Side Effects, Strattera and Stimulants: The Differences
Strattera
Strattera and imipramine increase norepinephrine in contrast to stimulants that increase dopamine, and potential effectiveness and side effects varies widely between norepinephrine and dopamine drugs.
Imipramine is often more effective for hyperactivity and impulsivity than for inattention and distractibility, but only works in about 50% of children and very high doses are often required. High doses are related to cardiac side effects in children, as well as often severe sedation and other side effects.
Strattera is generally well-tolerated and has a much greater chance of treating AD/HD. However, unless started at very low doses and then increased only very slowly, many children experience sedation and lethargy. I generally start children on 10 mg doses of Strattera, then after at least a week, increase the dose to 10 mg AM and 10 mg around 4 PM.
Splitting the daily dose into two doses decreases side effects and allows tolerance to side effects to develop. Someone weighing 105 pounds might require up to 60 mg/day of Strattera for it to be effective, but I'd take 4 - 6 weeks to slowly work up to that dose and continue to split the dose into two doses as long as there were side effects. If sedation continues to be an issue, often 1/3 - 1/2 of the total daily dose can be given an hour or so before bedtime, which will improve sleep.
Stimulants
If someone is sensitive to stimulant medications, I never start with longer-acting preparations. Concerta is equivalent to taking three doses of short-acting Ritalin per day, and Metadate CD is equivalent to taking two doses per day (although 1/3 of the dose is released immediately and 2/3 three hours later).
Generally, overfocused behavior is related to too high of a dose of medication. In very young children, or in children who have been sensitive to side effects, I'd prefer to start with one small dose of a medication once per day.
Of the stimulants similar to methylphenidate or Ritalin, Focalin is often the best tolerated, so I might start a child on 2 1/2 mg (occasionally half that dose) once per day, and after a week try adding a second dose about 4 hours later. If you can slowly work up to a therapeutic dose without side effects, I might then change to Focalin XR, which is an eight hour preparation.
If not effective or not tolerated, I'd start with extremely low doses of short-acting Adderall. The bottom line is "starting low and going slow" with the hope of tolerance developing to irritating side effects. Sometimes, combinations of medications need to be used for people who are extremely sensitive to side effects.
Related Topics: Once-a-Day Concerta: Less Abuse Risk, Tonsil Surgery Helps Kids With ADHD
Technorati Tags: adhd, medications, ritalin, adderall, strattera, concerta
Strattera and imipramine increase norepinephrine in contrast to stimulants that increase dopamine, and potential effectiveness and side effects varies widely between norepinephrine and dopamine drugs.
Imipramine is often more effective for hyperactivity and impulsivity than for inattention and distractibility, but only works in about 50% of children and very high doses are often required. High doses are related to cardiac side effects in children, as well as often severe sedation and other side effects.
Strattera is generally well-tolerated and has a much greater chance of treating AD/HD. However, unless started at very low doses and then increased only very slowly, many children experience sedation and lethargy. I generally start children on 10 mg doses of Strattera, then after at least a week, increase the dose to 10 mg AM and 10 mg around 4 PM.
Splitting the daily dose into two doses decreases side effects and allows tolerance to side effects to develop. Someone weighing 105 pounds might require up to 60 mg/day of Strattera for it to be effective, but I'd take 4 - 6 weeks to slowly work up to that dose and continue to split the dose into two doses as long as there were side effects. If sedation continues to be an issue, often 1/3 - 1/2 of the total daily dose can be given an hour or so before bedtime, which will improve sleep.
Stimulants
If someone is sensitive to stimulant medications, I never start with longer-acting preparations. Concerta is equivalent to taking three doses of short-acting Ritalin per day, and Metadate CD is equivalent to taking two doses per day (although 1/3 of the dose is released immediately and 2/3 three hours later).
Generally, overfocused behavior is related to too high of a dose of medication. In very young children, or in children who have been sensitive to side effects, I'd prefer to start with one small dose of a medication once per day.
Of the stimulants similar to methylphenidate or Ritalin, Focalin is often the best tolerated, so I might start a child on 2 1/2 mg (occasionally half that dose) once per day, and after a week try adding a second dose about 4 hours later. If you can slowly work up to a therapeutic dose without side effects, I might then change to Focalin XR, which is an eight hour preparation.
If not effective or not tolerated, I'd start with extremely low doses of short-acting Adderall. The bottom line is "starting low and going slow" with the hope of tolerance developing to irritating side effects. Sometimes, combinations of medications need to be used for people who are extremely sensitive to side effects.
Related Topics: Once-a-Day Concerta: Less Abuse Risk, Tonsil Surgery Helps Kids With ADHD
Technorati Tags: adhd, medications, ritalin, adderall, strattera, concerta
31 Comments:
How do I know if I have become addicted to Adderall?
I always had problems concentrating while in school. I could never remember anything I read. My parents sent me to tutors and places designed to help with reading comprehension. Nothing worked. I got by in high school with anywhere from a 2.5 - 2.8 GPA. I wasn't a behavioral problem and never got in trouble. Nobody expected or suggested ADD.
During my senior year of high school, when my grades were barely passing, my parents had me go to our family's doctor so they could try Biofeedback. After a session the doctor said she noticed something "different" and thought I should see a psychiatrist for ADD.
I saw a psychiatrist, reluctantly started taking Ritalin, and realized that it made me feel worse. My senior year of high school was one failed medication combination after another. Things were made worse by the fact that I was also diagnosed with OCD.
My medication didn't get worked out properly until I entered college the following year. I was taking Dexedrine. From my personal recollection, I was taking the medication for 5 years. The medication was amazing. I was able to concentrate and focus like never before. My grades skyrocketed and I graduated college with nearly a 4.0 GPA.
Right after college a psychiatrist switched me to Adderall. Although I was already out of college, I still had ADD and needed help concentrating in the work place. I have been on the medication ever since.
The problem is that I not only take it while I'm at work, but I take it while I'm at home, too. I take it during the week and on the weekends. I feel much better and in a much better frame of mind when I take it. When I don't take it I am extremely anxious and irritable. It has gotten to the point now that when I'm not on it, the withdraw I go through is so severe that I sleep most of the day. I know this is not normal. I know I should get help and try to use the medication at a reduced rate. But I'm scared. I've had so much success while on this medication (and feel so lousy when I'm off of it), that I'm afraid of the consequences of not having it. I'm also afraid of telling my doctor in the chance that he'll stop giving me prescriptions.
Do you have any advice?
To anonymous,
Don't worry. ADHD is an all day, every day disorder. It causes problems in every aspect of life and your symptoms should be covered for as long as possible (at work, at home, on the weekends). Most physicians suggest you take your medication to cover all of these times. Plus, you are correct that without this medication you won't be able to function as well. That is part of the disorder. Studies have shown that people with ADHD who remain untreated have poorer outcomes than those who take medication to treat the disorder.
My advice to you is to talk to your doctor and tell him/her your concerns. I am sure that your doctor will tell you the same thing, but I think it is important to discuss your fear of addiction. Most of the ADHD medications are not as addictive as the press would lead you to belive. Just because you know you need it to help your symptoms at all times doesn't mean that you are addicted. However, if you have an addictive personality or have had problems with addiction in the past, then it may be a concern. There are other medication options out there that are not controlled substances that treat ADHD. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is right for you.
My grandson is 15 and just started on Strattera (40)and is having problems with anger, sleeping and not caring about rewards for good grades nor is he trying to do his home work nor getting good grades. How can I help him? He is in 10th grade and not a problem child but will lie about homework and won't bring it home or do it in class. I get him everyday after school. Please help me help him. Before Stattera he was on Adderall and would not eat and did not grow. For one year he was off all drugs and grew 5 inches and gained 20 pounds. Now he seems to be digressing since being put on Strattera. Does not care about anything. Do you have an answers for us? Thanks.
My daughter developed similar symptoms on 100 mgs of strattera-apathy, worsened focus, and foggy thinking.Her grades declined rather sharply. Her psychiatrist reduced the dose to 80mgs and added focalin xr (5mgs). Has anyone had success with this combo??
I was put on strattera because I have been on ritalin since i was 8 (im 24 now) and the doctors were worried that it might increase my blood pressure. Unfortunantly, while not in the pdr (but shown in .7% of clinical studies) strattera can increase blood pressure to over 150 mm Hg...this is what it did to me...a year after i started on strattera my bp was 180/100... the doctors went ape about it. I looked at my chart and watched as it slowly increased from when i started taking that medication... so i didnt take it the next day and went and got my bp checked and it had dropped to 140/95. Thanks to strattera I will have to go on an ace inhibitor and probably a diuretic. Ritalin never had this kind of effect on me. I guess the moral of the story is before starting any new medication do some digging yourself and find out what side effects they aren't telling you about: but for the love of pete go to reputable sources...a clinical trial study is reputable, some guy ranting on the web isn't... so go find the study i was talking about.
Also...strattera left me wanting for helpfulness.. With ritalin, it allowed me to concentrate. straterra was like a hill, if i took some ritalin to push me up the hill it was all downhill from there. if i didnt i found myself having to fight an uphill battle to concentrate. I figure strattera is fine for mild or moderate cases of add but i got a rip roaring case of adhd and it needed to be taken in combination with ritalin.
also: edit on my previous post, my bp hit 180/120, and before it had been 120/80. now it is down to 130/90 with a low sodium diet, no caffine, and limited alcohol.
say u have 3 rockstars (16 oz. energy drink) and u take 15mg Focalin
could u die from 2 much sugar w/ Focalin?
Hello. My 6 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD/ODD at the age of 5. We started with Adderall but he had extreme violent behavior when the med started to wear off. He was then switched to Straterra. He's been on Straterra for a little over a year now.
He's been complaining of leg cramps and severe headaches. The slightest tap to the head sends him through the roof in pain. His outbursts and defiance have also been worse over the last two to three months.
I was reading on Asperger's Syndrome and how often times, children are diagnosed with ADHD or also have ADHD along with Asperger's.
Obviously, a diagnosis cannot be made without seeing my son, but I'm wondering if he has Asperger's instead of the ADHD. He can keep his attention focused as long as it's something he likes: music, art, drawing, doing things with his hands, etc.
School is a breeze for him, he received straight As last semester. It's never been a problem other than he is bothersome and sometimes violent with other students. He finishes hiw work "4 times as fast" as the other students, according to his teacher. We recently discussed applying for him to go to a higher academic school. His social skills are highly lacking. His behavior is basically seeing what kind of shock factor he can get out of people.
I do have a Dr's appointment for him, but thought I would ask for some advice before we head in there.
Thank you in advance.
I was diagnosed with ADD a few years ago. I'd had it for a long time, but didn't know what it was. I knew I had trouble concentrating/focusing and studying lasted about 5 minutes. I was first put on Strattera and immediately became extremely irritable and angry. Every day just got worse until I couldn't stand myself. My doctor switched me to Adderall and I was so much better. I can concentrate and study for hours without 1,000 other thoughts running through my head. And I can remember it all!
I also have major depression and spent years trying every drug out there until I found the right combination. Some made me irritable, some made me even more depressed. I think it's the same with a lot of drugs. If one is making you worse, switch to another.
For the grandmother with the 15 year old:
My son is 18. He was finally put on Adderall a year ago after struggling his entire life with serious ADD. I knew he had a problem in 1st grade. We tested him for a learning disorder, that wasn't it. By the time he was 15, he hated school, lied about doing homework, didn't bring any home, same as your grandson. No one suggested ADD because he wasn't hyperactive. After falling so far behind at an early age and being held back, he wouldn't graduate until he was almost 20. He recently took the practice tests for his GED and passed them all with a 90% average! So he's taking that route as he's ready to go to work now. I only wish they would've diagnosed him earlier in life. He's tall and thin, but healthy. ADHD/ADD meds will reduce appetite, but I make sure he eats enough.
I had the same reaction to Strattera as your grandson. I'd suggest trying a different medication. Definitely tell the doctor about his reaction - mine took me off Strattera and on Adderall right away.
I was a diagnosed with ADD late in life, age 34. I've been on many medications over the years and finally settled on Wellbutrin and Concerta at 54mg. I tolerate it well and have no issues except a concern that it may be causing me ED (Erectile Dysfunction). With my doctor, I stopped the Wellbutrin but still my issue goes on. I'll be seeing my doctor tomorrow and I was wondering if you have any advice in this area?
To Anonymous above:
Try posting this question on Dr. Sogn's message board.
Is it true that you can hallucinate or get a high off Stratera?
To anonymous above: See the link directly above your comment to Dr. Sogn's message board.
My Step-Daughter was diagnosed at age 7 with ADHD by her school. Her mother took her to the Dr. and without further testing she was but on Focalin XR 10 Mg a day dose. I have looked at several tests online for ADHD and I don't think she fits the profile. She makes good grades, just needs more attention than the other students. She also needs much more attention when she comes to my house than my 7 or 9 year old require. Does this really qualify as ADHD? Or should the child just be shown more attention at home? Should she be on this drug in the summer if she does qualify? I am new to all of this but I am very concerned we are giving an addiciteve drug to a 7 yr old!!!! Help!
My eight year old son started taking Straterra (he is now up to 36mg) this summer. Always an active, enthusiatic child, we are now finding that he is often extremely tired, unmotivated and not hungry. He has always eaten well, and been very active. He was diagnosed by a clincical psychologist as AD/HD with slight depression probably resulting from the ADD and not meeting teacher and parent expectations. I want to take him off the Straterra. I miss my son. Any advice?
Concerned Mom
I am a 33 year old female and I think I may have ADD. I have all the systems. I want to go back to school but I am sooo nervous because it takes me along time to get things. I can't remember anything I read. I forget things. It is getting worse! What medicine is good to take? My doctor will only prescribe Strattera. Is Adderal better and does it help with depression also? Please help!
(33 year old female)I am sorry I mispelled the word symptoms.
I was diagnosed with ADD when I was 14,I am 25 now. I decided to go back to college a year ago and last month I went to my doctor about my ADD. She gave me a prescription for Adderall 5 mg 2x a day. I am now taking it for the second month at the same dosage and I feel like the effect is wearing off. For instance I had a hard time sitting still in class, jiggling my foot, clicking my pen etc. When I first started taking it I noticed I was able to sit still and focus. I was also able to focus when I read and remember things I had heard in lectures. Now it’s as if I am back to square one. Is it normal to build up a tolerance that fast?
I was born in 1972. I have always had trouble with interpersonal relationships, from grade school to my current job. In 2003 I was diagnosed as ADD and October 2007, ADHD. I have problems reading anything more than a few pages, I lose things, I skip steps when I do tasks, and I am very oppositional.
I really appreciate yall sharing your experiences with Strattera. I started taking it on 10/26/2007. I was given 3 bottles, the 18, 25, and 40 doses with 7 pills in each. I began taking them because of a bad job review so I was feeling suicidal to begin with. Thankfully, thus far that side effect has not reared it’s head. I’m starting to believe it’s not in fact a side effect, but the focus allows you to plan and succeed better.
During the day I am more sedate and less likely to question orders. Depending on the time of day I have better control over response to external stimulus…to a level of control I never had before. So that’s good. My joke impulse is not being sedated though.
Ok, from the start I have had the flushed feeling meaning intermittent burning hands and numbness in the hands and face. Neither has been intolerable.
Penial issues went like this:
Day 1-3 no sex drive. Did not have erection in response to any visual or oral stimuli. On day 2 I rubbed it up against wife and up it came. Phew…was sooo glad that is still working. After a week my sex drive came back, but it was tough to maintain an erection if there were any distractions around. This is actually a blessing because I had a hyper sex drive to begin with, but it means working out the tongue muscles some more.
Day 4 I had a nasty surprise. That micturation blurb in the packet means after you pee and you put it back in your pants, you feel like you are going to pee again, right then and there, usually about 10 seconds after you start walking away. I figured out if I shake, then try to replicate the sensation of having it put away, then shake again, then put it back in the pants, no real problem until 11/19. On this day, after I finished peeing, I clamped down, and then about a teaspoon full of what appeared to be semen came out.
Irregular orgasm…I believe that’s what the packet says…I’ll say: the ejaculation is occurring before the point of no return for orgasm. I’ve had several ejaculations with no orgasm and then another ejaculation during orgasm. Forget staying power if you have it. Learn oral sex techniques! I also experienced a slight burning on ejaculation, but not enough to call it painful like those other people on the site said. No impotence yet. If I do not try to suppress the point of no return, everything seems to work normal, but no ejaculation since I started the drug was as satisfying as before…fortunately I’m not looking for one as much.
I can accept what has been going on so far. I would like to know WHY, but that will happen at the next appointment.
Mental health:
I’ve been buzzed and slightly dizzy since day one. Not till several days on the 25 dose did the dizziness become a problem. Everything seems like it’s in slightly slow motion…I have to push through thick air to act especially in the afternoon. It is not intolerable yet, but has been borderline on a few occasions. My co-workers noted that I was not standing straight (more than usual ) when I was standing still. Several joked about me coming to work stoned until I told them what was going on.
I’m apathetic to everything. I used to like the stock market, a light work out, video games, and sci-fi. I’m bored of the video games I used to play. I play them now just for stress. I still cannot sit in front of the TV without doing something else productive. When I get home and the stuff wears off I’m a bear (I need a punching bag).
My thoughts are still racing. My nephew says that does not go away.
My big complaint is I cannot think or hold a thought. My 10 yo nephew, also on Strattera, says that problem goes away after a while. I’m waiting with baited…what was I saying? Also, I keep having 2-5 second in speech when trying to complete a sentence. This occurs 5-10 times a day. It reminds me of comedian Lewis Black’s joke about him not being able to complete a thought in his own head.
My friends at work want the old me back. They like that goofy guy. My boss thinks I’m making progress. Meanwhile everyone is slowly asking me if I’m ok because I look depressed. Zombified is more like it after 2PM.
I have been unacceptably tired over the last few days and after about 12PM I feel like it’s harder to lift my arms et al.
Unless you are in a job that involves just doing what your boss says, I would not yet recommend this drug. However, for those of you like me that question your boss too much, and need to think less, yeah, this drug is for you.
I also has the seminal discharge and difficulty getting an erection. I am asking the doctor to change my medication. It works well for what it was prescribed for after the initial starting dizzyness for the first week or so, but the side effects suck im to young to have erection problems.
my son has been on 80mg of Straterra for 3 months and his rage is out of control. He is not sleeping and dizziness and leg cramps is bad too. Has anyone had Shortness of breathe on Straterra????????????? He has had a lot of it and I thought he is having heart problems since it runs in my family. Thank you to everybody that has posted comments. I don't feel like I am going crazy watching him go through this.
I have a 9 yr old daughter that has been treated for adhd since the age of 4. She was on concerta for the longest time and then it just seemed to quit working. since then, she has changed doctors 3 times and medications about 7 times. I struggle EVERY day and worry even more. She is now on focilyn again! and it doesnt seem to phase her. She has gotten so defiant and has recently started biting herself when she gets angry and has also cut her hair twice. I have done everything known possible to get her help. She has been in the impact program for 3 yrs. She has gone through intensive in home therapy and out of home therapy and it hasnt helped at all. She has a very stable home life and has every opportunity possible so she never feels left out. This has gotten to the point where I literally cry myself to sleep at night because I dont know what else to do. I'm so scared she is going to take this condition into her teen years and end up in a juvenille home or even jail. I love my daughter more than anything and I am at a loss. they have even tried abilify along with the other medicines and it made her very sick. She has even had sleep deprevation tests to see if mini seizures could be causing any of this. but, they came back fine. I am so desperate for help. I feel like i am literally losing my little girl to this disorder and there isnt anything me or anyone else can do about it. I pray everyday! that God will take this from her and it just keeps getting worse. If anyone knows where I can find help please let me know. I am out of options and I'm even losing my sanity slowly but, surely.
I am 21 and have tried every perscription ADHD drug in the book. Strattera is the only medication that has shown improvement. I don't notice a difference when I am on or off ADHD meds, but all of my friends and family members notice a significant difference; esp. in my behavior and study habits. The trick to Straterra is starting out in low doses, and slowly increasing the dose. I do not like aderal, conserta, or any other related meds. They can have severe side effects; such as mood swings, sever stomach pains/cramps, loss of appetite, sweats, shakes etc...
I would reccomend Strattera (at least for adults) based on my personal experience. I was actually surprised at all the negative feedback that has been posted. Perhaps you are experiencing such negative side effects because your child is not ADHD and does not in fact need any perscription medications for ADHD?
To Ananonymous 33yr Old Woman,
I am currently in college, have ADD, take Adderall and have been since I was about 14. When I take it I notice that it improves all aspects that I previously struggled with( similar to the difficulties that you expressed) My reading and comprehension has improved, I have the ability to stay focused and retain what I read, thanks to Adderall. I am in no way saying that Adderall will guaranty good grades, but it will help u stay focused on your way to success. But you should not fear going back to school. If u have ADD like u suspect, your right, school will be a little harder for you, (sorry just trying to be realistic) but not by TOO much. You will just have to work a little harder until you find out what study skills work for you. You might want to think about a reduced course load for the first semester and get to know the disabilities programs and services that a school offers before you enroll in it. Like extra time on tests, a note taker, the option to take a test in a quiet room etcetera.
Good luck with everything!!
P.S,
I am NO doctor but I do not believe that Adderall helps with depression. N please don’t mind the spelling errors
Best Wishes
-College Student
To the person worried about Aspberger's Disease:
I am a nurse who works on the Pediatrics unit at a clinic. We've had children with Aspberger's come in and some of the symptoms they have shown have been: They take things very literal. I remember once a Mother told her child to go color on the floor, so he colored the floor. He couldn't sit still for more than 1 minute. He found brick buildings very fascinating and could take one look at the brick building across the street and know exactly how many bricks there were at the age of four. He was fascinated with donosaurs and knew everything there was to know about every dinosaur which ever existed at the age of 3-4. But, he had no social skills. To stay in a patient room at the clinic was torture for him, he would often come out with us nurses to view the computer or look out the window at the brick building. I hope this helps.
Has anyone ever noticed a difference in their ADD child once they have reached their teens? I can't even really explain it and Ive expected the usual irritation with adults, etc., but now if I try to hug him he becomes rigid or seems hyperfocused. Also, he used to get straight A's in elementary school and now is at about a 2.8 in Junior High even though his IQ range was at least 140 in third grade. He seems hyperfocused all of the time now. He takes Straterra 60 mg. ecause stimulants never worked for him. He doesn't smile very often and doesn't talk much. He is also alot less creative. I used to wake up to breakfast made for everyone (even though the kitchen was a mess) with little balloon animals for each place setting, now Im lucky if I get a 'hi Mom,how are you?"
First of all - Thank you to EVERYONE who has taken the time to leave a comment, as I am beginning to understand myself better and realize that I'm not alone with my "issues". I have been on Zoloft and Paxil at various times for Major Depression. Yes, the side effects on libido seem to be common for just about everyone. However, depression carries its own side effects that are sometimes much worse.
I have only recently begun to explore the AD/HD possibiliity and was put on Ritalin 8 months ago. It allowed me to focus better than I've ever imagined, but it jacked my BP up to 180 over 110. I discontinued that, thinking that if Ritalin didn't make things better that I wasn't really ADD. That actually isn't true. Check out a guy named Dr. Amen (google him) on AD/HD. He might not be commonly accepted, but he have some interesting theories that seem to fit pretty closely.
I was put on Straterra about a month ago, and experienced the same fog, anxiety and delayed reactions, so much so that it was dangerous to drive. Thanks to the two individuals who shared their similar experiences. Straterra also seemed to exaggerate the violent/angry and aggitation tendencies, but liquid children's Benedryl seems to help in combatting the side effects. My doctors have taken me off everything but Welbutrin and Lexapro so we are going to start again. I will make sure that the dose increases are slow for whatever I end up taking though based on what I have read here.
I encourage everyone who is on this page to go out and get get a full blown Psych Evaluation. The testing sucks, but the results should clear the air about what illness(es) you actually have, and provide a clearer picture for the psychologists/ psychiatrists that you are seeing. Believe me, this is a painful illness, but the more clarity we can get as members of society, the better off we all will be.
To the guy who had trouble with his boss - You're not alone. I just had to take short term disability or I would have been terminated for performance problems. Right now, I'm out for the next 3 months to deal with this illness. Hopefully that will allow me some time to pull my work life back together.
Thanks again,
Boise, ID
To Julie with the 9yo daughter:
Check into food sensitivities and allergies! Ask your doctor to refer you to an allergist. Some of this could be food based.
You could also try the elimination diet on your own. I have found The Allergy Self-Help Cookbook by Marjorie Hurt Jones, R.N. and Allergy-Free Cooking: How to Survive the Elimination Diet and Eat Happily Ever After by Eileen Rhude Yoder, Ph.D. to be very helpful.
If all of those add/hd meds aren't doing anything, it's very possible that her add/hd symptoms are symptoms of a totally different problem.
With my son, I noticed a difference when we cut refined carbs (esp. flour and sugar) and other ultra processed foods. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via the link in my profile.
Best wishes!
Esther
Is Strattera supposed to cause erectile dysfunction
ive been experiencing problems with erectile dysfunction (difficulty obtaining and maintaining an erection) while taking strattera and i was wondering if thats normal or if i need to talk to my doctor about it
Hi I was read all the comments about Strattera and My son who is 11, has been on Strattera for about 3 years now and he has been ok. One thing is yes he doesnt like to eat as much as he should, which is one problem my husband notices, but he will eat through out the day. He grades went from bad to straight A's, Honor roll and excel classes. That was the major focus to us...was to get he to focus. He is a great kid, alittle depression but this medication does help for that..Strattera is different then the other ADD medication. My son is on 40 mg morning and 25 mg at night. So far i like it. He did try others before and i didnt like them because they were the stimulants....
After reading some of the posts by parents describing their childs symptoms in many ways it was me as a child. Explosive temper, lethargy, even the lack of motivation in school, which continued through college.
I am now a 35 y/o male who has suffered from ADD, as well as,Dysthymia my entire life. I have tried multiple ADD medications my throught out my 20's and was put on Strattera shortly after approval by the FDA. One of the reasons for Strattera was, it claimed to have anti-depressant properties. I have recently started seeing a new psych, he explained that not all of the original Strattera claims were proven in clinicals and it did not necessarily contain the Anti-Dep. properties that were claimed. So armed with new information we formulated a new treatment regime which for me consists of 600 mg of St. Johns Wart for my Dysthymia in conjunction with 80mg of Strattera. The improvement is remarkable. For once in my life I have a feeling of what "normal" is. I don't know that this would be the result for everyone, but it is an alternative to what I have experienced in the past.
For me the combination of the two has allowed me to become focused along with taking the "edge" off. Still dealing with the temper issues. However, things that would set me off in a day to day situation previous have become much less over the last few months. It allows me to view things from a much different perspective.
I wish the best for each and every one of you and hope that y'all have success in finding the balance that best suits you and your situation. It has taken me 10 years to reach this point and it has been an up hill battle all the way, yet I know this is not the end all to this challenge as there will be many more.
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