Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 270584

Shown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?

Posted by loolot on October 18, 2003, at 14:18:42

I am on my first day of Strattera to augment 450 mg of Wellbutrin. My doc gave me a 40 mg pill, but I cut it in half and took half in the moring today. I was good for a few hours but then I started to get tired. I then took a little more and I think it helped, but Im not sure.
Is strattera a short term thing like stimulants? Should I take the other hal now?
Is a good idea to spread the dose throughout the day?
Thanks

 

Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?

Posted by MamaB on October 18, 2003, at 17:11:10

In reply to Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?, posted by loolot on October 18, 2003, at 14:18:42

Strattera comes in 10,18,20,40,and 60mgm caps. I have never seen it in tablet form. However, I would hesitate to break it without talking to your physician. Since Strattera's action is much "smoother" than CNS stimulants, you will not be as certain if it has begun to work. Also, it may take from three to six weeks to get the full benefit. Keep me posted. I go to 80mgm tomorrow (40 in am 40 in pm)

 

Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone? » MamaB

Posted by loolot on October 18, 2003, at 17:57:09

In reply to Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?, posted by MamaB on October 18, 2003, at 17:11:10

Thanks MamaB
I had to actually break the caplets open. Probably a bad idea.
I definitely notice the effects, but I am getting really tired when they stimulation effect wears off. I dont know what to do about that. It seems so short lasting. Is it time release?

 

Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?

Posted by Mid- Life Crisis on October 19, 2003, at 12:48:39

In reply to Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone? » MamaB, posted by loolot on October 18, 2003, at 17:57:09

Strattera isn't a stimulant, and the benefits are "supposed" to last 24 hours, hence we can supposedly take it once a day. I'm on 40 mg. for ADHD, which I take at night, because it makes me tired. I have an anxiety component along with ADHD, and I found by the second day that it completely takes my unease or anxiety/emotional overreactions away, BUT, it seems sedating, so taking it at night has helped me a lot with lessening the fatigue. I'm hoping I can start noticing some improvement in executive function type ADHD symptoms when I go to 60 mg. in a few days.

I hope night time dosing helps you. (What are you taking Strattera for?)

MamaB, if you're out there, how are you doing on the 80 mg. dose of Strattera?? Is it helping your ADHD??

 

Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?

Posted by MamaB on October 19, 2003, at 14:03:23

In reply to Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?, posted by Mid- Life Crisis on October 19, 2003, at 12:48:39

I'm out here! I was diagnosed ADD in 1983. Took Ritlan for sometime. It worked very well but, I would get into arguments with my husband over whether I was abusing it or not so I quit. Thats when I started on Wellbutrin the first time and found that some of us cannot take Wellbutrin and Prozac together. (bad med induced psychosis) So I went on EffexorXR. That plus Zyprexa made me balloon up about 50lbs..Having gotten off the Effexor I gave Wellbutrin another chance. This time without problems, but you had better believe that we titrated the dose up VERY slowly!
The Strattera sounded like just the answer and I do believe I can sense some minor effect even now. As for how I am doing on the 80 MGM -- Well, I just took the second 40mgm about an hour ago, so it's pretty hard to tell,but I will let you know.

 

Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?

Posted by MamaB on October 19, 2003, at 14:06:07

In reply to Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?, posted by MamaB on October 19, 2003, at 14:03:23

PS to the above post.
With diet, lots of running and working out with weights I have lost 40 lbs over the past 10 months. It helped to be off the Effexor and Xyprexa! Only 10lbs to go!

 

Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone? » Mid- Life Crisis

Posted by loolot on October 19, 2003, at 17:44:50

In reply to Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?, posted by Mid- Life Crisis on October 19, 2003, at 12:48:39

I am augmenting my failing wellbutrin with strattera. I have some trouble concentrating, etc, and my health is better when I am on a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, esp. asthma and sinus problems. I am always tired, too, but thyroid supplements have helped with that
When I take the strattera, it is mildly stimulating and helpful for a couple of hours then I get tired and spacey, and also really cold.
I think I would be doing a lot better if I could take 3 very small doses per day because I really feel like for me the extended release aspect isnt working at all. I think thats why it makes us tired, because it is wearing off.
Its not an extended release thing, really, is it?
Does it really have a cumulative effect? I did notice that I felt a nice mood this morning. Was that because of the strattera?

 

Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?

Posted by zeugma on October 19, 2003, at 18:04:37

In reply to Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone? » Mid- Life Crisis, posted by loolot on October 19, 2003, at 17:44:50

It's not extended release, in fact it has a half-life of only 4-5 hours. Enigmatically, though, a study found that it had a similar effect when doesed only once rather than the more logical twice a week.

I find it impossible to say when the Strattera actually 'wears off.' I take 80 mg in the morning and do not find that it makes me especially tired. But tiredness sems like a common side effect.

 

Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?

Posted by MamaB on October 20, 2003, at 5:15:32

In reply to Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?, posted by zeugma on October 19, 2003, at 18:04:37

zeugma,
You must mean twice a DAY not twice a week right?
I am on my second day at 80mgm. So far I have had no problems with fatigue.

 

Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone? » MamaB

Posted by loolot on October 20, 2003, at 10:26:31

In reply to Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?, posted by MamaB on October 20, 2003, at 5:15:32

I think he must mean 'day' not 'week'. Twice a week wouldnt do much good at all!!

Did you have fatigue before? Is 80 mg the optimal dosage?
Can you sleep on that amount?
Do feel as many ups and downs as on a lower dose or did you ever feel that?
I am frustrated with the roller coaster effect. I worry it will put my own adrenal function out of whack.

 

Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?

Posted by MamaB on October 20, 2003, at 11:07:23

In reply to Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone? » MamaB, posted by loolot on October 20, 2003, at 10:26:31

> I think he must mean 'day' not 'week'. Twice a week wouldnt do much good at all!!
>
> Did you have fatigue before? Is 80 mg the optimal dosage?
> Can you sleep on that amount?
> Do feel as many ups and downs as on a lower dose or did you ever feel that?
> I am frustrated with the roller coaster effect. I worry it will put my own adrenal function out of whack.

No, no I have never had fatigue while on Strattera. I don't know if 80mgm is optimal.
I have not had mood swings -- this time around.
I'm not certain if I mentioned this but while on the Strattera about three months ago for the first time (at 80mgm) I had what was a "mini-menopause", complete with vaginal bleeding. (I was finished with all of that 12 years ago) I insisted that it was the medication, but my psychiatrist insisted that it couldnt be. So --- because I did have some positive effect the first time, I was willing to try it again -- so far so good and I am at the place where the "difficulty " occurred the last time.


 

correction an update

Posted by zeugma on October 20, 2003, at 12:13:48

In reply to Re: Strattera dosing? Mama B? Anyone?, posted by MamaB on October 20, 2003, at 11:07:23

Sorry, I meant twice a DAY.

I have been at 80 mg for about 3 months now and I feel it is still just 'kicking in.' My life is very different from what it was before I started. It has really cleared my mind and allows me to control many of my inattentive symptoms. I am going to be starting a new job soon, with a lot more responsibility, and I attribute at least of the reason I feel I will be able to handle it to the Strattera's effect. It really helps me tune out all the negative 'noise' I have in my head and just get things done or cast aside distractions. I always knew the ADD was interfering with my performance, but was never able to tolerate a stimulant. That's my 'Strattera update.'

 

Re: correction an update

Posted by MamaB on October 20, 2003, at 16:26:40

In reply to correction an update, posted by zeugma on October 20, 2003, at 12:13:48

> Sorry, I meant twice a DAY.
>
> I have been at 80 mg for about 3 months now and I feel it is still just 'kicking in.' My life is very different from what it was before I started. It has really cleared my mind and allows me to control many of my inattentive symptoms. I am going to be starting a new job soon, with a lot more responsibility, and I attribute at least of the reason I feel I will be able to handle it to the Strattera's effect. It really helps me tune out all the negative 'noise' I have in my head and just get things done or cast aside distractions. I always knew the ADD was interfering with my performance, but was never able to tolerate a stimulant. That's my 'Strattera update.'


zeguma,
Wow, that sounds great! I can hardly wait.....
but I will.. glad it is going so well for you.
MamaB

 

Thanks! (nm) » MamaB

Posted by zeugma on October 20, 2003, at 20:42:44

In reply to Re: correction an update, posted by MamaB on October 20, 2003, at 16:26:40

 

Question for MamaB

Posted by loolot on October 21, 2003, at 11:35:58

In reply to Re: correction an update, posted by MamaB on October 20, 2003, at 16:26:40

Hi MamaB
I went off Strattera yesterday because I need a lower dose than 40 mg to start, and I have to wait til my doc calls it in.
Anyway, I noticed that after a day my breasts are very tender and I have menstrual type cramps. I remember that you had some spotting.
I am not supposed to be on my period now, and I dont understand why going off of strattera does this kind of thing with hormones (if its the strattera). Does adrenal stuff affect hormone changes?
It kind of scares me and I worry that strattera is bad for the body.
I just wanted to get your opinion on all of this

 

Re: Question for MamaB

Posted by MamaB on October 21, 2003, at 14:50:43

In reply to Question for MamaB, posted by loolot on October 21, 2003, at 11:35:58

> Hi MamaB
> I went off Strattera yesterday because I need a lower dose than 40 mg to start, and I have to wait til my doc calls it in.
> Anyway, I noticed that after a day my breasts are very tender and I have menstrual type cramps. I remember that you had some spotting.
> I am not supposed to be on my period now, and I dont understand why going off of strattera does this kind of thing with hormones (if its the strattera). Does adrenal stuff affect hormone changes?
> It kind of scares me and I worry that strattera is bad for the body.
> I just wanted to get your opinion on all of this.

Loolot,
Yes I did have some bleeding. Be sure that you tell your physician. Mine denied catigorically that the two could be connected. However, I did some reading and while I could't come withing too concrete, I know that brain norepinephrin, which is what we are dealing with here stimulates production of LH (Lutenizing Hormone) which in turn produces estrogen. Also the molecular structures of norepinephrin and the hormone estradiol are VERY similar in structure.
I don't know if that helps, but let me know how you make out. Oh ... exactly where were you in your cycle, how many days since your lastmensrural period?

 

Re: correction an update

Posted by Mid- Life Crisis on October 22, 2003, at 11:32:45

In reply to correction an update, posted by zeugma on October 20, 2003, at 12:13:48

Wow, I am so glad to hear you have been on Strattera awhile and are having a positive benefit! I have been on 25, now 40 mg. for 3 weeks, and am about to go to 60. I have had some positive effect some days, but many others I have either had to supplement it with methylphenidate, the only stimulant I can (barely) tolerate, or drink a pot of coffee (my pre-ADHD diagnosis standby) to get going. I would say that's my biggest problem, especially in the a.m. but also throughout the day...staying alert. Has the 80 mg. dosage you've been on helped you with that, or was this not a big problem for you to begin with??

I, too, will soon be starting a new job (hopefully soon, as a 52 year old "beginning" attorney) and found that I could no longer operate satisfactorily with just coffee as medication, due to the increased demands, having to switch gears often, follow conversations among different parties in the courtroom, etc. Do you find Strattera helps you with those kinds of problems?? My old career involved mainly one-on- one interaction, and wasn't terribly complex, and I was able to have emergency access to coffee 24/7. This won't be the case in the future, so I, too, have high hopes for Stratterra, but so far it doesn't seem to be very energizing/alerting for me, but HAS eliminated that feeling of being uneasy or stressed out I used to get.
Good luck with the new job!

 

Re: Question for MamaB

Posted by Mid- Life Crisis on October 22, 2003, at 11:49:33

In reply to Re: Question for MamaB, posted by MamaB on October 21, 2003, at 14:50:43

I hesitate to add this info. because I am past the age when menopause should've begun, but hasn't, so I don't know for sure that Strattera had anything to do with this event, but after I had been on it for about 2 weeks, I got a period on day 16 of my cycle, which has never occurred that early before. Had an unusually short period. But then again, this could well have nothing to do with the Strattera, as periods get wacky "normally" before menopause.
(That really does bother me about what Mama B discovered about norephinephrine being very similar to estradiol, though, as I don't want to add the increased risk of taking hormones to the already unknown long-term risk of taking a new drug. (At least not unless it works REALLY well!)

 

Re: correction an update » Mid- Life Crisis

Posted by zeugma on October 22, 2003, at 20:58:30

In reply to Re: correction an update, posted by Mid- Life Crisis on October 22, 2003, at 11:32:45

> Wow, I am so glad to hear you have been on Strattera awhile and are having a positive benefit! I have been on 25, now 40 mg. for 3 weeks, and am about to go to 60. I have had some positive effect some days, but many others I have either had to supplement it with methylphenidate, the only stimulant I can (barely) tolerate, or drink a pot of coffee (my pre-ADHD diagnosis standby) to get going. I would say that's my biggest problem, especially in the a.m. but also throughout the day...staying alert. Has the 80 mg. dosage you've been on helped you with that, or was this not a big problem for you to begin with??


i self-medicated with caffeine for years- it literally got me thru college. I have severely inattentive ADD, and keeping my eyes focused was sometimes a real challenge. I still drink a pot in the morning but switch to decaf in the afternoon. Great placebo effect :)
>
> I, too, will soon be starting a new job (hopefully soon, as a 52 year old "beginning" attorney) and found that I could no longer operate satisfactorily with just coffee as medication, due to the increased demands, having to switch gears often, follow conversations among different parties in the courtroom, etc. Do you find Strattera helps you with those kinds of problems?? My old career involved mainly one-on- one interaction, and wasn't terribly complex, and I was able to have emergency access to coffee 24/7. This won't be the case in the future, so I, too, have high hopes for Stratterra, but so far it doesn't seem to be very energizing/alerting for me, but HAS eliminated that feeling of being uneasy or stressed out I used to get.
> Good luck with the new job!

Thanks a lot! Good luck on yours too!

 

Re: BIG CORRECTION !!

Posted by MamaB on October 23, 2003, at 8:20:27

In reply to Re: correction an update » Mid- Life Crisis, posted by zeugma on October 22, 2003, at 20:58:30

I must apologize. Estradiol and norepinephrin are not as closly related molecularly as I said in a previous post. I read my notes incorrectly!
However, this does not negate the fact that several of us have had what appear to be hormone related problems while on Strattera..

 

Re: Strattera - women

Posted by sadmom on October 23, 2003, at 9:32:56

In reply to Re: BIG CORRECTION !!, posted by MamaB on October 23, 2003, at 8:20:27

I have been reading the Strattera messages for a number of days. I've been on it for over 2 months now. My periods are coming closer together - 27 days - and are heavier. Yes I do believe it is the Strattera causing it.


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