Hi all and anyone who can share their opinion with me on this. My doctor says that I am her only female adult patient she is treating for ADHD so medication is basically trial and error. She is basically leaving it to me to decide what my dose should be.

I started on 25 and I am now on 40. Is it working??? Well, on a day that I missed it, I could not sit still, almost fell asleep driving home, and found paying attention more challenging than previously noted.

My attention is better on the Strattera but I still struggle when reading nonfiction materials and find it hard to get started on a task. My impulse control has improved and I sure am spending less money. Although my stress levels are better, I am also still emotional and easily get blue, although it does not last long. My husband also says I am easier to get along with. Anyways, the long and short of it is, I am not getting the same focus I did as when I took Concerta and I really want that. Concerta rocked, but I have a bit of an anxiety issue so my doctor hesitated to give it to me. My doctor suggested going up to the 60mg but it freaks me out to be at such a high dose. I am worried about more side effects. Should I be taking two 25mg or should I just accept the mild improvements.

Is 60 really that high? Are others experiencing benefits with Strattera that I am not? What is better 2 25mg or one 60mg each day? If this doesnt work I will try Concerta for an extended trial, but want to make sure that the Strattera is not going to work first.

Thanks to all for your help...

You have asked some great questions. Don't worry about being the only female adult patient that your doctor is treating. Everyone has to do through the trial and error phase. It took me almost a year to figure out my cocktail. :D

Please look at the Strattera quick facts thread. There might be some helpful information.

As for the concern about moving to 60mg. Strattera is prescribed based on weight. Look at the Quick Facts thread and you will see the weight/prescribing guidelines.

If you can try a 25mg in the morning and a 25mg in the afternoon, go for it. I know I can get really tired in the afternoon, because it is starting to wear off. So I take two 25mg in the AM and one 25mg in the afternoon. It kind of smooths out the dosage.

Good luck and keep us posted.

I was told it is not a weight-based drug... and that most people will react similar, but there is no guarantee. A 240lb man may be fine on 40mg while a 110lb woman may need 100mg
That's what my doctor told me...

Well, I went up to 60 and I will just wait and see how it all feels.


It's hard getting over the stigma of the dosage. I kind of feel like a low dose means I have less of a problem. I also feel embarassed picking up my meds at the pharmacist, so the higher dosage makes me feel worse about this.

I know this is silly, but I can't help feeling this way. But still, I did go up to 60, so maybe I will get my hubby to pick up my meds next month.

After 3 days on 60 i do think there is an improvement. i am guessing it will take a week or so to really judge.

Give it time... it took me several weeks to start feeling the benefits of this drug.
I think too many people get frustrated quickly & stop taking it, which is too bad!