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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mimi on January 14, 2004, at 14:28:09
In reply to Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only, posted by Kemet on January 14, 2004, at 14:18:25
> I have been taking Ritalin for several years.
> It has been a great help to my ADD and depression
> and helps me fight otherwise constant fatigue. However, it does not address all my challenges with focus and attention which seem to be getting worse with age. I have started taking Strattera (60mg) which has worked well. I am concerned that I know need to take 3 meds (Cylexa-for depression, and Ritalin and Stattera for ADD).
> I am considering discontinuing the Ritalin but
> am concerned with fatigue. I read in some of the other messages that Strattera makes some individuals drowsey and that taking it at night can help this. Does anyone have any input on discontinuing Ritalin for Strattera. I know I will have to test it for myself to see what works best for me but I thought I would do some homework on it first.
Kemet,I did take Ritalin for PTSD symptoms and for activation purposes (I have the fatigue problem), but it caused me to lose too much weight.
Now I take Strattera and feel much better. I'm activated but still have an appetite. I only take 25mg. in the a.m. 50mg. ruined me: I got very sick and very very tired.
Mimi
Posted by LightShifter on January 14, 2004, at 20:13:13
In reply to Re: Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only » Kemet, posted by Mimi on January 14, 2004, at 14:28:09
Over and over again I hear of people complaining about Strattera when they take 40 mg or more per day - even though this is the "suggested" adult dosage.... This stuff is much more potent than they believe it is - at least for many of us.
I always recommend starting low and working up. It seems for most other drugs doctors seem to follow this practice but I guess as Lilly has 40 mg. starter packs for adults, the doctors presume it must be ok to start there.... even though the capsules come in much smaller doses (of 10 & 18 mg. I think).
I believe if more people started at 10 mg and slowly worked their way up only if they needed to a lot less negative side-effects and resulting discontinuances of Strattera would happen.
> >
I have been taking Ritalin for several years.
> > It has been a great help to my ADD and depression
> > and helps me fight otherwise constant fatigue. However, it does not address all my challenges with focus and attention which seem to be getting worse with age. I have started taking Strattera (60mg) which has worked well. I am concerned that I know need to take 3 meds (Cylexa-for depression, and Ritalin and Stattera for ADD).
>
> > I am considering discontinuing the Ritalin but
> > am concerned with fatigue. I read in some of the other messages that Strattera makes some individuals drowsey and that taking it at night can help this. Does anyone have any input on discontinuing Ritalin for Strattera. I know I will have to test it for myself to see what works best for me but I thought I would do some homework on it first.
>
>
> Kemet,
>
> I did take Ritalin for PTSD symptoms and for activation purposes (I have the fatigue problem), but it caused me to lose too much weight.
>
> Now I take Strattera and feel much better. I'm activated but still have an appetite. I only take 25mg. in the a.m. 50mg. ruined me: I got very sick and very very tired.
>
> Mimi
>
Posted by joe smith2 on January 14, 2004, at 20:48:45
In reply to Re: Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only, posted by LightShifter on January 14, 2004, at 20:13:13
Hey Lightsaber,
I started on strattera on 40 mg. I have been experiencing a few side effects such as being a little disconnected when around other people. I am yet to see the full sexual side effects but when do these usually start to take effect. Also, I am worried that I will lose my appetite. I have been on it for 6 days. Am I in for a rough couple of weeks or has the worst passed.
Thanks,
Joe
> Over and over again I hear of people complaining about Strattera when they take 40 mg or more per day - even though this is the "suggested" adult dosage.... This stuff is much more potent than they believe it is - at least for many of us.
>
> I always recommend starting low and working up. It seems for most other drugs doctors seem to follow this practice but I guess as Lilly has 40 mg. starter packs for adults, the doctors presume it must be ok to start there.... even though the capsules come in much smaller doses (of 10 & 18 mg. I think).
>
> I believe if more people started at 10 mg and slowly worked their way up only if they needed to a lot less negative side-effects and resulting discontinuances of Strattera would happen.
>
>
> > >
>
>
> I have been taking Ritalin for several years.
> > > It has been a great help to my ADD and depression
> > > and helps me fight otherwise constant fatigue. However, it does not address all my challenges with focus and attention which seem to be getting worse with age. I have started taking Strattera (60mg) which has worked well. I am concerned that I know need to take 3 meds (Cylexa-for depression, and Ritalin and Stattera for ADD).
> >
> > > I am considering discontinuing the Ritalin but
> > > am concerned with fatigue. I read in some of the other messages that Strattera makes some individuals drowsey and that taking it at night can help this. Does anyone have any input on discontinuing Ritalin for Strattera. I know I will have to test it for myself to see what works best for me but I thought I would do some homework on it first.
> >
> >
> > Kemet,
> >
> > I did take Ritalin for PTSD symptoms and for activation purposes (I have the fatigue problem), but it caused me to lose too much weight.
> >
> > Now I take Strattera and feel much better. I'm activated but still have an appetite. I only take 25mg. in the a.m. 50mg. ruined me: I got very sick and very very tired.
> >
> > Mimi
> >
>
>
Posted by LightShifter on January 14, 2004, at 23:05:08
In reply to Re: Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only, posted by joe smith2 on January 14, 2004, at 20:48:45
You would have noticed the sexual side-effects by now I think joe... I noticed them right away. You are probably going to be ok if you have not had them by now.
Regarding feeling "disconnected" around people, I have the opposite of this...my anxiety levels around people have been greatly reduced.... I'm not quite sure what you mean by the term "diconnected" though.
I reduced my dosage in half and it seemed to work better. I just split the capsule into 2 capsule doses. You might want to see if this reduces any "disconnection" problems you may be having around people. For me, 1/2 cap has really helped a lot in the reduction of anxiety and I feel a lot more comfortable with myself around people.
...Dan/LightShifter
> Hey Lightsaber,
> I started on strattera on 40 mg. I have been experiencing a few side effects such as being a little disconnected when around other people. I am yet to see the full sexual side effects but when do these usually start to take effect. Also, I am worried that I will lose my appetite. I have been on it for 6 days. Am I in for a rough couple of weeks or has the worst passed.
> Thanks,
> Joe
>
>
> > Over and over again I hear of people complaining about Strattera when they take 40 mg or more per day - even though this is the "suggested" adult dosage.... This stuff is much more potent than they believe it is - at least for many of us.
> >
> > I always recommend starting low and working up. It seems for most other drugs doctors seem to follow this practice but I guess as Lilly has 40 mg. starter packs for adults, the doctors presume it must be ok to start there.... even though the capsules come in much smaller doses (of 10 & 18 mg. I think).
> >
> > I believe if more people started at 10 mg and slowly worked their way up only if they needed to a lot less negative side-effects and resulting discontinuances of Strattera would happen.
> >
> >
> > > >
> >
> >
> > I have been taking Ritalin for several years.
> > > > It has been a great help to my ADD and depression
> > > > and helps me fight otherwise constant fatigue. However, it does not address all my challenges with focus and attention which seem to be getting worse with age. I have started taking Strattera (60mg) which has worked well. I am concerned that I know need to take 3 meds (Cylexa-for depression, and Ritalin and Stattera for ADD).
> > >
> > > > I am considering discontinuing the Ritalin but
> > > > am concerned with fatigue. I read in some of the other messages that Strattera makes some individuals drowsey and that taking it at night can help this. Does anyone have any input on discontinuing Ritalin for Strattera. I know I will have to test it for myself to see what works best for me but I thought I would do some homework on it first.
> > >
> > >
> > > Kemet,
> > >
> > > I did take Ritalin for PTSD symptoms and for activation purposes (I have the fatigue problem), but it caused me to lose too much weight.
> > >
> > > Now I take Strattera and feel much better. I'm activated but still have an appetite. I only take 25mg. in the a.m. 50mg. ruined me: I got very sick and very very tired.
> > >
> > > Mimi
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Viridis on January 14, 2004, at 23:26:54
In reply to Re: Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only, posted by LightShifter on January 14, 2004, at 20:13:13
There's also a 25 mg starter pack -- that was great for me. The higher doses stopped working and had weird side effects. I quit Strattera, but may ask my pdoc for a 25 mg prescription to see if I can recapture the positive mood and concentration effects that this med initially produced.
This is a promising drug, but definitely one to go slowly with if you want to avoid major side effects.
Posted by Siraris on January 15, 2004, at 1:11:20
In reply to Re: Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only, posted by LightShifter on January 14, 2004, at 23:05:08
Been taking Strattera for 2 weeks, tapering up 10 mg a week. Only side effect I have noticed is reduced eating, some constipation, and increased heart rate, which I stop noticing after about 2 days of raising the dose. Oh and dry mouth!
I don't think I have any sexual side effects... I'm going to wait til I get to a higher dose before I judge if it's really worth it, but the side effects are supposed to go away very quickly.
Posted by Laurie20023 on January 15, 2004, at 7:56:19
In reply to Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only, posted by Kemet on January 14, 2004, at 14:18:25
Nobody said anything about the other two medications that I mentioned, has anyone else ever taken Depakote or Risperdal?
Posted by joe smith2 on January 15, 2004, at 11:22:25
In reply to Re: Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only » LightShifter, posted by Viridis on January 14, 2004, at 23:26:54
I have been on Strattera for 7 days now(40 mg in the morning). My anxiety and depression are much better, but I still feel like I am having trouble when it comes to interacting with people. I kind of feel uncomfortable when I am having conversations with people who I am not comfortable with, kind of feel like I am in a different conversation when I am talking to them. Could I be on too high a dose, or maybe just getting used to the meds. Also, I have been taking Ambien to sleep, but I am still waking up at about 3-5AM and have not been able to really fall back into a deep sleep, yet I dont feel tired in the morning or during the day. Any suggestions on what could be occuring.
Thanks again,> There's also a 25 mg starter pack -- that was great for me. The higher doses stopped working and had weird side effects. I quit Strattera, but may ask my pdoc for a 25 mg prescription to see if I can recapture the positive mood and concentration effects that this med initially produced.
>
> This is a promising drug, but definitely one to go slowly with if you want to avoid major side effects.
Posted by Siraris on January 15, 2004, at 11:57:46
In reply to Re: Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only, posted by joe smith2 on January 15, 2004, at 11:22:25
For my entire life, I have slept through the night, and slept very deeply. Since starting my Strattera 2 weeks ago, I have not really felt like I have been sleeping through the night. I know I have, because I am not tired during the day, but I feel like I never fall asleep, or if I fall asleep I feel like I wake up 2 seconds later (even though it's in the morning).
Like last night I felt like I was lying in bed forever, and it had been about 30 minutes, then I think I fell asleep.
Just no restful sleep, which is truly odd for me since for over 20 years I have slept like a rock every day.
So Joe, you're not alone. Don't know what it is. Going to ask my PDoc.
Posted by Ragesgal on January 15, 2004, at 12:40:58
In reply to Re: Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only, posted by joe smith2 on January 15, 2004, at 11:22:25
> I have been on Strattera for 7 days now(40 mg in the morning). My anxiety and depression are much better, but I still feel like I am having trouble when it comes to interacting with people. I kind of feel uncomfortable when I am having conversations with people who I am not comfortable with, kind of feel like I am in a different conversation when I am talking to them. Could I be on too high a dose, or maybe just getting used to the meds. Also, I have been taking Ambien to sleep, but I am still waking up at about 3-5AM and have not been able to really fall back into a deep sleep, yet I dont feel tired in the morning or during the day. Any suggestions on what could be occuring.
> Thanks again,
>
>
>
> > There's also a 25 mg starter pack -- that was great for me. The higher doses stopped working and had weird side effects. I quit Strattera, but may ask my pdoc for a 25 mg prescription to see if I can recapture the positive mood and concentration effects that this med initially produced.
> >
> > This is a promising drug, but definitely one to go slowly with if you want to avoid major side effects.
>
>
Ok...
I am all new to this. I went to a new DR. yesterday and he has started me on Strattera. Today will be my first dose. He has started me on the 25mgs first (four days) then start on the 40mgs.
He said that Ritalin or the other stimulants could make some of my touretts symptoms worse so we started here.
I am a 35 year old female and was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 7 and was on Ritalin for 7 years until the age of 14. That was the last med I ever took until I started on anti depressants in my early 30's.
My life includes Alcoholism which I have been newly sober for 14 months!
Some say that we with ADHD have a much greater risk of "self medicating" with drugs, alcohol, shopping, food, etc. I guess mine was alcohol. I am also genetically predisposed to it (family).
I have an incredible book about The Link Between ADD and ADDICTION, by Wendy Richardson. I highly reccomend it to anyone that wants to see the link and understand why we do some of the things that we do. I feel that her book was written all about ME!Anyhow, I got off the subject (having ADHD I guess we all do right?)...
I would really recomend talking with your DR. about going back to the 25mg dose for now.
My relationship with my fiance is a disaster and I am (by myself) looking for counseling help here in the Indianapolis area. HE MUST also be involved in this counseling because my ADHD alone is not the only problem. If ANYONE knows of how I can go about this please let me know. I would be sooooo grateful! I have to be sure that my Anthem BC/BS will accept it also. I have been going around in circles and have not gotten any help other than beginning the meds. I am also on Effexor XR 150mgs twice a day. In case that matters.
I hope that I was of some help, but I also need help myself. Thank you so very much!
Posted by sadmom on January 15, 2004, at 14:19:09
In reply to Re: Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only, posted by Siraris on January 15, 2004, at 11:57:46
I think it is a Strattera side-effect. I didn't sleep well for 4 months, then it seemed to improve.
Posted by Linda540 on January 15, 2004, at 16:51:46
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by jrbecker on December 28, 2002, at 11:22:33
Hi , I am a veteran and use the V.A. medical hospitals for my treatments. I was diagnoised with ADD a few years back and was refused medication because of my age (late 30's) and because the VA does not like to subscribe Retelin or other ADD, ADHD meds. I have lived most my life scattered brained with a constant life movie going on in my head, depression and anxiety is a life time compainion.. my question... has this really helped anyone with my similar problems? I am afraid to get my hopes up.
Posted by joe smith2 on January 15, 2004, at 17:03:42
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Linda540 on January 15, 2004, at 16:51:46
Hi Linda,
I am in the same boat as you. Im only 25, and I have everything going for me, except I have been battling anxiety/depression/ocd on and off for as long as I could remember. I started on the Strattera just a week ago, but the key is to stick to a medicine for at least 3-4 weeks just to get a picture of how you will react to that certain family of meds. Also, reading these posts is probably the worst thing for you and I. Keep in mind that most of the people on these sites are the people with the bad reactions to these meds. the people that have been successful on these meds most likely dont come into chat rooms b/c they are too busy enjoying the benefits. Well, Im rambling, good luck.
Joe> Hi , I am a veteran and use the V.A. medical hospitals for my treatments. I was diagnoised with ADD a few years back and was refused medication because of my age (late 30's) and because the VA does not like to subscribe Retelin or other ADD, ADHD meds. I have lived most my life scattered brained with a constant life movie going on in my head, depression and anxiety is a life time compainion.. my question... has this really helped anyone with my similar problems? I am afraid to get my hopes up.
Posted by Kemet on January 15, 2004, at 17:18:17
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Linda540 on January 15, 2004, at 16:51:46
Linda540,
Yes, meds such as this one have helped millions to work with their ADD. Meds for chemical imbalances are what eye-glasses can be to someone with poor vision. You can't just get up one morning and say " I will make myself see clearly without my glasses today." Meds like strattera are one tool to live your ADD. I have found books on the subject very helpful. Awarness of
tendancies and behaviors will help you to identify your symtoms and develop habits or methods to counter these behaviors. So yes, the meds do work, and there are non-med things that can help you too. I did not realize I had ADD until I was 29yrs old and upon studying about it recognized that I have had it all my life.
There are days I still wish the "mother-ship" would pick me up and I would say " nowwww this makes sense" but seriously your not alone and good luck, if stattera is not right for you, there are several other meds that may work for you. Everyone responds differently to meds.Kemet
Posted by Siraris on January 15, 2004, at 18:03:19
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by joe smith2 on January 15, 2004, at 17:03:42
Exactly joe, but I keep coming back :)
Posted by Siraris on January 15, 2004, at 18:04:57
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by joe smith2 on January 15, 2004, at 17:03:42
Exactly joe, but I keep coming back :)
Posted by Siraris on January 15, 2004, at 18:06:29
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by joe smith2 on January 15, 2004, at 17:03:42
Exactly joe, but I keep coming back :)
Posted by imjustme on January 17, 2004, at 21:24:55
In reply to Re: Strange Strattera side-effects, posted by Mid-Life Crisis on December 11, 2003, at 0:25:06
I am 15 and I have been taking meds for ADD since 2nd grade. I have tried several different types of meds for it too. Right now my pediatritian has me on 60 mg. of Strattera, and 20 mg. off Adderall XR. Before I used to take just the Strattera, but I felt too moody, and I would go through periods where I could concentrate, then a couple hours later I couldnt concentrate at all. And I could not sleep well enough. My Dr then put me on the Adderall and things are going great. Except I have cold feet. and now that I am on the Adderall and I take them at the same time, I sleep so much better. What I am concerned about is my socializing. I don't have a problem with my friends or anything, but I havent trusted, or let anyone in. I am trying to get to the bottom of why I am doing this, and I was wondering if anyone else is haveing the same problems.
Posted by Palbella on January 18, 2004, at 9:21:55
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by joe smith2 on January 15, 2004, at 17:03:42
> Hi Linda,
> I am in the same boat as you. Im only 25, and I have everything going for me, except I have been battling anxiety/depression/ocd on and off for as long as I could remember. I started on the Strattera just a week ago, but the key is to stick to a medicine for at least 3-4 weeks just to get a picture of how you will react to that certain family of meds. Also, reading these posts is probably the worst thing for you and I. Keep in mind that most of the people on these sites are the people with the bad reactions to these meds. the people that have been successful on these meds most likely dont come into chat rooms b/c they are too busy enjoying the benefits. Well, Im rambling, good luck.
> Joe
>
>
>
> > Hi , I am a veteran and use the V.A. medical hospitals for my treatments. I was diagnoised with ADD a few years back and was refused medication because of my age (late 30's) and because the VA does not like to subscribe Retelin or other ADD, ADHD meds. I have lived most my life scattered brained with a constant life movie going on in my head, depression and anxiety is a life time compainion.. my question... has this really helped anyone with my similar problems? I am afraid to get my hopes up.
>
>
Joe, I myself didn't come to this site and just start posting bad results. I came here to get a better understanding of Strattera and how it would or could affect my son which is 12. Believe me, i wanted the drug to work for my kid. I came here when he had been on Strattera for almost 2 months and had hopes that i had not given it enough time to show positive results. Even though i read things that alarmed me...i continued to keep him on the Strattera. I think most people understand we all don't react the same way on medications and its worth a shot to at least give it time. Unfortunatly the only thing positive he had was the fact he was more sociable at school but the downside was his grades became worse and he was not focused any better. I gave it 3 months to work. There was nothing really bad but nothing to keep him on Strattera either. Believe me . i would have given anything for Strattera to work for him. So , i disagree that only those with bad results come to this board. People just want to find answers that only those walking in their shoes could and actually taking the drugs can give more insight on their experiences. Doctors prescribe only ..they can't tell you how you will really feel. Maybe they should try before we buy.LOL Take care and good luck *S*
Posted by kirah on January 18, 2004, at 19:30:10
In reply to Straterra , posted by harper on February 7, 2003, at 18:30:16
>.My daughter just started on 40mg. She is 13. She doesn't want to take it because it makes her very tired. I've noticed that mostly people with adhd. take it and my daughter is add I wonder if this is the wrong med for her.
Posted by JohnFromCalifornia on January 18, 2004, at 20:03:25
In reply to Re: Im 15 too, Midlife Crisis, what works for me » Mid-Life Crisis, posted by imjustme on January 17, 2004, at 21:24:55
You are only 15 and have been on mind-altering drugs half your life!
Try to find a course of action that will take you away from drugs, rather than toward them. This could include couseling, peer group discussions, etc., with a minimum of drugs.
For many drugs are a welcome relief. But drugs must always been seen as a last resort. If you are not careful, your life will end up revolving around your drug intake. This is not a good place to be. Good luck!
Posted by LightShifter on January 18, 2004, at 22:06:06
In reply to Re: Straterra, posted by kirah on January 18, 2004, at 19:30:10
Once again, 40 mg is probably too high. For a 13 yr old I wouldn't start with more than 10 mg.!
I would try cutting it in 4ths and see how she does.
...Dan
> >.My daughter just started on 40mg. She is 13. She doesn't want to take it because it makes her very tired. I've noticed that mostly people with adhd. take it and my daughter is add I wonder if this is the wrong med for her.
Posted by Ragesgal on January 18, 2004, at 22:34:25
In reply to Re: Straterra, posted by LightShifter on January 18, 2004, at 22:06:06
Well folks, wish me luck....Tomorrow I start 40mgs. From all that I have read here (about that particular 40mg dosage), it makes me nervous. I am a 35 year old female that also takes Effexor XR. The Dr. started me on 25mg for four days and starting tomorrow it will be 40mgs. I see that some folks are saying that they think that Strattera is stronger than the FDA first determined. I guess all I can do is just start the 40mgs and see how I react. I know this med takes about 4-6 weeks for one to see some results and I am very willing to wait for them....I just pray that it helps. I am not worried about not being able to sleep while taking this because I am also on Seraquel (mood stablizer) and the 100mg at bedtime makes me sleep very well so far. I guess I am just a "nervous nellie" and should just wait and monitor how I react once I have been on the 40mgs.
Posted by Viridis on January 19, 2004, at 2:02:25
In reply to Re: Straterra, posted by Ragesgal on January 18, 2004, at 22:34:25
Have you had side effects at 25 mg? 40 mg seems a bit high a dose to move to that quickly. This is a promising med, but my experience (and that of my pdoc with other patients) is that it's best to move up a bit more slowly.
I started at 25 mg and had some side effects with each dosage increase -- mild nausea, muscle aches, and dry mouth, which appear to be quite common reactions. These generally went away fairly quickly, but the most dramatic problems (not terrible, but uncomfortable) occurred with the shift from 25 to 40 mg. Of course, we're all different, but it would be a shame to get turned off on a potentially useful med by titrating up too fast. If you find 40 mg too much, you might ask your doctor to keep you at 25 mg for a bit longer.
I eventually moved up to 80 mg and although it seemed OK at first, I had some odd side effects and it seemed to stop working the way it was supposed to. I discontinued Strattera for a couple of months and recently went back to 40 mg. So far, it seems to be helping again, but we'll see what happens.
BTW, I had positive results with Strattera within a day when I first started it (definitely not placebo effect, since I didn't expect much), and my pdoc says he generally sees improvement within a week or two if it's going to work.
Good luck!
Posted by Kemet on January 19, 2004, at 12:59:55
In reply to Re: Strattera and Ritalin or Strattera only » Kemet, posted by Mimi on January 14, 2004, at 14:28:09
REPLY TO MIMI....
THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS. I DID'NT REALIZE FATIGUE WAS A SIDE-EFFECT OF STRATTERA.
I HAVE TRIED TAKING IT AT NIGHT AND HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH THE RESULTS SO FAR, SO PERHAPS I WILL BE ABLE TO DISCONTINUE THE RITALIN IF STRATTERA ALONE HELPS WITH MY CONCENTRATION AND
FOCUS. THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING.
KEMET
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