Hello,

I've been taking Strattera for over a year now with great results, however, I need some help that I feel my doctor cannot properly provide, due to inexperience with ADD. I wondered if any of you could look at my concerns and give me an idea of what sort of doctors I should look for, and whether I should search for additional help or replace my doctor all together. For the record, my doctor is nice, but has a very unpersonal approach, and doesn't wish to do further research on ADD in order to assist me. Here are my concerns:

1. Strattera causes my prostate to enlarge and reduces the "pressure" while urinating. I can tolerate it but am concerned about the long-term effects of this as I age. He is unable to comment on this.

2. I've noticed a definate difference between some "chemical" issues that my medication helps me with, and "behavioral" issues (mostly bad habits such as procrastination) that I'd like to persue more help with. I asked if he could help to refer me to a specialist in this area on several occasions, and he indicated that I should find such a person myself (he was polite, but this is what he said).

3. I've noticed that diet and sleep can have great influence on the effects of Strattera, but my attemps to isolate what causes the biggest changes have been unsuccessful. My doctor is unable to assist with this and I could use some insight from a professional.

Should I keep my doctor and look for an additional doctor that can help with the issues listed above? Should I look for a single doctor that can assist with everything? If I should have more than one doctor assist, what types of specialists should I seek?

Finally, I am in the Reading, PA area. Is there a way to find specialists in my area other than asking my doctor? He does not appear to know any. Thanks!

Wow, that is amazing. You ask your doctor for a referral and he tells you to find one yourself?!?!? That is shocking.

1. If you have prostate problems you should see a urologist. For your doctor to dismiss this question without referring you to a urologist is amazing.

2. You need a specialist on ADHD medication for this one. Is your doctor a GP? I would just go to another GP and ask them for a specialist. Or call other GP doctors offices and ask them for a suggestion. Or maybe call your medical insurance company and ask for suggestions. Generally the ADHD specialists tend to work more with kids. You might want to call a local respected pediatric group and ask for a referral to someone that treats kids and adults with ADHD.

3. Westerm medicine does not get into specific effect of food on mood. "no laboratory controlled studies proving any relationship between food and mood, blah blah blah". You will have to find an alternative therapy practitioner for this one. Unfortunately many are quacks and I know of no good way to find a good one. I do believe there is a potential that diet can help you in this area. There is general agreement on the basics. Low sugar, Low white flour, lots of veggies, protien and fat with each meal. If you eat grains make sure they are whole grains, no white rice, no processed foods. Can't hurt.

Thanks. Yes, I was shocked as well. He's not rude, but just makes me feel like I'm one small fish in the ocean. He's always in a hurry to get to the next patient, so I'm better off to find another doctor. He is a GP. I'll check with others. Thank you for the advice, it's very helpful.

I hope things work out for you.

One possible idea might be to call your state's Medical Association and ask for a listing of psychiatrists who treat adult ADHD.

I also agree with MGDAD on the need for a specialist regarding prostrate problems.I work with some excellent shrinks, but there's no way I'd let them check or treat my prostrate:)

good luck and welcome to the Forum

Umm, embarrasing as it is, I'll make a correction. It's my bladder that is swelling due to Strattera and not my prostate. Just thought I'd clarify.

np

hope u feel better

Thanks. Luckily I'm not in any pain, it's really annoying more than anything else. But yes I'll be searching for a new doctor and will attempt to find a specialist at the same time.

Do you have a chapter of CHADD in your area? They can be a good referral source. Also some ADD specialists list themselves in the Yellow Pages as such. Take care!

Scattered

Great tips. Never knew either existed. Thank you.