![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 981 to 1005 of 1242. Go back in thread:
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 5, 2003, at 22:44:07
In reply to Strattera and fatigue: AM or PM dose?, posted by Trixie on August 29, 2003, at 14:25:13
[Posted by lerch on October 5, 2003, at 18:07:33]
> In response to Trixie's post of 8/29/03, I started taking Strattera with my evening meal several days ago for AADD. I immediately noticed the same effects on my ability to sleep that she had. I immediately started waking up every couple hours and, after about 4-5 hours of interrupted sleep, could no longer sleep at all.
> I did not have the fatigue problems that she mentioned.
>
> I also noticed about 30-36 hours after I started taking the drug that it became increasingly difficult to urinate or defecate normally. Regardless of the "urgency" of the situation, I could only urinate "slowly" and walked away frequently feeling like I should go more but could not. Having a complete bowel movement was also difficult. both problems seemed to worsen the longer I took the drug. According to Lilly's website, these are known side effects for some adults. My doctor did not mention this to me.
>
> I stopped taking the drug after 4 days. Within 30-36 hours, these side effects started to go away and, after an additional 24-36 hours, everything was back to normal.
>
>
Posted by perper on October 8, 2003, at 3:17:56
In reply to Actually, I thought reboxetine was GREAT! » Phil, posted by fairnymph on February 5, 2003, at 22:15:10
I have tried over a dozen AD's w mixed result, and basically minor side-effects. Reboxetine is the WORST I've tried. Felt like taking 10 cups of coffee in 2 minutes. I thought it would be good for my ADD symptoms, so I was quite dissapointed at the time. Strattera seem to offer much better hope. Will try it soon ( Not in Sweden yet, need to mailorder it here)
> I found reboxetine very effective for depression, stimulating, and free of side effects. It didn't help with my anxiety/OCD, but it was a fantastic med otherwise, one of the best I've tried (and I've tried half a dozen).
>
> > I should hope so, Reboxetine was a big flop with, I think, everyone on this site who tried it.
>
>
Posted by littlehope on October 9, 2003, at 5:19:16
In reply to Re: Actually, I thought reboxetine was GREAT!, posted by perper on October 8, 2003, at 3:17:56
> I have tried over a dozen AD's w mixed result, and basically minor side-effects. Reboxetine is the WORST I've tried. Felt like taking 10 cups of coffee in 2 minutes. I thought it would be good for my ADD symptoms, so I was quite dissapointed at the time. Strattera seem to offer much better hope. Will try it soon ( Not in Sweden yet, need to mailorder it here)
>I'm considering trying Strattera too. Does it have anticholinergic side-effects ?
(Hvor skaffer du Strattera fra ?)
Posted by deLane on October 9, 2003, at 17:59:44
In reply to Straterra approval., posted by scoper on December 28, 2002, at 2:19:34
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.....
Posted by perper on October 9, 2003, at 18:28:29
In reply to Re: fairnymph , posted by littlehope on October 9, 2003, at 5:19:16
> > I have tried over a dozen AD's w mixed result, and basically minor side-effects. Reboxetine is the WORST I've tried. Felt like taking 10 cups of coffee in 2 minutes. I thought it would be good for my ADD symptoms, so I was quite dissapointed at the time. Strattera seem to offer much better hope. Will try it soon ( Not in Sweden yet, need to mailorder it here)
> >
>
> I'm considering trying Strattera too. Does it have anticholinergic side-effects ?
> (Hvor skaffer du Strattera fra ?)It doesnt seem to interfer w cholinergic processes at all. Initial tiredness and loss of weight/reduced appetite, are common. As its been approved by FDA, it could be prescribed in Sweden on a license. Its a formality, and the drugs goes via "apoteket" the normal way. A fairly qucik process, like a few weeks. I know a stock is being hold by Lily here as there are clinical trilas going on. Call Lily in Norway to ask about clinical trials.
If I wont get them via my doctor, I'll get them from a foreign pharmacy who makes "mailorder". I have a few that I used in the past 4-5 years. The best one I used is in Argentina, but I am not sure weather they carry Strattera. Feel free to send me mail (per@onebox.com) I got treatment resistant mild depression for years, with ADD .
hej !
Per
Posted by bige on October 9, 2003, at 23:27:23
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by deLane on October 9, 2003, at 17:59:44
Howdy No I didnt have to take tons of tests to get my diagnosis of ADHD but I have been diagnosed for ten years Dr.s now are being looked at more closely for drugs like Ritalin. The side efeccts will go away in around three weeks at least they did for me. I also took a Princton Review class for the LSAT and that helped I jumped 12 pts in my score. I know what you mean by forgetting the passages I still do that in Law School but I just keep reading over and over. Now that I have applied to take the Bar they are wanting more "functional limitation" eviedence before I am granted accomidations on the Bara. I recently got tested for the Bar it was $750.00 which was cheap for test that lasted about 6 hours. Good Luck
Posted by lessismore on October 10, 2003, at 3:44:08
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by bige on October 9, 2003, at 23:27:23
I've been on Strattera for about two months now, and I felt a great improvement from the start. I told a friend I don't feel the obvious difference I did at first, but I thought it was just cuz I'm used to it. She said "Oh, I notice a big difference! You're not flighty." That's huge! I'm not flighty!
Posted by deLane on October 10, 2003, at 20:27:05
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by lessismore on October 10, 2003, at 3:44:08
Side Effects...OK guys, I've been up since 2:00 this morning and still going strong plus I have a headache and no appetite. I am going to chill and just go by what everyone has said in that the side effects will go away. The last one I took was yesterday afternoon around 2:00 but I took one early this morning around 6:30 with cereal so I didn't have the upset stomach.
Thanks bige for the advice about the Princeton Review..I have taken the KAPLAN course but I've also purchased the Princeton Review book and from it said, I can go online and get additional coursework. I hope this straterra works....
Posted by lessismore on October 10, 2003, at 21:38:27
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by deLane on October 10, 2003, at 20:27:05
My dry mouth is much better, but stii dry. The sweating has gone away, but I flush red (feels like a hot flash...I think) when I have a strong emotion--anger, apprehension. All the other side effects are gone. I take 40 mg at 7:30 and another between 2:00 and 5:00.
Posted by Viridis on October 10, 2003, at 22:27:57
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by lessismore on October 10, 2003, at 21:38:27
For me, the side effects of mild nausea and muscle aches went away within about a week of each dosage increase. Dry mouth lasted a long time (a few months) but is finally starting to subside. It wasn't too bad anyway, as long as I had lots of water to sip on. I'm currently at 80 mg/day and still find it a strong appetite suppressant.
This definitely is a med to titrate up on in steps, but for me at least, it's good for concentration and also has substantial antidepressant effects.
Posted by manyparts2001 on October 11, 2003, at 5:41:46
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Viridis on October 10, 2003, at 22:27:57
> For me, the side effects of mild nausea and muscle aches went away within about a week of each dosage increase. Dry mouth lasted a long time (a few months) but is finally starting to subside. It wasn't too bad anyway, as long as I had lots of water to sip on. I'm currently at 80 mg/day and still find it a strong appetite suppressant.
you said you have been on this for a few months, did you ever experience a personality change of a lot of anger or agitation? I was on it for about 4 months and did, but it went away after I quit taking it. Plus, do you take anything else with it like Ritalin?
>
> This definitely is a med to titrate up on in steps, but for me at least, it's good for concentration and also has substantial antidepressant effects.
Posted by manyparts2001 on October 11, 2003, at 5:43:31
In reply to Re: Straterra approval symptoms, posted by manyparts2001 on October 11, 2003, at 5:41:46
I am resubmitting this because I forgot to check the follow-up box.
Posted by manyparts2001 on October 11, 2003, at 5:48:38
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by lessismore on October 10, 2003, at 21:38:27
> My dry mouth is much better, but stii dry. The sweating has gone away, but I flush red (feels like a hot flash...I think) when I have a strong emotion--anger, apprehension. All the other side effects are gone. I take 40 mg at 7:30 and another between 2:00 and 5:00.
I experienced constant and massive hot flashes with profuse sweating when I was taking Straterra, which lessened and practically went totally away after coming off it. The sweating was really uncomfortable, as I would towel off from a shower-even a cool one, and sweat would pour off of me as I finished getting dressed.
Posted by MamaB on October 11, 2003, at 7:30:49
In reply to Re: strattera and wellbutrin » keffrey, posted by Lasagne on September 2, 2003, at 14:27:56
I have been on Wellbutrin SR 400mgm a day for about two and a half years at first it REALLY addressed the ADD well, but that effect is much less now. About a month ago My doctor started me on Strattera. I was fine at the lowest dose, but as soon as it was increased, I became anxious and almost paranoid. I also had PROFUSE sweating and some minor vaginal bleeding.(I am 60 years old and 10 years post-menopause.) My p-doc insists that the Straterra couldn't have anything to do with the vaginal bleeding ( I am not as convinced).
Well, I started the Straterra again two days ago, and what a difference! Minimal sweating and about a 50% increase in motivation and ability to focus! I plan to stay on the very low dose as long as it keeps working. What happened? I have no idea, but at least it got me a thorough GYN checkup, including a pelvic ultrasound --everything was normal.
I will keep you posted. MB
Posted by bige on October 11, 2003, at 12:02:13
In reply to Re: strattera and wellbutrin, posted by MamaB on October 11, 2003, at 7:30:49
I went up on my strattera to 100mgs from 80mg I am having hot flashes constantly It is like I darnk a bottle of Niacin, Also am having generalized anxiety with the new dose. Sometimes this all seems like it is to much to deal with, I think I should move to a Island somewhere where I can just be hyper and have my racing thoughts all to myself.
Posted by Viridis on October 12, 2003, at 2:41:37
In reply to Re: Straterra approval symptoms, posted by manyparts2001 on October 11, 2003, at 5:41:46
Strattera actually makes me feel pretty mellow. Wellbutrin, on the other hand, caused bizarre outbursts of anger (totally uncharacteristic for me). Funny how differently these meds can affect different people.
I haven't used Ritalin, but I do take Strattera along with low-dose Adderall (and Klonopin). It seems like a good mix.
Strattera certainly won't be right for everyone, but the big thing (and my pdoc agrees strongly with this, given his experience with many other patients) is that you need to increase the dose gradually. Otherwise, the side effects can be intolerable, and could scare you off a drug that might otherwise be helpful.
Posted by MamaB on October 12, 2003, at 6:44:12
In reply to Re: Straterra approval symptoms » manyparts2001, posted by Viridis on October 12, 2003, at 2:41:37
Thanks for the warning. That may have been what happened to me the last time, increasing too rapidly. My p-doc wanted me to do the same this time (20mgm for one week then boost it up to 40mgm the following week). With my dose yesterday, I think I had a somewhat "mellowing" response and I found it a bit easier to concentrate. Best part --no sweating or anxiety! I may call the doc tomorrow and ask about sticking to the 20mgm for another week.
Posted by MamaB on October 13, 2003, at 11:59:40
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by deLane on October 10, 2003, at 20:27:05
Hi again,
I have been reading some of the back-posts on Strattera and I notice that quite a few people mention that they have problems with fatigue. I didnt really have any fatigue/tiredness symptoms UNTIL I forgot to take my afternoon dose of Wellbutrin SR! Then whoa, I couldn't stay awake!
I am only on 20mgm of the Strattera and will go to 40mgm this coming Thursday. I took Ritalin for about five years quite a while back, when I was first diagnosed, but cannot take stimulants now as I began to "abuse" the Ritalin. (this depends who you talk to; my husband is the one who felt I was "abusing" it, my doc did not, but that's another long story). Anyway, the Ritalin worked like a charm. The Straterra already seems to be having a mild effect. By the way, I am 62 years old and was diagnosed ADD WAY back before too many folks believed that adults could be ADD. Twenty-two years ago to be exact. Is there anyone else out there in a similar situation, I mean senior folks say +55? One more thing, I am also an ADD(H)D coach and clinical specialist RN in adult psychiatry. MamaB
Posted by Mid- Life Crisis on October 13, 2003, at 18:52:04
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by MamaB on October 13, 2003, at 11:59:40
> Hi again,
> I have been reading some of the back-posts on Strattera and I notice that quite a few people mention that they have problems with fatigue. I didnt really have any fatigue/tiredness symptoms UNTIL I forgot to take my afternoon dose of Wellbutrin SR! Then whoa, I couldn't stay awake!
> I am only on 20mgm of the Strattera and will go to 40mgm this coming Thursday. I took Ritalin for about five years quite a while back, when I was first diagnosed, but cannot take stimulants now as I began to "abuse" the Ritalin. (this depends who you talk to; my husband is the one who felt I was "abusing" it, my doc did not, but that's another long story). Anyway, the Ritalin worked like a charm. The Straterra already seems to be having a mild effect. By the way, I am 62 years old and was diagnosed ADD WAY back before too many folks believed that adults could be ADD. Twenty-two years ago to be exact. Is there anyone else out there in a similar situation, I mean senior folks say +55? One more thing, I am also an ADD(H)D coach and clinical specialist RN in adult psychiatry. MamaBHi, I'm another "senior", age 52. I suffered all the symptoms of ADHD all my life, have a son and brother diagnosed with it, and finally, at age 51 went through the formality of getting diagnosed because I had come to a point in my life where I realized I was never going to accomplish what I wanted to if I didn't at least try some ADHD meds. Prior to that I had gone through life self-medicating with lots of coffee as best I could, but so far, Strattera works better. (I'm now at day 13, and my son, age 15, is on day 4, both of us at 40 mg.) I tried Adderall and Concerta, but both made my anxiety worse (I have anxiety, but not depression.) Plus, I don't like the ups and downs of stimulants and find that, so far, Strattera is a much kinder and gentler drug for me and actually decreases both my blood pressure and anxiety. I do have side effects similar to others reported here; fatigue, increased sweating, dry mouth, but not insomnia. In fact, so far I actually sleep longer and better through the night on it. (Am only on this one drug, plus one for allergies.)
I'm curious...how did you figure out you had ADHD 22 years ago? Was it due to your psychiatric nursing training? You (or your doc) must have been a real visionary to realize it wasn't just for kids back then! I was "tested" for it (called Minimal Brain Damage then) in the 1950's after my 3rd grade teacher told my mother she thought I had it because I talked too much. (Still do.) The test? An EEG!! (And a 1 hour question and answer test!) My brother and I were both pronounced OK because there was no "minimal brain damage" on the EEG!! We've come a long way, don't you think?
Thanks to all who have posted on this site...it has really decreased my anxiety about trying this drug to read that what I am experiencing are normal side effects and that we MUST be patient and give it time to work. Also, thanks to the moms that posted with information about how their teens did on it...so far, day 4, my 15 year-old is absolutely more impulsive and more hyper than he ever was on Adderall or nothing, but I am hoping this passes as well (because he was flunking 10th grade on Adderall and getting "disruptives" for his behavior in class on Adderall.)
Good luck with Strattera and let's all encourage each other to hang in there!
Posted by MamaB on October 14, 2003, at 6:12:35
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Mid- Life Crisis on October 13, 2003, at 18:52:04
Dear MidLife
Glad to hear that the Strattera seem to be working for you. I too was tested for all sorts of things back in the early fifties and some where along the line picked up the "minimal brain damage" label also. That is what AD(H)D as we know it today was called back in those days. As for my choice of profession -- things happened quite in reverse. I was a coronary care nurse, quit to raise my boys and then had a terrible bout of depression (genetic influence) made worse by heavy drinking and of course, the unknown ADD. I was diagnosed just before I started to work by a VERY competent psychologist.
Once things got under control, I went into psychiatry, hoping to share what I had learned. My specialty is Dual-diagnosis, those with both mental health and addictive problems. I have not had a drink for 25 years and love what I do.
Posted by Cruz on October 15, 2003, at 9:32:49
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by MamaB on October 14, 2003, at 6:12:35
I am on my 12th day with Strattera. Now at 60mg in the AM. Still struggling with the SE's but I am haveing some positive effects too. Tomorrow I think I may go up to 80 mg's. I would like to know how others are doing with Strattera.
Posted by MamaB on October 15, 2003, at 10:03:33
In reply to Strattera updates?, posted by Cruz on October 15, 2003, at 9:32:49
Cruz
I am on day 6 at 20mgm. Because I had a bad experience when I tried Strattera before, we are going VERRRRY SSLLOOOWLY! I do concentrate a bit better, the nausea is minimal and managable. Best of all, no overwhelming "hot flashes/sweats".
Posted by frustratedmom on October 15, 2003, at 19:26:35
In reply to Strattera updates?, posted by Cruz on October 15, 2003, at 9:32:49
My 15 year old son was on Straterra for 4 months. Increased to 72mg a day with no benefit for concentration. His grades started to slip and he was getting very frustrated so we have gone back to Adderall XR. We wish the Straterra had worked but it was disappointing for us.
Posted by Mid- Life Crisis on October 15, 2003, at 23:58:33
In reply to Re: Strattera updates?, posted by frustratedmom on October 15, 2003, at 19:26:35
Frustrted Mom,
My 15 yr. old son was also previously on Adderall (XR and the generic short-acting type) before trying Strattera. He's only been on Strattera for about 8 days, but it doesn't appear to be working for him at this point (though he's not on a full dose yet.) I'm at wit's end, because he gets in trouble for "disruptive" behavior, which the school labels disruptive even if it's only shaking his head when the teacher is talking and he tells me even the kids in his class accuse the teacher of not liking my son (and he CAN be trying, because he's the class clown type.) Believe it or not, this is an alternative high school which has loads of ADHD kids in it, and so lots of my son's friends are also ADHD. However, the teachers at this school seem to understand very little about ADHD. (Ironically, the school is sponsoring a local therapist presentation in a couple of weeks for parents entitled "What Parents Need to Know About ADHD Children". I wish this school would also consider one for the teachers as well! Sorry to vent!)
Anyhow, Adderall made my son's normally sweet (for a 15 year old boy) temperament angry and oppositional...not like him. On Strattera, he just seems out of it so far, and says it makes him feel wierd, though I think some is the drowsiness. Only thing left to try after this is Wellbutrin, but that would not seem to address his problems, as he has no depression. Guess we should feel lucky that our sons will even agree to take meds. at age 15, as plenty that age will not. So many of my son's friends who were on ADHD meds earlier in life are now out there driving cars, totally unmedicated, yet still obviously in need of them. (And I had my own share of car wrecks as an unmedicated/undiagnosed teen.)
Please keep me posted on how your son is doing back on the Adderal XR. I'm glad he's able to make good grades on it, that is a lot to be thankful for. Good luck to your both!
Posted by frustratedmom on October 16, 2003, at 8:52:50
In reply to Re: Strattera updates?, posted by Mid- Life Crisis on October 15, 2003, at 23:58:33
Dear midlifecrisis... thank you so much for your response. I can so relate to much of your story. My son too was being singled out for "disruptive" behavior, such as tapping his pencil or body language gestures. He was not at an alternative middle school though. He started the Adderall XR just before starting hight school, and it made a tremendous difference for him. He was heppy to take it, as it made life so much more bearable for him. He was fitting in, making friends and succeeding in schoolwork. But there was so much stigma associated with the Adderall XR that we were excited about the introduction of Straterra and the possibility of having the same success with a non stimulant. Unfortunately, it was not the answer for us and my son was grateful to go back on the Adderall. I am glad that he will take the meds. I too know of children who won't. We also had him on Wellbutrin before the Adderall, as a result of depression associated with constant bullying in middle school. He is no longer on that due to some problematic side effects that we are still investigating (very serious!!!). He is now taking lexapro in conjunction with his Adderall XR. When we were trying to determine the appropriate dosage of Adderall XR, we definitely noticed anger problems. 40mg was too much. He was anxious, easily set off and could not control his anger. 30mg seems to work well, with no mood problems for him. I too felt the Straterra made him drowsy, but he did not have any of the upset stomach problems so many people have complained about. He did have some trouble sleeping when we first started the Adderall, but that quickly subsided. I hope you can find some success for your son. I know how physically and emotionally draining being the mom of an ADD child can be. Every day is a battle fighting for your child. I will keep you informed of our progress. Thanks again for your response. It's good to know there are other moms out there to talk to to.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.