I have been taking Stratterra now for about 6 mo. and I am feeling tired alot since taking it, with the occasional upset stomach which is now becoming bothersome for me. Now when I think back to days that I was not on any meds, I was still tired, but was not feeling sick to my stomach every day and my concentration was worse but I was not living with the symptoms or taking meds. I have taken Concerta & Effexor both were not a match for me, but then starting taking Stratterra and it does agree with me more, but I am tired of having symptoms all the time, I think sometime I would be better of with no meds and feeling better, life is too short to feel this way.. I am seeing my doctor today to talk with her about this.

I have a question...are there any other women out there with ADD who are tired all the time, even when they were not on meds? :confused:

Thanks,
Busymind

Yes,I was tired all the time but still kept going like a mad woman!LOL!!!My doc described it to me like a person that is sleepy but trying to keep themselves up,so you piddle around only doing half of a job.I also tried Strattera,it was absolutely no help.My girls pediatrician(who specializes in childrens ADD)said it was a huge letdown,so much promise and little follow thru.It makes sence to me because I believe its the stimulant that brings the focus and control.I experimented with enough drugs as a teen to have figured that out myself.Have you tried Adderal or Ritalin?

I am not on drugs and I am always tired and I don't know why, but I hate it. No matter how many hours I get or how laid back my life is, I am still tired. I just got up and I could go back to bed already. Its terrible, what is the cause of this?!

My doctor didnt know,he just said thats just some of the ugly signs of ADD.He was explaining it to my hubby.I havnt really delved that deeply into it but I think I might,out of curiosity.Im sure someone on the forum who is more informed on this will give a explanation.I would love to read it.Now that Im medicated I no longer feel that way,which is a HUGE relief since the sleepyness dominated my life!With two babies running the house it got down right dangerous!I was always laying around drifting off.

yes, Me!!!!!I take concerta,effexor, and depakote. I hate the way the make me feel esp. the concerta.But i drink coffee and go on. Tell us what your doctor says. so maybe i will be able to get on something else.

My doctor advised me to take the Stratterra at a different time of day, I usually take it in the morning with breakfast, but in a hour or two, I am tired and feel like I could go to sleep, plus my stomach will hurt, so she suggested to take it with dinner ( a bigger meal) and see how it works for a couple of weeks, she said that way you will be able to lay down and relax because I am home and not worrying about work and feeling sick at work, she said to try it out for a couple of weeks, and if that does not work then considier swithing me to something new, because for the most part compared to all the other meds I have taken it is working the best, I just get sleepy. I really hope this works! I also take my birthcontrol just beofre I go to bed at night as well, because that makes me tired and upsets my stomach. I have not tried Ritain or Adderal yet? perhaps if this "experiment" does not work then we may have to try one of them.

Coffee and caffine make me even more sleepy..strange!!! :o

I am almost always tired, dispite being on strattera and adderall.
I DO have sleep apnea, but I go thte machine so I dont think that shgould still apply, maybe it does.

Adderall, I've found out in the weeks since I've started it, is also prescribed for thing like Narcolepsy! Surprise to me - I thought that the Adderall would further disrupt my already not so great sleep pattern, and for years - really since my 20s - I've woken exhausted and grabbed naps at every opportunity.

The thing that happened, that I did not expect, is that the Adderall seems to have had a very positive effect in regulating my sleep patterns. I get up after 7 or 8 hours, feel rested, go through the day without needing a nap. If Adderall did not do one other danged thing for me, just this much would be a miracle.

Of course I am well aware of the history of stimulants which are used as "uppers" and in case I forget, my husband reminds me. (He worries about any kind of psychotropic drugs, and I'm kind of glad that he does.) Adderall for me has also helped a lot with stress (blood pressure has gone *down*, another event absolutely contrary to my expectations with this medicine, and I know that my experience is at least somewhat atypical), so that could help sleep, too. And if I get a decent 7 or 8 hours, less stress, so I guess it makes sense.

I changed my primary doctor after my psychologist diagnosed me, because the G.P. wanted to give me lexapro, and would not even discuss ADHD meds. He figured my tiredness and everything else was simple depression, and had a very condescending attititude about my psychologist's findings and opinions. I was terribly afraid to take antidepressents, thought they just might make me more sleepy or "fuzzy brained".

What I found out after like 10 days on the Adderall was that - if this makes sense - I had to feel good enough in other respects (not being so tired or anxious), in order to really realize how negative my thoughts have been and that yes, I am probably have carried around low level depression all my life. Right now, I'm trying to see if Sam-E or something else short of traditional anti-depressants might do the trick, but I won't rule prescribed antidepressants out.

Sorry to digress - going back to the sleepiness, yes! I'm reading up on the subject and it looks like you and I are not the only one - a LOT of AD/HD women are the "walking dead", tired all the time, and maybe it has something to do with being anxious, sleep deprived, disappointed in yourself and depressed because of it...makes sense to me.

Ending, just want to mention that what works for one person doesn't for another - our brains and bodies are different, so please don't be discouraged if what worked for someone else doesn't for you, and if something isn't working for you, talk to your doctor and Try Something Else!

I used to take my Strattera in the morning and I would all those side-effects, so my doctor told me to take my meds at diner time (5pm) and see if that would help, well it did but I could not slepp very well, so now I take it at lunch time and you know..it seems to have taken care of the problem of being tired !! although when I have PMS its a totally differnt story then I am tired ALL the time. GOTTA LOVE MEDS HUH? But now that I am thinking of trying to get pregnant, I went to the doctors today and all if all my tests come back normal then I will not be taking meds anymore..watch for more updates I may need some support in a couple months being med free and trying for a baby. Am I crazy?

Ok, I am not a woman so I hope you don't mind me contributing to this thread. I just wanted to share my experiences with fatigue. There are two main reasons that could account for chronic fatigue (which I have had as well). The first is the fact that stimulants have an opposite effect on people with ADHD. That's why drugs like Ritalin are often so effective on "hyper" children. I used to joke that I could drink a 6 pack of Mt Dew and then go right to sleep. Now I understand why that is. The other reason is the "low level depression" that someone mentioned earlier. It's called Dysthymia and is relatively common among adults that have lived most of their lives with ADD/ADHD. I have ADD and have recently been diagnosed with Dysthymia as well. It seems to be the result of being "different" all your life. Of constantly hearing things like "He's a smart kid but he just doesn't pay attention" or being labeled "underachiever". Strattera was the first thing I tried when I was diagnosed with ADD but it didn't really do much for me. Then I tried Wellbutrin (I also have high blood pressure so my Dr was trying to avoid the stimulants) and it just made me irritable all the time. I am currently on my 2nd week of Effexor and I have to say that it is by far the best thing I have tried. I am definitely concentrating better. I'm getting more done at work. I have more patience at home. And (sorry if this sounds too pathetic) I haven't cried once since I started taking it. Now, the only negative thing is that I am VERY tired all the time. But it's a different kind of tired. Before I wanted to sleep mostly so I didn't have to deal with things. Now I feel this "healthy" kind of sleepy, like my body is trying to catch up for all the years it missed. I am hoping that this subsides a bit as I get more used to the drug. One of the components of Effexor is inhibiting serotonin re-uptake which helps regulate sleep. And for me this is really working. I used to stay up until 1am or 2am and then get up at 6am for work. Since I started on Effexor I have only been up past midnight once (including the weekend) and have been in bed by 11pm several nights. As we all know, every drug effects everyone differently. But for me this is the best I have felt in years. I only hope that this isn't one of those drugs that help at first and then gradually become less effective.

PS - I'm glad that the Strattera is working for you, Busymind, I hope that you and your Dr can get a handle on your fatigue as well.

PSS - Hmm, I just notice which forum this thread was in.:o It probably seems odd that I am posting here but I found the thread when searching for "Effexor" and posted before I realized where I was. Sorry for intruding. If you would like me to delete my post please let me know.

Hi I'm a newbie here.

Definitely can identify with the tiredness, I feel like I've been frequently tired much of my life. Maybe it's depression, too, but I have read some things about tiredness and ADD, especially when faced with things that you're not interested in or mtivated about, just getting tired when you try to deal with it. (Reading 'Attention Deficit Disorder' by Thomas Brown now, I think he talks about this)

Also for me in the last few years (post-30) I've had much worse PMS and more ADD type symptoms around then, but also really really exhausted sometimes at that time.

As usual, I thought this sleepy/tired thing that I feel every day was just me. Wow. It's nice to know that I am not alone, not that I wish any of this ADD stuff on anyone. Having spent my whole life, until the age of 41, thinking that I was such a oddball in so many ways for no apprent reason, well, it is just nice to be able to start putting everything in perspective.

I am on Strattera, it works well for me. I had open heart surgery 4 years ago, so a stimulant is not an option for me. I do not feel any more tired now then I did before I was taking it.

*What makes a difference* for me is if I go for a walk in the morning. Exercise - I know! Eeewwww! But, I do feel better, and actually get more done. I wish I could say that I do it every day, but I do not. I also do better if I have a class or something that keeps my mind very busy all day, then I will hit the end of the day with a "wow - I didn't lie down today."

HTH,
Kim

I'M AWAKE!!! I've been on adderall xr for 1 week now. Upon my adhd diagnosis last week I was started on 20mg a day. I have had very positive results so far. I'm also on 40mg of lexapro a day which I started about 1 1/2 years ago. Before taking the adderall, all I wanted to do was sleep (12 or 15 hours a day). I was constantly tired, unmotivated, and felt all of my senses were dulled. Having heard so much lately about adult adhd and suspecting that I've suffered a classic case of it all of my life, I forced myself out of bed and went to a psychiatrist for help. So happy that I did as it has produced a whole host of good things: I no longer sleep during the day, now able stay awake and stay focused long enough to read whatever I want without dosing off and I actually retain what I just read, now able to research on the web for long satisfying periods of time, able to finish start and finish dreaded simple projects, I do not eat when I'm not really hungry (although my appetitie is very
suppressed I do make myself eat), give people my full attention when they're talking to me, already feel healthier, the list goes on... It's all good! However, having said all that, I'm sure that my drug combinations are much less than optimal. Since I am now doing endless research on the web about meds and combos for my condition, I have just discovered that I have been taking 2 times the recommended dosage of lexapro. My gynocologist had prescribed this for me but I've just discovered through my internet reasearch that she was way off!!! I had suspected that I was having negative side effects from the lexapro. No wonder my new psychiatrist was a bit surprised when I told him of the dose I was on.

My goal now is to find a customized combo that I can put to use as a tool in my quest for a better life. I want to wean off of the SSRI (lexapro) since I attribute it to my previous tiredness and general lack of zest for life. I have high hopes that maybe a future combo of adderall and wellbutrin (no ill effect on libo) may my be my ticket. Time will tell...

RECOMMENDATION: If you are tired much of the time on your current meds and you've not tried adderall, I do recommend that you give a try.

QUESTION: Just curious, has anyone out there ever heard of anyone being on a high dose of 40mg of lexapro before? If so please share info. Thanks

p.s. Still not sure if adderall xr or regular would be best for me as the with the xr version, I do seem to experience waves of energy. Time will tell.

i'm always tired...there are days when I'm wide awake (for me anyways) and I'm totally fine...but most days i'm in the verge of wanting to fall to sleep...

it's mostly in the afternon times till the late evening....i don't sleep well anyways and i wake up early for work or because my two year old has her face in mine at 5am telling me to wake up and play with her.....

i haven't slept good since before I was prego...maybe like a year before... i'm not on any meds and i drink loads of water and i have between one to two sodas a day....I was drinking two red-bulls plus two cups of coffee a day but then i stopped the red-bulls and switched to coffee and soda sometimes....

i do my best to fall to sleep early but it doesn't work out when my b/f gets home late from work...or my two year old can't sleep or i can't sleep or there is stress...or the biggest ... my ADD is strong with me!! :D

You might want to get your thyroid checked. Low thyroid can results in fatigue, mental fuzziness and depression.

I have been a low energy person most of my life. My thyroid results are always in the lowest part of the normal range therefore not treatment, darn it. :p

You might want to get your thyroid checked. Low thyroid can results in fatigue, mental fuzziness and depression.


wow, thats most likely the case for me...and yet it (sorry to say this) sounds so OLD........!!!!!!! :eek:

Ive been tired too.Ever since doc put me back on XR.My body is still trying to recoup from the IR disaster.

Ive been tired too.Ever since doc put me back on XR.My body is still trying to recoup from the IR disaster.
Love your Betty Page avatar!

well I know what you mean. I was always the same way untill I was diagnosed with depression as well. Now with new meds I feel Great. My Wellbutrin helps with both Depression and ADD and the ritilan helps with ADD and Fitague. Fituge is a common symptom associated with Depression and depression often goes hand in hand with ADD. Maby worth talking to your Doc. about. Good Luck to all Bri

Thanks Dixie.Im a Olivia fan BIG TIME!!!!!!!
My friend bought me the book a long time ago.I love Bettie!She looks like a real woman!LOL!!!!!!

Doing better today.I think my bodies finally bouncing back!!!!I feel energetic,full,and focused.
Im so glad that came back!I was scared I had really screwed myself up!!!!

I use to be tired all the time and was finally diagnosed as hypothyroid. After being on synthroid for years and taking the highest dose possible and still not getting results, I found a doctor that prescribes Armour Thyroid (from pigs gland). This has been the best thing I have ever found as I now feel like I am suppose to. I was diagnosed with ADD last week and my doc put me on strattera 25 mg for the first week and then 40 mg the second, third and forth week. He wants to see me after that to see how its going. My son was also just diagnosed with ADD and has an appointment with my doc on Wed. Not sure what med he will put him on but Im hoping things will go well. I have been reading this board for awhile and feel like I know you all!! Hugs, Tina :D

Welcome Tina!!!!!Glad you jumped in!The women here are wonderful and tight.

They have alot of support and advice to offer.I get my strength from here.
Good luck to you.....

I have had my throyd (however you spell that word) tested and everything is normal there. I must agree with a posting (I am sorry I can not remember who wrote it) But I think I may get tired because I get bored with my job and the mundaine tasks I have to perform everyday. Yes I m in the process of finding a new job something that might be more ADD friendly for me. I also realized that PMS really plays a factor in being so tired at that time of the month.

Keep on keepin on :rolleyes:

Ive been tired too.Ever since doc put me back on XR.My body is still trying to recoup from the IR disaster.
What is the difference? I've been insisting on IR because i can't afford the XR but i have experienced no change at all. i've been on wellbutrin for over a month and also gradually increasing the adderall but...nothing; which confounded my doctor because i am normally hypersensitive to meds. it is always discouraging when your doctor looks at you like you are a freak of nature.

oops, big space out there [see, NOT working]

:confused: anyway, i'd like to know if there is a significant difference btwn the XR & IR.

previous Re Lexapro: 40 mg! geez! i was on 10 & it made me tired. now i am just tired because i am frustrated at my own inefficiency.

i also want to recommend going to a specialist (psych or child psych) whenever possible. my dad complained to his regular doc about anxiety & the doc said that risperdol helped him so he gave my dad a prescription. found out much later that it significantly exacerbates his tourettes. now he won't see anyone at all. he jsut twitches and worries about getting fired.

I wonder if you might have light deprivation, especially if you are working in an office without a lot of natural light. This will make you tired, edgy, irritable, and you won't get refreshing sleep, and you'll notice that the closer to winter you get, the worse it is. The therapy for it is pretty simple -- you purchase a specially made bright light and sit in front of it for a certain period of time every day.

I can't imagine a more boring, uninspiring job than insurance either. Yawn! I used to have jobs with a lot of paperwork (coordinating programs and case management for people with developmental disabilities) and all that paperwork made me sick just thinking about it. Boredom will sap your energy very quickly as well.

HTH!

Our office has windows and natural light from almost the whole way around, I have 4 large windows right next to my desk thank goodness..I watch people through out the day gives me little breaks here and there.

Amiegrace, what kind of job do you do now? something more ADD friendly?

I'm a wife and a mom -- I don't know how ADD friendly it is, but I enjoy it immensely! I don't know what I'm going to do when I go back to work, but I hope and pray it has nothing to do with paperwork, boring meetings, all of which get on my nerves.

If you don't have to make a whole lot of money, working with people with developmental disabilities is great -- you can work as a personal care person in a group home, or as a special education teacher. I worked as a community integration specialist for a while and loved it -- basically just taking folks out in the community and teaching them life skills. It was great but the pay wasn't. Then I went into coordination and that was pretty demanding and maddening for an ADDer, although the pay was a lot better!

OK, I'm a guy, but I've felt tired all my life. As it turns out, it runs in the family, my dad had problems with it but kept it hidden, and my uncle drinks a LOT of coffee, like me. I dropped out of tenth grade because I was sleeping more than 12 hours a day (I went back and finished at a different school). They thought I had "chronic fatigue syndrome". Later I got a diagnosis of bipolar, but more than a decade went by before ADHD-PI was diagnosed. I just can't seem to wake up in the AM like norms do. For me to get up without an alarm clock at 6 am, I'd have to go to bed around 8 pm, just when my brain is spiking. I get my energy in the evenings or nights (if I get it at all). I've met other "night people" and they always seem to have similar personalities to me. Of course, there have been times when I was "manic" and didn't feel tired for days, but they are usually followed by a crash. Weight lifting, running, and biking help, but only when I have the energy to start those activities in the first place!

Oh wow that was an old post... I should look at the dates first!