had dry mouth for 6 months at this point (and I've only had Strattera for 2 1/2). I just carry a water bottle wherever I go and use Biotene toothpaste (specially designed for dry mouth, plus I like the super mild taste). I can't talk about the effect on my sex life because I have no sex life. It is a really good drug for me.
Thanks. Amazing that you needed 80 mg of strattera even though you take a bunch of prozac. What other drugs are you taking that might have caused the dry mouth? (I don't believe prozac causes that effect)As for sex life, even if you don't have one with someone else, perhaps you could at least speculate on how Straterra affects your libido, no?And by the way, I didn't mean to say that the problems staying asleep had completely gone away, only that it was getting better. I take it in the morning, but it's still somewhat of a problem. Do you think that will resolve with time? Thanks
Posted by AtomicTom on April 28, 2003, at 20:31:32
In reply to Strattera: Dosage, Dry Mouth, and Sexuality, posted by yeltom on April 28, 2003, at 15:13:42
Strattera:
(A) did nothing whatsoever for my ADD
(B) slightly _increased_ my depression
(C) totally eliminated my sex drive and made orgasms nearly impossible (and very abnormal -- prostatitis is a _known_ side effect of Strattera, and it went away immediately on cessation).Obviously the drug will affect different users differently. But for me, the drug had many VERY unpleasant costs, and no real benefits. Back on my Adderall -- it's not perfect, but I'm lumping along...
-- Tom
> I previously started new threads to ask questions, but no one answered me, so I'm hoping that this is the most active Straterra thread. I'm taking 60 mg of Prozac and have added Straterra to increase energy and focus and further reduce my depression. I'm starting off very slowly, only 10 mg a day. I'm on day 4. I understand that prozac can make one a poor metabolizer of Straterra, and for all I know I'm naturally a poor metabolizer. Originally, I experienced minor stomach problems, problems staying asleep, and dry mouth. Stomach problems have gone away, sleep problems have gone away, but I still have dry mouth. Does that ever go away???? I plan on upping my dosage, but I don't want more dry mouth. Also, I would like to hear how Straterra is affecting their sexuality, especially people whose sexual function has been negatively impacted by Prozac, like me, or another SSRI. Thanks. I would really appreciate some responses.
Posted by Ritchie on April 28, 2003, at 20:46:46
In reply to Strattera: Dosage, Dry Mouth, and Sexuality, posted by yeltom on April 28, 2003, at 15:13:42
> I previously started new threads to ask questions, but no one answered me, so I'm hoping that this is the most active Straterra thread. I'm taking 60 mg of Prozac and have added Straterra to increase energy and focus and further reduce my depression. I'm starting off very slowly, only 10 mg a day. I'm on day 4. I understand that prozac can make one a poor metabolizer of Straterra, and for all I know I'm naturally a poor metabolizer. Originally, I experienced minor stomach problems, problems staying asleep, and dry mouth. Stomach problems have gone away, sleep problems have gone away, but I still have dry mouth. Does that ever go away???? I plan on upping my dosage, but I don't want more dry mouth. Also, I would like to hear how Straterra is affecting their sexuality, especially people whose sexual function has been negatively impacted by Prozac, like me, or another SSRI. Thanks. I would really appreciate some responses.
I have been on Strattera for depression for what 4-6 weeks, the side effects have all almost disappeared except dry mouth which is the anti-cholergenic (sp?) effect and no appetite. i am up to 80 mg now splitting 40 40 twice a day. I think this is a med that takes a while to work and i think if you want immediate response you are not going to get it. I am being patient and since this seems to be working i am sticking with it. i feel at the higher dose the urinary retention problem went away and the depression is getting better. Also my anxiety is gone which is a nice change. I like the Strattera, even my high blood pressure taking the coral calcium is running below normal. Plus the weight loss is a welcome side effect. Plus i have had no problem with a low sex drive. Mine hasn't changed a bit.
Jax
Posted by fallsfall on April 28, 2003, at 22:39:48
In reply to Re: Strattera: Dosage, Dry Mouth, and Sexuality » fallsfall, posted by yeltom on April 28, 2003, at 17:05:58
80mg is a lot of Strattera when you are on Prozac. My doctor was surprised, too. I guess we are all different.
Libido - I can't comment because I have no clue what a sex life is supposed to be. Some of us just don't have that as part of their life.
I take Prozac, Lithium, Provigil, Strattera, Neurontin, Synthroid, Sonata, OmegaBrite. Also, as needed, Inderal and Atavan. I worked really hard and long to find this mix. It isn't perfect, but it's the best I've seen in 18 months.
Posted by Hattree on April 29, 2003, at 10:59:11
In reply to Re: Strattera: Dosage, Dry Mouth, and Sexuality, posted by Ritchie on April 28, 2003, at 20:46:46
Did you experience worse depression when you started the Strattera, or just no improvement?
Posted by sarasane on April 29, 2003, at 11:27:57
In reply to Re: Strattera 2+ months, posted by ciejae on April 27, 2003, at 8:04:29
> I've also noticed that I don't seem to be as afraid of things as I used to be. For instance, it usually drives me crazy to be a passenger in someone else's car. When my husband and I are driving long distances, I'm always nervous about going over bridges, sitting under bridges, driving next to big trucks, driving to close to the car in front of us, etc, etc, etc. Well, now that I think of it, we were driving around the other day, and I don't recall being concerned at all. Isn't that different!
>
> Also, I've always had a fear of flying (though I have to do it anyway), and for some reason, it's not bothering me lately. Is Strattera ever used as an anti-anxiety drug?
>I just logged on to this site for the 1st time today. Thanks to everyone who has posted on the subject of Straterra as I have been thinking of making the switch from ritalin. I've begun to have problems with increasing blood pressure -- up until the last year, it always ran around 108/68 and I'm 50 y/o. Just blessed til now, I guess.
Anyway, re the anxiety question, I don't know straterra's history. However, my belief about ADHD (especially untreated) is that we tend toward more anxiety and depression just trying to keep up with the non-ADHD world -- especially, if like me, you're of the inattentive type! So, if we're able to keep up better (even if those closets aren't cleaned out yet) maybe we'll feel less anxious about all the things we didn't get done today and have to do tomorrow.
Based on what I've read here, I'm giving my doc a call to give straterra a try. It will be nice not to have to pay for an office visit every time I need a ritalin refill.
Posted by paulk on April 29, 2003, at 13:03:20
In reply to Re: Strattera 2+ months, posted by sarasane on April 29, 2003, at 11:27:57
I find similarities between Stratterra and Ritalin. The difference would be the roller coaster let down in the after noon on Ritalin being a trade off with sleeping problems with Straterra. Not sure which is really better. My sleep on Straterra is poor quality.
Posted by Ritchie on April 29, 2003, at 17:03:15
In reply to Re: Strattera: Dosage, Dry Mouth, and Sexuality » Ritchie , posted by Hattree on April 29, 2003, at 10:59:11
> Did you experience worse depression when you started the Strattera, or just no improvement?
Actually I got worse. Everytime I up my dosage I get worse, I can't explain it but it goes away. I just changed to 80 and felt really depressed today. I'm just trying to hang in there and give it some time since it helps all my other symptoms.
Posted by teacherkris on April 29, 2003, at 19:36:16
In reply to Re: Strattera: Dosage, Dry Mouth, and Sexuality, posted by Ritchie on April 29, 2003, at 17:03:15
Well I just went in for my check-up after one month at 80 mg. My doctor was really pleased. I definitely was ready to give up several times along the way but I'm definitely considering myself a Strattera success at this point.
Here are a few things my doc noticed (it always amazes me how many details he picks up in 30 short minutes):
I'm talking slower and quieter
I'm not talking over him as much
Almost NO body movement ie fidgeting, tapping, shaking etc.My friends and co-workers are also commenting that I seem so "mellow" lately. I've been off stims for about 5 days now and am finally not feeling so incredibly tired. My doc said they'll be totally out of my system after one week and then I should feel much better. Last Saturday I took two three hour naps after a 10 hour night sleep so I had been really worried but he said that that's exactly what he would expect (sheesh he could have told me! :-))
Anyway, I'm so happy that this drug is working. It feels better than anything I've ever done before. In addition, I'm going to go completely off Zoloft this weekend (I've been tapering off for some time and am currently only on 25 mg). I can't imagine only taking one pill, once a day.
The only side effect I still seem to have is the complete lack of sex drive but I'm not currently in a relationship so we'll see if that changes down the road. At 30, my so called sexual peak, I can't imagine having no sex drive! We'll see what happens.
Sorry for the long message but I'm so excited I had to tell someone! Hang in there if you're still just starting. If you haven't seen my earlier posts I went up VERY slowly 10 mg increase every 10 days until I hit 80. I definitely think that was the way to go, and even after I hit 80 I didn't really feel the full effects for about three weeks. Give it time, it's worth it - no more triplicates!
Posted by oops...trythatbutton on April 29, 2003, at 20:12:45
In reply to 3 month update!, posted by teacherkris on April 29, 2003, at 19:36:16
I'm so glad you are doing good after 3 months!
Next week will be three months for me though my pdr is still figuring a good dose for me. Starting at 40mg nearly wiped me out. We found out that I was a slow metabolizer. At 18mg, I notice something but it doesn't last...25 seemed a lot...I just lose interest in general...may be more like I just don't care about things as much (has anyone notice something like this?)...though I haven't notice any anxiety attacks...I'm now at 2 10s now but I do notice that I start daydreaming a bit again and some other stuff (I got vocal in my car driving today)...I may be going back to 25mg...althought at 25mg, my shopping spree does go down
Posted by yeltom on April 29, 2003, at 21:34:08
In reply to Re: 3 month update! » teacherkris, posted by oops...trythatbutton on April 29, 2003, at 20:12:45
> I'm so glad you are doing good after 3 months!
> Next week will be three months for me though my pdr is still figuring a good dose for me. Starting at 40mg nearly wiped me out. We found out that I was a slow metabolizer. At 18mg, I notice something but it doesn't last...25 seemed a lot...I just lose interest in general...may be more like I just don't care about things as much (has anyone notice something like this?)...though I haven't notice any anxiety attacks...I'm now at 2 10s now but I do notice that I start daydreaming a bit again and some other stuff (I got vocal in my car driving today)...I may be going back to 25mg...althought at 25mg, my shopping spree does go downI think I'm a poor metabolizer too. How are you sleeping? Is your mouth dry? How's your sex drive etc.? I'm experiencing the first two problems (will they go away?) and concerned about the third (does straterrra make it better or worse?).
Thanks
Posted by oops...trythatbutton on April 30, 2003, at 17:09:52
In reply to Re: 3 month update! » oops...trythatbutton, posted by yeltom on April 29, 2003, at 21:34:08
sleep? what's that?....j/k... sleep is off/on. I don't really sleep as well before the Straterra but I'm ok with the 6 or so hours....before, it was more like 8 hours ....dry mouth is there but I drink a lot of diet coke so it isn't too much of a problem....I'm not see anyone so I can't really answer the last question...how's your appetite?...some people get a case of the munchies...I get a bit of that too occasionally but sofar I lost about 10 pounds... woohoo!!... I'm shoot for the next size down!!
Posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 21:06:28
In reply to Re: Strattera Tics/weird sleep, posted by macaroni on March 15, 2003, at 20:49:26
just starting in the am....have had all the ADHD habits since 11...final had enough doing something....will be doing 40/40 a day.....very healthy...work out three days a week...sleep so so....I have read so interesting things hear....food, moods, talking, forcus etc etc...anyone sexually active a few times a week...and on this...i am in my later 40's....
thanks
Posted by Patt on April 30, 2003, at 21:57:56
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 21:06:28
> just starting in the am....have had all the ADHD habits since 11...final had enough doing something....will be doing 40/40 a day.....very healthy...work out three days a week...sleep so so....I have read so interesting things hear....food, moods, talking, forcus etc etc...anyone sexually active a few times a week...and on this...i am in my later 40's....
>
> thanks
I have been on Strattera for about 5-6 weeks. I, too, was worried about the sexual side effects. So far, I have had no decrease in libido. I am 45 & had such horrible side effects sexually with Effexor (not for ADD) that I stopped taking it. I really cannot tell a lot of improvement in my ADD symptoms even though I am up to 100 mg. per day. However, others have posted that it takes up to 2 months, so I'm waiting it out! I have never taken stimulants or anything until Strattera, so I am very hopeful!!! The most discouraging effects have been that I have been tired & have gained weight. I need no help sleeping or gaining weight, so this has to stop or I'll have to try something else. In the first couple of weeks, I woke up through the night starving; you could hear my stomach growling. That is no longer happening, but my appetite certainly is still way too strong! Anyway, I'm going to give it a few more weeks, but just wanted to share the fact that I have had no sexual side effects. That is very good news to me!!!!
Posted by yeltom on April 30, 2003, at 22:05:22
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by Patt on April 30, 2003, at 21:57:56
> > just starting in the am....have had all the ADHD habits since 11...final had enough doing something....will be doing 40/40 a day.....very healthy...work out three days a week...sleep so so....I have read so interesting things hear....food, moods, talking, forcus etc etc...anyone sexually active a few times a week...and on this...i am in my later 40's....
> >
> > thanks
> I have been on Strattera for about 5-6 weeks. I, too, was worried about the sexual side effects. So far, I have had no decrease in libido. I am 45 & had such horrible side effects sexually with Effexor (not for ADD) that I stopped taking it. I really cannot tell a lot of improvement in my ADD symptoms even though I am up to 100 mg. per day. However, others have posted that it takes up to 2 months, so I'm waiting it out! I have never taken stimulants or anything until Strattera, so I am very hopeful!!! The most discouraging effects have been that I have been tired & have gained weight. I need no help sleeping or gaining weight, so this has to stop or I'll have to try something else. In the first couple of weeks, I woke up through the night starving; you could hear my stomach growling. That is no longer happening, but my appetite certainly is still way too strong! Anyway, I'm going to give it a few more weeks, but just wanted to share the fact that I have had no sexual side effects. That is very good news to me!!!!
>
>Thanks. What about dry mouth? I'm still looking for someone who originally had a problem with dry mouth but then it went away. So far, it seems that for those who get it, it doesn't go away? I'm hoping not only that strattera won't give me negative sexual side effects, but might even counter some of the negative side effects of taking prozac. Is there any sense in which your sexual functioning or libido has actually improved?
Posted by teacherkris on April 30, 2003, at 22:25:57
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect » Patt, posted by yeltom on April 30, 2003, at 22:05:22
I had dry mouth in the very beginning for a couple weeks but none anymore.
Posted by yeltom on April 30, 2003, at 22:30:06
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by teacherkris on April 30, 2003, at 22:25:57
> I had dry mouth in the very beginning for a couple weeks but none anymore.
Thanks. Finally some hope. I noticed you mentioned a lack of libido. Do you attribute that to Zoloft or Strattera? You're going off the zoloft, right? I'm curious as to whether your libido returns to normal once you're only on Strattera. Hope you keep me/us posted. Thanks
Posted by Patt on April 30, 2003, at 22:34:06
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect » Patt, posted by yeltom on April 30, 2003, at 22:05:22
> > > just starting in the am....have had all the ADHD habits since 11...final had enough doing something....will be doing 40/40 a day.....very healthy...work out three days a week...sleep so so....I have read so interesting things hear....food, moods, talking, forcus etc etc...anyone sexually active a few times a week...and on this...i am in my later 40's....
> > >
> > > thanks> > I have been on Strattera for about 5-6 weeks. I, too, was worried about the sexual side effects. So far, I have had no decrease in libido. I am 45 & had such horrible side effects sexually with Effexor (not for ADD) that I stopped taking it. I really cannot tell a lot of improvement in my ADD symptoms even though I am up to 100 mg. per day. However, others have posted that it takes up to 2 months, so I'm waiting it out! I have never taken stimulants or anything until Strattera, so I am very hopeful!!! The most discouraging effects have been that I have been tired & have gained weight. I need no help sleeping or gaining weight, so this has to stop or I'll have to try something else. In the first couple of weeks, I woke up through the night starving; you could hear my stomach growling. That is no longer happening, but my appetite certainly is still way too strong! Anyway, I'm going to give it a few more weeks, but just wanted to share the fact that I have had no sexual side effects. That is very good news to me!!!!
> >
> >
>
> Thanks. What about dry mouth? I'm still looking for someone who originally had a problem with dry mouth but then it went away. So far, it seems that for those who get it, it doesn't go away? I'm hoping not only that strattera won't give me negative sexual side effects, but might even counter some of the negative side effects of taking prozac. Is there any sense in which your sexual functioning or libido has actually improved?Actually, if it improved, it is only slightly improved. My husband took Prozac, and it really helped his illness (OCD) but it drastically changed our sex lives for many years. It is so sad that there seems to be no way to counteract the sexual side effects in all of the medications that really seem to help treat depression and many other illnesses. My husband is currently on a low-dose Zoloft. It helps his illness a little, but is such a low dose, that it does not effect him sexually as much as before. The doctor told him that Prozac and Zoloft will probably cause the same side effects, so against doctor's orders, he lowered the dosage slowly. I totally understand and relate to what you are experiencing.
Posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 23:00:33
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by Patt on April 30, 2003, at 21:57:56
so...reading all the post..here..i guess it effets eveyone differently.....alot of people talk about weight lost..others sex drive up...more focused.....less talkative etc Yahoo to that mood swings in comtrol...of course it also depends on on going live situations as well ...I have never done this before, so i gues time will tell......
I start in the am...i wondering if 40/40 every day..is to high to start actaully 40 a day for a week..then to 80...any thoufghts out there..
thanks
Posted by fallsfall on May 1, 2003, at 7:07:05
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 23:00:33
I would not start at 40mg a day. I started at 10mg and increased by 10 every 3 days. I'm glad I didn't go any faster than that. Someone else started at 10 and went up 10 once a week. If you take it slowly the side effects are much more managable.
Posted by ciejae on May 1, 2003, at 8:38:31
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect » catman, posted by fallsfall on May 1, 2003, at 7:07:05
Have been taking it 7.5 weeks now (3 weeks 40 mg, 4.5 weeks 80 mg). No sexual side effects in bed. As a matter of fact, before Strat, I had lost all desire; it didn't even cross my mind anymore (unless my husband initiated). That could be attributed to my age (I'm 45, maybe my hormones are starting to drop). But now, I'm starting to fantasize again.
I still notice dry mouth every once in a while, especially if I drink a lot of coffee throughout the day. To me, that's a minor side effect that can be eliminated by having a non-caffineated drink.
As far as appetite, I'm hungrier than before Strat. I certainly can't use it as a weight loss drug.
I have not problem sleeping at all. As a matter of fact, I need less sleep now (6 instead of 8), and when I wake up, I'm fully functional, and I'm not getting tired during the day (I used to when I first started strat) I'm glad I don't need to sleep as much because I usually don't have enough time in the day to do what I want.
Posted by Patt on May 1, 2003, at 10:12:39
In reply to Re: new to Strattera what to expect, posted by catman on April 30, 2003, at 23:00:33
My doctor started me off at 40 mg. per day for 10 days & then up to 80 mg. per day for three weeks, and now up to 100 mg. per day for a month. He said he would increase to 120 mg. at the end of a month, if I still wasn't seeing enough improvement. I think the adult dosage is 80 to 120 mg. according to some info I read. I was so anxious to get started on medication that I didn't question the starting dosage. I know many others started at much lower dose, so I can't really tell you which way is best.
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